Been looking at offplan property in slovakia and in particular the Low Tatras region of Telgart about 25km from Poprad.Curious as to has anybody got any positive or negative views,information on this matter.thank you.

Hi there. No one seems to have answered your quesion...but I will have a crack.
Plus side:
The area you are looking at has several ski resorts in/around that area...in the Telgart valley itself and over in the Slovak Paradise (Slovensky Raj)...probably about 15/20mins drive in snowy conditions.
Near an abundance of beautiful natural features (Slovensky Raj and Tatras) and growing population centres (Poprad and Spisska Nova Ves are rapidly westernising...dont let the soviet apartment blocks convince you otherwise)!
Motorway bypassing Poprad (taking traffic of route 18 and speeding journey times south to your area) should be completed by end 2008.
UNESCO sites of the ice cave, Spissky Hrad, Spissky Podhadrie and if my sources are right - Levoca (2008) are all within (max) 1hrs drive - most are 30/40 mins away.
Whole region (Spis) is slowly becoming more of an international tourist attraction.
Most new build property is well made (exceptional compared to UK structures), thermally efficient and reasonoble to maintain.

Down side:
Train takes 3 hours from Poprad (nearest airport)!
Road to Poprad is trecherous in snow (steep and winding). You will need a decent car (4x4 or winter tyres/snow chains) to get to the resorts if your new build isnt near (ie within 500m of a slope)or youwant a change of scene. I note some websites state that there will be improved transport infrastructure in Telgate - but you still have to get there and 25Km in a taxi is quite a way!
Wealth disparity in that region (especially amongst the Roma). This sadly will not change for a generation.
Slovaks may take advantage of you financially (they are no worse reallythan any other nation for taking advantage of foreigners - justkeep a cautious eye on things). Get alongside English speaking locals as soon as possible (most people under 24 speak some or alternatively German) and find out the going rate for things to make sure you dont get fleeced!
The language barrier issue is apparent as most of the older generations speak little English (second languages roughly splits -a few people 30 to 50 speak Russian or German, 50 or older a few may speak Russian only).
be awareof fit and finish - the build may be structurally good but the finishing touches (switches, lights, doors, showers) should be thorughly checked before purchase....it is this area they lack thoroughness (Soviet housing was not renowned for quality and most builders will have been raised in accommodation where the finish is poor by our standards). Bottom line is to impose your own quality line before you accept theproperty- its for your benefit. The small discrepencies may niggle at your enjoyment later.

We bought a house in Levoca in 2003 and are currently renovating (given the size...probably still will be in 10 years)! We have a little experience of the area and wish you luck! Maybe bash a mogul with you some time?

Bluntyboy....did you have any luckin your enquiries? I wonder how many other people have bought in Eastern Slovakia?

hello letmellor
first of all many thanks for your advice and sorry i have not replyed earlier but been busy .
can report back that i have purchased off plan at Telgart and the apartment is next to ski lifts and im very pleased with my investment
Obviously there are risks but i have a good feeling about Slovakia and in particular the Telgart valley any other thoughts from youself or other potential investers to Slovakia is much appreciated

Superb!
I think you have a safe bet as well. Found this today:
http://www.slovakspectator.sk/clanok.asp?cl=27631
Slovakia growth to hit 8.5% in 2007 and unemployment down to 12% (from 20% in 2003). Slovakia is rapidly coming of age (it had further to go then Czech Republic) and looks likely to continue with EURO adoption in Jan 2009. I like the Telgart skiing area...away from the High Tatras but good skiing and nearly no queues in peak season! Hope the development is totime, budget and quality! Please keep us informed.

Off-plan development sold out within a couple of weeks which i think is a good sign or at least i hope so should be finished end of 2008 your posts make good reading would love to hear from others particularly anybody who purchased on this development

Do you want to be like them numpties off the telly? They were ace. I would not go to their hotel though. Although I think the programme was all made up really, so they might be really normal in real life.

why such negative views Lurpack Queen? We're all here to share opinions/views and we're all (I think!) looking for proprty that will make us some £££#s along the way!

Didn't you watch the numpties off the telly? They were ace. It was sad when their dog died though. But I do not know if it really died or if that was made up for the cameras too.

Lurpak Queen,
your comments amuse me Because you watch a TV show about one couple who invest in Slovakia you feel empowered to judge all people who buy in that country with frivolous abandon. Your post demonstrated deep knowledge and a balanced and educated retort . Maybe I should judge people who buy along the Mediterranean basin with equal arrogance and disdain – making no differential in either their country of choice, financial situation or heaven forbid, the location they actually purchase!
We should strive to keep the forum helpful and informative and not use it as an excuse to slate other peoples investment choices unless of course it is backed by substantiated, independent and creditable data. I wish you luck in your investments, wherever they may be. For what its worth, based on macroeconomic data and local knowledge, I think Bluntyboys’ decision was sound.

Hi, just wanted to add that I think you are buying into a very interesting area. I lived in southern Poland for several years back in the early 1990's and visited the Slovakian Tatras on several occasions. This could become be an area with reasonably good returns. due to good and inexpensive skiing. Good luck

quote:

Originally posted by letmellor:
Lurpak Queen,
your comments amuse me Because you watch a TV show about one couple who invest in Slovakia you feel empowered to judge all people who buy in that country with frivolous abandon. Your post demonstrated deep knowledge and a balanced and educated retort . Maybe I should judge people who buy along the Mediterranean basin with equal arrogance and disdain – making no differential in either their country of choice, financial situation or heaven forbid, the location they actually purchase!
We should strive to keep the forum helpful and informative and not use it as an excuse to slate other peoples investment choices unless of course it is backed by substantiated, independent and creditable data. I wish you luck in your investments, wherever they may be. For what its worth, based on macroeconomic data and local knowledge, I think Bluntyboys’ decision was sound.

I simply wanted to know if he wanted to be like the numpties off the telly. But I hope you enjoyed trying to use all those big words.

Does anyone actually want to be a numpty. Whilst on the subject of "numptiness" did you mean big or long words? The words are only as big as the font allows

thank you DavieH i do hope so , fingers crossed,save your typing letmellor some contributers are not worth replying to ignore them i do but cheers anyway

Some people dream of being a numpty.

I have recently forged a working relationship/alliance with a good reliable agent in Slovakia because I think it could be an area worth my efforts. I would only consider it because I have a reliable, knowledgeable advisor in situ.
If anyone wants their website just ask. I have no financial interest in this although if someone did call them quoting this I might get a steak and a beer out of them on my next visit.