Huw, Its great to have a difference of opinion ot thrash out views, however, I do hope you are right since its a lovely old town. If we look at the evolution of any city areas and neighbourhoods change over time, however, the old town is a real jewel in the crown for Bratislava. Its ability to maintain its exclusive status depends on many factors including the town planners, licence issues, ability to attract (the right) tourists type of businesses locating there etc. I don't know if you noticed the McDonalds there. It looked so out of place. Lets home these fast food chains dont dominate the place in a few years. For the Old towns sake, I hope you are right on this one. Time will tell ;-) Raj

Raj, the McDonalds been there for 10 years or so. The big chains came long time ago... and haven't spoilt anything. You have all international food & retail chains in Central London too, and I doubt most people would be happy if they didn't have them. But, you seem to be confusing what "Old Town" is. Its not just the pedestrian area! Old Town (in slovak Stare mesto) is the entire first district (city centre). True, many people don't like the noisy pedestrianized triangle, with all the bars, pubs, tourists... but that's less than 10% of Stare mesto.

Thanks Alpha, I appreciate you putting it right and apologies, I dod not mean to offend anyone as its just a personal view.

Thanks Alpha, I appreciate you putting it right and apologies, I dod not mean to offend anyone as its just a personal view.

Alpha, whilst you are clearly correct in your definition of the "Old Town", much of it away from the pedestrian area is not old at all and some of it very grotty indeed. For me the pedestrian area or its immediate surrounds is where the best investment lies although with local knowledge I have no doubt that there are other areas of the wider "old town" which with a bit of work will become attractive.

Hi Petra B and Alpha I have been reading your views on rents in Bratislava. As you both seem to have good on-the-ground experience I was wondering if I could ask advice on a potential investment I am considering. It's in a new build of 24 apartments on the border of BAI and BAII, five minutes walk from the pedestrian centre and 300m from the new bus station development. Price per sqm for a 1-bed is £1350 incl VAT. The agent is predicting 6-7% rental yield. I make that, top whack, a rent of £365 a month.

Is it reasonable to expect to rent this property for this sum? It is in a good area, but I've read how tough the market seems to be in Bratislava right now for rentals? Also does the price seem good value? Any thoughts, anyone?

I am told the best place to rent flats out is the centre. There is not much demand currently outside of the centre. I have two flats there and my yield wll be about 5% if I'm lucky. I would be very skeptical of the 6-7% claim. I'd say expect voids and work on 4 - 5%. Rents in the centre appear to be hardening but that is what my 5% is based on.

Hi David, My property is rented at the moment for 3 months but well below what I need to cover costs. It is renting at approx £500 a month, but needs to rent out at least at £620 to cover basic costs but at more to cover tax and accounting fees! (2 bed old town flat -90sqm) I would probably be able to give a better opinion in a years time! At the moment I would make two points 1. Before you buy contact some real estate agencies and ask them their opinion. As you are not buying from them, they may give you an honest answer. 2. Over the next few years there is going to be several more developments such as the HB Reavis twin city ( unless this is the one you are talking about- announced on Slovak Spectator today!!)The one converting the Hotel Kiev and a few on the river. All of which will be a bit more central and attractive to people so it will increase supply of new apartments. Although these may look nicer, Old Town old style ones can never increase in supply and have higher ceilings, more character. As far as I am concerned it all boils down to supply and demand in the end and that what will drive prices up. 3. You don't say how large the flat is so I can't judge whether you will get that rental amount. Even if you can, still expect large void periods as Julian said.

Hi Petra B and Julian Thanks for the responses. To answer your query Petra, the apartment in question would be a one-bedroom unit of around 44sqm. Yours definitely sounds a better proposition as a rental. I do know about the developments moving in along the river and expect the apartments contained in them to be more expensive to both buy and rent. I was wondering if this would lift the area to create captial growth and higher rental demand. Then again, Slovakia is not a big country, so I am left with the question of who would be those highly paid people jostling to rent my apartment while it rises (hopefully) in value. Are there enough of them after the richer ones have snapped up all the riverside views. Ultimately, the issue is not whether this flat is a stone-cold bad buy but could the money be used better (and my life made easier) at a development elsewhere.

This type of unsavoury tourism is not ideal for long term rentals in the area. A worrying trend I would add.