Why Eastern European Investments Ltd?
What is the minimum investment?
Which countries do EE Investments work in?
Should I be investing in Eastern Europe?
I don’t speak the language – is this a problem?
Should I take a UK or an overseas mortgage?
Which currency will I be buying in?
Do I have to pay service charges?
Do I have to pay tax twice?
Am I allowed to own property?
Whose name should we purchase in?
Will I need to pay for legal services?
Are there any additional costs?

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Why Eastern European Investments Ltd?

We are completely independent and so will be able to look for the best opportunities for you, making investing in the emerging markets much safer.  As well as investing ourselves into many projects, we will have done our own research into each opportunity we provide to give you additional confidence that you are making the right choice. 

What is the minimum investment?

We have access to and consider a large number of possible opportunities at varying entrance costs.  Generally the cheaper opportunities are with individual apartments where initial set up fees including all costs start from around £9,000.

Which countries do EE Investments work in?

We currently work in the following countries; Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Croatia, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia, however we will also consider other locations where we feel it is prudent to do so.

Should I be investing in Eastern Europe?

There is some risk with emerging markets and this is reflected by the potential returns available.  This does not however mean that all the investments are ‘risky’, but that there is a calculated element of risk with each investment and that you must be comfortable with this.

I don’t speak the language – is this a problem?

No, we have local contacts in each of the countries we cover so you do not need to learn the language.  In most of the places we invest, English is widely spoken anyway.

Should I take a UK or an overseas mortgage?

If you already have a UK mortgage you might be able to obtain a further advance at no cost, or remortgage to a different lender to release extra monies for your purchase.  This may be cheaper but will mean the debt is secured on your UK property.

Alternatively the mortgage markets are becoming increasingly developed in Eastern Europe and we will be able to source options for you.  The interest rates vary considerably depending upon the country and its stage of development for example in Bulgaria rates are currently around 7% where as in the Czech Republic it is possible to find rates at less than 4%.

Which currency will I be buying in?

Purchases are most likely to be in the local currency, however this is not always the case with purchases in Bulgaria being in euros rather than lev.  We will assist you with currency issues and be able to recommend foreign exchange companies which will provide you with access to better rates than most banks.

Do I have to pay service charges?

If you are buying on a development then you will be responsible for the payment of service charges for the upkeep of the development.  However in some countries it is normal for the tenant to pay these in addition to their rent, such as in the Czech Republic.

Do I have to pay tax twice?

No, there are double taxation agreements in place in all the countries in which we work.  This means that you will be responsible to pay tax at the prevailing rate in the country in which it is earned and then any residual balance owed in the UK.  For example as a 40% tax payer owning a flat in Slovakia, you would be responsible to pay 19% tax on any net profit made each year and then a further 21% in the UK.

Am I allowed to own property?

In most of the countries where we work there is no restriction on owning property as a foreigner.  In the ones where there are, it may be necessary to establish a company through which you can purchase.

Whose name should we purchase in?

In general it is more tax efficient to buy the property in two names, this is because when and if you decide to sell it, you will potentially have the possibility of offsetting two capital gains allowances against the profit made.  This does however depend on your individual tax positions and we would recommend that you speak with your accountant.  If required we can put you in contact with a UK accountant who will be able to assist you with any specific enquiries.

Will I need to pay for legal services?

Yes, it is important that a lawyer is instructed to handle the purchase on your behalf.  Buying in some countries can be more risky than buying in the UK and it is important to ensure that the property has a clean title and is free of any restrictive covenants or outstanding commitments.   You are able to choose your own legal representative, or we can provide access to one for you. 

Are there any additional costs?

We will make you aware of any extra costs prior to purchase.  These could include charges such as stamp duty that in Hungary for example is charged at 3% on resale properties but for which there is no charge on new build properties.