PS' offerings in Poland are beginning to look expensive given their peripheral locations in regional cities. Lithuania is currently demonstrating impressive growth. This is likely to continue into the medium term given favourable local economic conditions and the precident of its neighbours - Poland and the other Baltic States. Offerings around central Vilnius compare very favourably to the Polish and Romanian investments - how do PS and other forum members view Lithuania? Is it time to leave Poland? Nic

I am looking very hard at Vilnius. I have finally got a local bank to confirm lending amounts which means I can invest in the city centre which is greaat news. I will be flying out very soon to move things forward.

Some time ago I would have agreed with you but I can't help feeling that such explosive growth as there's been over the last few years in Latvia and Lithuania can't be sustained. I have a natural aversion to going in when there's already been such growth (although this has been proved incorrect in the last!). However, the stats on wage growth, economic growth etc are as impressive as they come. I know PS thought the market was overheating some time ago and prices have shot up since so don't know what their current view is. Would be interesting to know. Huw

What I find odd is that there is so little interest from the UK. Of the 3 Baltic states Lith seems to have the lowest profile. Yes growth has been amazing in the last 3 years but there appears to be no sign of this stopping - slowing yes. But I can handle 15% rather than 25%. I am happy that it is locales buying and no overseas investors. For every buy you will need a sale at some point. Only 3 years for zero cap gains tax. No stamp duty. Fixed price legals. Willing lenders up to 80%. No staged payments on off plan just deposit than pay balance on completion. Mostly stacks up. Another plus is that English is widely spoken. I can phone banks estate agents and it is rear to not be able to converse. Perhaps I am swimming against the tide. But I will take that risk.

Carl What deals are available in Vilnius now? Will

Not sure what info you require The highest prices are in old town and unfinshed prices are now reaching £2500 per square meter. Unfinished = plastered and internal doors but nothing else. I am looking at a 55smeter off plan deal at about 70k plus 6 k for parking. Completion next year.15% down and not 25 as in poland. That alone prohibits me from Poland. My stake is £15k. I can point you in right direction if you want to contact me via email carl@carlcross.co.uk

Interesting figures. At these prices, however, I would much prefer to buy somewhere in the old town in Bratislava or Krakow. Similar short term growth but would suggest better in the long run as no more supply. Huw

Hugh, If you don't mind me asking, who would be good contacts to speak to re: Old Town in Bratislava - seeing as PS don't deal with this area. Thanks, Dave. ps - surprised you're still interested in Krakow. Any particular reason - average prices actually fell there in Jan 07.

Hi Dave Where did you get your stats from on Krakow? The growth figs there for last year as recently reported by RICS were huge (see separate post). My logic is the same as Bratislava, however, as the historic old town is where the wealthy want to be and they can't make any more of it! I've dealt with Lexxus in Bratislava, both on purchase and property management. Been very impressed with them on the latter. Katarina on sales and Jana on management. Huw

Hi Hugh, Thanks for contact details re: Lexxus. I think this is who PS use as well. Figures for Krakow are from RedNet. Apparently there was a small price correction of 0.1% in January 07. Have bought in III Towers development in Bratislava. Would like to buy more, specifically in Old Town. Not sure about personal lending capacity however and slightly wary of max 25% LTV. Dave.