Winter in Slovenia: From Snow to Sea in an Hour and Why Real Estate Prices Are Rising
From Winter to Spring: A Trip to the Slovenian Coast
Slovenia is a country of striking contrasts, where in just one hour you can travel from winter to a true spring. A trip from Ljubljana, where the temperature hovers around zero degrees, to the town of Izola on the Adriatic coast demonstrates this perfectly. The capital may be shrouded in fog and snow, but on the coast, you'll be greeted by bright sunshine and temperatures of +12 to +14 degrees Celsius.
The drive from Ljubljana to Izola takes exactly one hour. Upon arrival, you immediately feel the change in climate: the fresh and fragrant sea air is reminiscent of a Mediterranean atmosphere. The contrast between the snow-covered forests along the way and the palm trees on the coast creates a unique impression.
The Atmosphere of the Seaside Town of Izola
On a sunny day, the coast comes alive: many people are strolling around, sitting in cozy cafes right by the water. Despite the cool water temperature, which does not exceed 14 degrees, there are brave souls who go snorkeling even without a wetsuit.
The beaches in Izola are predominantly pebbly, consisting of small and large stones. This type of beach provides comfortable entry into the water, as there are no huge boulders. A special charm is added by the view of the snow-capped peaks of the Alps on the horizon, creating a truly magical landscape.
Moving to the Sea: Questions about Real Estate and Healthcare
Many people planning to move to Slovenia dream of a life with a sea view and consider cities like Koper and Izola. However, they face a number of issues, the main one being the high cost of real estate, where prices for properties with a good view can start from one million euros.
Besides housing prices, prospective movers are also concerned about other aspects. For example, where is it better to live with children—on the coast or in the capital, Ljubljana? The healthcare system is also a cause for concern, particularly rumors of long waiting times to see specialists, which can extend up to six months.
Why is Real Estate in Slovenia Getting More Expensive?
High real estate prices in Slovenia are characteristic not only of the coast but also of the capital and popular resort towns like Bled and Kranjska Gora. This growth is driven by several key factors.
- Shortage of new housing. Very few new residential complexes are being built in the country. The planned 7,000 apartments, according to experts, will not be able to meet the growing demand.
- High demand from investors. Many invest in real estate during the construction phase, paying only 10% of the cost, to later resell the property at a markup.
- Affordable mortgages. Contrary to popular belief, the main demand is not from foreigners but from local residents, who have access to mortgage loans with low interest rates. Slovenian citizens make up 95% of all buyers.
- Real estate as a safe-haven asset. In times of financial instability, people prefer to invest their money in square meters, which is a classic investment tool.
Overview of Apartment Prices in Ljubljana
To understand the price level, it's worth looking at the capital's market. Even properties in new buildings with a waiting period of up to two years are quickly sold out, despite their high cost.
For example, a 72 m² apartment in a residential complex in the center of Ljubljana can cost €555,000, while a 100 m² apartment near Tivoli Park costs €639,000. These figures show that the housing shortage and high demand are keeping prices high. The coastal market, on the other hand, although offering slightly lower prices, has a significantly smaller selection of properties due to the limited area for development.
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