{"id":4399,"date":"2010-05-25T04:00:24","date_gmt":"2010-05-25T02:00:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/http:\/\/www.iliaspapageorgiadis.ro\/en\/?p=4399"},"modified":"2015-01-26T20:16:45","modified_gmt":"2015-01-26T18:16:45","slug":"tips-about-buying-your-future-house2-close-to-a-forest-lake-or-hill","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.iliaspapageorgiadis.ro\/english\/2010\/05\/25\/tips-about-buying-your-future-house2-close-to-a-forest-lake-or-hill\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips about buying your future house: 2. Close to a forest? Lake? Or hill?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\n\tInvestment in a new house (some call it a villa too) is more difficult than an apartment inside the city. It requires more personal involvement and the resolution of many problems which at first glance appear as "easy". After the "first wave" of investors in this segment (2000 – 2004) and the second one (2005 – 2008), during 2010 the market clearly heads to a new direction. People are more careful and "opportunities" are analyzed thoroughly by everyone. Many times investors have the chance to buy a land close to a forest, a lake or on a hill. The temptation is big, as we have all heard stories about wonderful homes with splendid view. But let us analyze it, in order to help you create your own "dream" home, avoiding a hidden "nightmare"…<\/strong>\n<\/p>\n

\n\tLocation and utilities are always very important<\/strong>
\n\tEither you choose a property close to forest or you go for a lake, location and utilities are always the most important factors. (Remember more about it here<\/strong><\/a>). Just remember that all these properties usually suffer by a lack of utilitiesand access roads.\n<\/p>\n

\n\tForest<\/strong>. The easiest "added value" to find<\/strong>
\n\tOne of the things I love in Romania is the civilized approach that most people have towards forests. While in Greece people burn them, build on them and then try to legalize their illegal homes, here things are almost excellent. This is why I see so many forests all around Bucharest and other cities. From real ones to… "100 trees on 100 hectare of plain agricultural field".\n<\/p>\n

\n\tAdvantages of a land close to forest:<\/strong>\n<\/p>\n

\n\t– If the forest is real, then you will really feel like living close to nature.
\n\t– Ideal for long walks with children.
\n\t– Better quality of the oxygen you breathe, as some experts say.\n<\/p>\n

\n\tDisadvantages of a land close to forest:<\/strong>\n<\/p>\n

\n\t– If it is too close, then be ready for high levels of humidity. People with houses next to a forest have got used to live with "wet" atmosphere during the morning. Are you ready to do the same?
\n\t– Accordingly, the construction costs of your house should be adjusted. Cheap materials will simply be damaged very fast, in just few years.
\n\t– 8 in 10 properties next to forests are narrow, with small opening (for example 10 X 50 meters). You will need more than one, in order to have a proportional surface.\n<\/p>\n

\n\tA lake, a "lake" and a swamp<\/strong>
\n\tThere are few real lakes in and around big Romanian cities. There are many "lakes" though, small, dirty and ugly. Wherever people find couple of hectare with water, they call it "lake". Most of the times they refer to actual… swamps, which have nothing to do with lakes. So keep your eyes open and at least make sure that you know the truth and noone lies to you.\n<\/p>\n

\n\tAdvantages of a land close to lake:<\/strong>\n<\/p>\n

\n\t– Wonderful view<\/strong>. Water always makes the difference and provides tremendous added value to a property.
\n\t– Potential new hobbies<\/strong>. From fishing to sailing with a small boat, a real lake improves your life's quality.
\n\t– Higher price in the future<\/strong>. How many lands can you find with proximity (and view) to a lake? They are rare, this is why their value is always higher than other categories of properties and they are more stable as investments.\n<\/p>\n

\n\tDisadvantages of a land close to lake:<\/strong>\n<\/p>\n

\n\t– If the lake is not maintained or if it is actually a swamp, be ready for mosquitos during the summer. How many mosquitos? Enough in order to abandon your home and run back to Bucharest…
\n\t– High purchase value. As the really good locations are few, the prices are always high.
\n\t– Surprises during construction. Building next to water can easily become "building in water". Don't ask me how much it costs. You don't want to know…\n<\/p>\n

\n\tLand on a hill. Not in Bucharest<\/strong>
\n\tSouthern and Eastern Romania are flat. Bucharest as well, except some very rare spots. So, we can find hills only in the rest of the country, Central, Northern and Western Romania, plus Dobrogea area (Constanta).\n<\/p>\n

\n\tHouses on hills are very rare, due to insufficient infrastructure. If you find a proper plot, with utilities and access roads, go for it, the view is splendid. But if you just find properties "in the middle of nowhere", combined with promises for "future projects", then consider them "agricultural lands" and adjust your offer.\n<\/p>\n

\n\tSend me your questions at: info@more-group.eu<\/strong>\n<\/p>\n

\n\tComing up, every Monday:<\/strong>\n<\/p>\n