Hi All Just spoke to Tavi Bota - our local property finder - and he suggests that Innsbruck might be a similar 'lifestyle' capital? Cheers Neil

Hello Neil, I am a Romanian living in the US but investing in Brasov where I will relocate next summer (2009). The properties (1 flat + 2 house plots) have gone up 400% since 2003 (flat) and 2004 (house plots). Romania is the place to invest in the real estate market. I have quite a few romanian friends here in America that plan to relocate back to Romania and I know a lot other that already did it. This will also contribute to the growth. Cheers, Catalin

Hi Neil, Excellent article and gives a very accurate picture of Brasov's x factor appeal. I would like to add that I understand that the airport construction has indeed been approved and the main contractor appointed. There has been speculation about this for many years but our contacts in the planning dept of Brasov's "town council" have confirmed this. Brasov has an all year round appeal as well. It is cooler in the summer than Bucharest meaning that it is bearable and in the winter months it is stunning due to the Alpine nature of the surrounding area. Many entrepeneurs (?) are looking closely at the area between Brasov and Bran, especially around the town of Raznov where there are huge plans for touristic development....even the ill fated "Dracula themepark" has been mentioned for this area again. Not sure if this is a good thing or not as it would be a shame to spoil such a beautiful area, but on the strength of rumour there are log cabins and hotels popping up everywhere. Land acquisition would seem prudent at this time as the nearby poiana Brasov, whilst Beautiful and exclusive, prices are very very high. Hope this helps

Neil, Like your description. But just to point out that there will be an airport in Brasov shortly, expected within 2 years.

Hi All - yes, I we've had it confirmed that the airport is due in Brasov in about 2 years - which is pretty quick! Also, for those who don't know Brasov - it has a thriving heliport - because so many wealthy people in Bucharest want to spend the weekend in Brasov (and don't want to use the road - which can be a 4 hour crawl in traffic). Our latest info is that property is continuing to move up in price. The development we launched - in the Spring - has gone up by a rumoured 20 to 30%. It seems like this city is being discovered and bought up! Cheers Neil