I've just come back from Bratislava and thought some might be interested in my impressions.I've invested in both Nad Luckami and Three Towers and also an apartment in the old town. I admit to having become a bit jittery about Slovakia, having been a big fan but the visit has I'm glad to say reinforced my opinion that this is a good place to invest providing the new government doesn't do anything stupid.I remain confident that Three Towers is an exciting development in a very good location. The shopping centre nearby is very modern and thriving, it's easy to get to and it seems to have been popular with the locals. It's certainly different to any other development in Bratislava.All but some of the most expensive apartments on the top floors have sold in the first tower and the second is about to go on sale. There is a very impressive and professional looking shop in the old town selling the development and advertising hoardings everywhere. Prices are released for the next phase in a couple of weeks so it will be interesting to see what they charge. Incidentally they said that the locals prefer the apartments facing the city rather than the lake behind.Nad Luckami I'm slightly less confident about but was encouraged by the fact that it is sold out, again mainly to locals and that the estate agent who we bought the old town apartment from said she wanted to buy at Nad Luckami but didn't get there in time. She liked the building and the location, which as a local professional is encouraging.The advice we got was that furnished apartments are more attractive for rental.One big question does remain for 3 Towers and Nad Luckami and that is who will rent? No question locals prefer to buy. My gut feeling is that prices will get too expensive and the growing group of young local professionals will start to rent in the short term. There may also be an expat morket for 3 Towers but almost certainly not for Nad Luckami.Bratislava itself was buzzing. A huge amount of development is going on and a great deal of refurbishment of existing buildings in the historic old town pedestrian area. I'm delighted we have managed to buy in the pedestrian area as this is the very best location. I would caution anyone looking to buy in Bratislava to really have a good look around and check very carefully locations before buying as the quality varies enormously. Some areas still classed by agents as "old town" are very grotty and unattractive and a good walk from the pedestrian area.There are big plans for investment over the next few years which I believe will see Bratislava coming of age. If you haven't seen it yet take a look at this report:http: / /www .erikandanna .com /RealEstate /Slovakia%20Property -20060717 .pdf#search=%22business%20park%20Vajnory%22Finance -wise, it's now possible to get a 60% LTV non-status mortgage in Bratislava or 70% status. Rates have increased to around 6% and are forecast to increase further before dropping in the run up to joining the Euro, probably in 2009.I'd welcome any other views.RegardsHuw

Huw,Thanks for sharing all with the communnity. Your report makes very interesting reading. Reading a genuine impression from a fellow investor is very valuable. The fresh information you provided is great and I for one appreciate it very much!

Yes, totally agree.Thanks Huw.

Huw, thanks for taking the time to post - I've also bought in the Three Towers and took a few days there just before buying.It's interesting to get your opinion on the site - I was also very impressed with the building itself and thought the location was a good one - I presume there's no building activity there yet?Neil

Hi NeilI believe ground is due to be broken on site next week.Huw

HuwThanks for your summary. As a fellow Three Towers investor your views are reassuring. I don't suppose you have any images of the site that you can share from your visit?Mark

Mark, I regret I didn't take any pictures of the site. I'm pleased to say, however, that it looks exactly like the pictures in the prospectus as does all the surrounding areas (see aerial view). Having seen numerous mock ups of sites which remove unsightly buildings and objects that's very positive.Huw

If you Google Earth it you can get a pretty good picture of what it looks like. I took a walk there and took some snaps - it was a miserable day but I'll dig them out and post them this week...

Good point - here's a link: http: / /maps .google .co .uk /maps?f=q &hl=en &q=bratislava &ie=UTF8 &z=16 &ll=48 .16328,17 .140775 &spn=0 .005582,0 .021458 &t=k &om=1 Huw

huw,where did you get the mortgage info from? Its been a while since i bought into the 3 towers,so don't remember much.At the time .ps's contact at the bank,said it was possible to get 80% ltv for foreigners.but have since lost contact with them.I also seem to remember in one of the last ps slovakia deals that 85% is now available,so any light that could be thrown on this previously disscussed topic would be greatly appreciated.Have still not mamnaged a trip over there yet,but sounds good