Slovenia

HOME to just 2 million people spread over an area the size of Wales, Slovenia is one of the smallest but also the most affluent of the 15 countries that joined the European Union in 2004. Often referred to as the Switzerland of the Balkans (even though, technically speaking, it is not in the Balkans), Slovenia has made substantial progress in its transformation from Yugoslav-style socialism to a market economy and is expected to adopt the euro as early as 2007. Most Britons who have bought in Slovenia are classic second-home buyers, looking for traditional old houses, perhaps in need of restoration, probably in a rural or mountain setting, rather than investors looking for new-build flats. Slovenia nevertheless has considerable tourism potential and is of interest not just to downhill skiers, but also to those keen on outdoor pursuits such as hiking, riding, cycling, white-water rafting and golf. There are certainly arguments to be made for buying up a rural property, bringing it up to a reasonable standard and renting it out to British or other holiday-makers. Renovation could be a time-consuming business, especially if you are trying to arrange it all at from a distance, while holiday lets take some organisation.

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