Hi Lynn If you take out the 14 day free introductory subscription with the FT on line you can access it. Just remember to cancel your subscription after the 14 days. It worked for me! Dave, I'm with you on this. Huw

Hi Dave and Huw. I will take out a 14 day FT trial.thanks. Dave yes, it would have been better in BA1,(especially a refurb in the old town) but I went into this country totally 'green' , so had to rely on other sources to rely on. Yes, PS did not to their homework on the rentals and the 'hidden costs' but again to recap in previous posts,I think that we will only see the benefits of this development after 3-5yrs. It certainly is not a project for those with 'cash flow' problems. However,following the report by Peter Bennett this certainly sounds uplifting.Also, iff Peter and Neil have invested her also, I am sure they will keep us informed on all upsated. Also, the negative for me has been on the mortgage side. The tenor in Slovakia is only 64, so therefore, if you are in your 20's great, otherwise it is very expensive with high rates. I tried to get the 90% LTV mortgage but failed. Central Europe are 20yrs behind in this department.(Products and mentality)Mind you, the young are educated and dynamic so I am optimistic for the future. Lynn

Just made a flying visit to Bratislava yesterday to check up on the refurb of my old town apartment. Just about finished and quite a transformation. All the agents I saw seemed genuinely impressed with the apartment and the key issue - location. It's in the pedestrian zone, which is a very popular area for expats particularly. All the agents were very optimistic about letting it for between 35000 and 40000 SK per month (it's a 76sqm 2 bed apt) and in fact I already have a firm offer at around this level. This makes the gross return taking into account refurb costs of around 8%. On this basis, it's a much better investment than the new builds, the conclusion I had come to when I bought it. I am searching for more similar apartments but they are like hens teeth in this area. I'm going to get someone locally to go knocking on doors. There are lots of old people who are struggling to survive but are sitting on valuable assets so maybe I'll get lucky! Likely rental markets for the new builds (I am in Nad Luckami and Three Towers) still relatively unknown. Incidentally, I know Lexxus have been knocked a bit on this forum but their sevice to me on sale and management have been really excellent. Finally, Slovak interest rates were reduced by 0.25% yesterday - trying to fall more in line with the Euro which is excellent news as they are taking it seriously. Huw

'I'm going to get someone locally to go knocking on doors.' Interesting. Very pro-active. Who do you have in mind? Are you looking for students? Would you pay them a commission if they find a flat which you are subsequently able to buy? I'd be interested to hear how you get on. I have a flat in Spitalska (outside of the pedestrianised area) let for 30000 SKK per month (gross), and just working through the figures it comes to 7.82%. So it looks like you are getting a slightly better yield than me. I've just calculated the gross yield for my other apartment in Gajova (again slightly outside the pedestrianised area), and it is a tad under 8% again. So yes - it would seem that it pays to buy in the pedestrianised area.

Hi Minsk The wife of a British guy who's being working with me is Slovak and she will do it. I don't think older people would react too favourably to an approach from a student whereas an older more business aware person would be more convincing. Are you looking to buy more? Huw

Minsk, do you let your properties furnished or unfurnished? Huw

I'd love to be in the position to buy more, but I'm getting short of funds. I'll be trying to raise mortgages soon on the properties I have in Bratislava, and I'll be able to consider my options then.

Both of them were furnished. It was really just the basics though. Bed(s), Sofa, wardrobe, washing machine, TV, coffee table. I didn't go as far as buying cutlery or anything like that. I can give you my costs for you to compare... For my spitalska apartment (2 beds, about 80m2), I paid £1612 for the furniture (all from Ikea, apart from microwave, tv and washing machine), and £591 for all the associated expenses (delivery, assembly, agents fees).

Hi Minsk Thanks for the info. I'm hoping that an offer to rent unfurnished comes through but otherwise I'm not sure I'll get away with all IKEA stuff. Not being sniffy as I've bought plenty of IKEA kit for various rentals and a lot of it is very good but if I'm going to get top rents then I'll need to put some better quality furniture and TVs in. Good luck Huw

Minsk Do you have a contact for these furnishings? I have a 2 bed completing soon and was quoted ridiculous money for furniture. Thanks