About Monquarter

Currently Lives:

Tallinn, Estonia

Citizen of:

Canada

Some Forum Posts:

Estonia: using companies to buying property abroad:

I know next to nothing about the firms you mention - But I have been living in the region for the last eight years. I have bought property (residential) in Estonia and know a lot of people who have done likewise here in Estonia and in the other countries you mention. I'm now looking to buy some property in the Estonian countryside for a summer place. Basically, I think it depends on what you want to do - residential or commercial. You mentioned a big investment so maybe commercial. Can't help much there other than to give general impressions. Overall, Estonia is VERY business-easy and business-wise. There are of course no restrictions on foreign owernship in any of the countries you mention, as they are now part of the EU. This is the law at least....Practise can be different in some places. Estonia though is probably the easiest place to do business among those you mention. Poland is harder, for example, because of language (they don't speak anything but) and labrynthian methodologies to create forms of barriers. Czech is similar. You need to know someone to make it work. I know a guy who almost went mad trying to buy an apartment there - it was total chaos, questionable legalities - he was a lawyer who spoke perfect Czech. Estonia is totally English capable and work-able. And everything is on the web. So you can do your research in advance. Estonians won't screw you after the deal - they'll just out-negotiate you on the contract. But once signed - then it is signed. This is their style. We made a deal to buy an apartment, and made most of the arrangements over the internet. The hardest part about buying residential in Estonia was to get an appointment with the notary! They are in such demand! And you will need to tell them that you speak English or they will have to test your Estonian on the spot - which can be embarassing, by the way. (They also accept Russian). Generally, the local real estate firms are pretty similar to what you would find in the West. They lie a little bit and want to sell stuff. But they are no worse nor no better than others. It's the biz. I don't know what the firms you mention offer, but I could hardly imagine the comparative advantage to be had from paying them. You can do your own research here and hire locals and come out quite okay. Estonia is fairly good rule of law place so you can always go after them if they cheat you. There are good law firms here as well. The ad is now over - But I have had really quite positive experiences here. Good luck.

Date Joined:

12/28/2004

Total Posts:

1

Posts/Day:

0.00