Real Estate Property Investment Series: Focus Montenegro 2007

Just a few short months ago the people ofestate haven in a small coastal town in Montenegro
Montenegro voted to sever ties with Serbia evencalled Tivat.
though they knew that in the short term this wouldAll efforts are being rewarded - Russian,
set back their nation's chances of EU entry andScandinavian, US, UK and Irish interest in tourism and
destabilise the political and economic development ofproperty is surging ahead and prices are creeping up -
Montenegro.and now that James Bond has showcased
As a result of achieving independence MontenegroMontenegro's diverse and stunning countryside,
did indeed lose its Council of Europe membership forsummer 2007 could see Montenegro return to its
example, but in terms of what it gained, it gained theformer glory days when the likes of Elizabeth Taylor
potential to become a tourism destination of noteand Richard Burton holidayed on its shores.
once again and the chance to have an emergingIn terms of the property market and its prospects -
property market with serious potential for expansion.well, the government have taken measures to
There has been a great deal of international focus onimprove the buying process for overseas investors
the nation throughout 2006 and not all of the focusbecause those who come pay for their purchases
has been positive; some reports have tended towith cash that is needed to bolster the economy.
focus on what Montenegro lacks such as mortgagesThose who are buying and investing want to see
and sophisticated infrastructure, some have focusedMontenegro develop to become a sophisticated
on what Montenegro has but does not need such astourism destination and they are not in any hurry nor
a history of black market corruption - but few havedo they want to see the nation exploited, therefore
offered a balanced and tempered overview ofthose buying properties today should consider their
Montenegro and what it can offer a propertyinvestment a long term one.
investor over the longer term...Mortgages will come, as will much needed
Montenegro has a responsible government; sinceinfrastructure improvements and the reduction of
independence it has been pursuing everything fromunemployment. Local people will become more
EU entry in the medium term to immediateaffluent and able and willing to buy real estate - and
membership of the World Trade Organisation, it hasslowly but surely more and more prospects for
already attracted serious international directprofitability will become available for an investor.
investment in the form of the latest James BondIn the short term property price expansion and rental
movie which was filmed across Montenegro and inyields achievable from property stock are limited, but
the form of the chairman, CEO and founder of one2007 is a great year to enter the market for those
of the largest real estate investment trusts listed onwho can tolerate risk and who can recognise the
the NYSE who agreed terms with the Montenegrininimitable potential epitomised by the property
government to buy and totally redevelop a formermarket in Montenegro right now.
rundown and disused ship yard into a tourism and real