Slovenia has emerged as one of the best destinations to buy investment property in the world and with capital gains of 30 – 40% per annum being achieved in many areas; more investors are buying than ever.

There are many Slovenian Estate agents to choose from and here we will look at them and the buying process

So what should you look for from a Slovenian estate agent?

1. Don’t Use “Middlemen"

There are lots of “middlemen" selling property in Slovenia, however most are not regulated.

Look for licensed estate agents based in Slovenia that are regulated. This means the business by a strict set of rules, which ensures that you will receive the best service.

2. Find an agent that knows Slovenia

Many middlemen are simply interested in selling their own properties and have a vested interest in doing so, of course these may not be the best ones for you. Find an estate agent that knows the areas they sell in and check that they are established and have a local knowledge.

3. Match your aims with your location

Are you buying for capital gains, rental income a mixture of both?

Always try and match your lifestyle with the right location and find an agent that will understand and match these needs.

If you’re a skier check out the destination personally, the same goes for if you just want a retreat in the hills, by a river or maybe a city location such as in the capital Ljubljana.

If you are interested in renting, it is important that the area attracts tourists and therefore you can maximize the rental yield from your property.

The above may sound obvious, but many investors simply buy without checking out all the facts, so make sure you do your homework.

4. The buying Process and finance

Should take around a month and the salient points to consider are outlined below.

Once you have found your property you will be required to pay a 10% deposit which if the seller decides not to proceed for any reason will be returned to you, but doubled, under Slovenian law. If you back out then the seller will keep the 10%.

Mortgages are now available to foreign nationals. SKB Banka for example, offers 50% mortgages, secured on your investment in Slovenia not on your residences elsewhere.

When you wish to buy you will need to produce your passport; your estate agent will then apply for a tax number for you as well as an EMSO number, both of which are required to complete a property transaction. This should only take around a week to complete.

Make sure you use a Lawyer to check all paperwork, ownership details and contracts, who is farmiliar with Slovenian law.

When sending your final payment check out the best way to do this.

Ask your banks for favorable rates or seek out a specialist foreign exchange company to help you. Shop around, there are big differences in rates offered and these can make a significant difference to your purchase price.

It is also a good idea to open a bank account locally, this will enable you to pay bills etc when you are not in the country, accounts can be set up on the same day and require only for you to produce your passport.

Management of the property

You can also get Slovenian estate agents who offer full management service.

This will include everything from finding tenants for your house to making sure the house is ready for guests, that you guests are greeted at the local airport and that maintance is available.

Slovenia is a beautiful country and there are many properties to choose from and if you have the right Slovenian estate agent they can provide a wealth of local knowledge and help you get the best deals.

Buying property in Slovenia is popular and lucrative.

It has recently been named one of the top ten destination in the world to buy investment property in and by choosing a local well established and knowledgeable Slovenian estate agent you can maximize the potential for your investment.