Zakopane Property

A holiday home in a skiing town sounds a bit like second heaven if you're fond of the great outdoors. That said, it seems that only rock stars and Russian plutocrats can afford an Alpine pad these days. A cosy chalet in Gstaad will set you back a staggering 10 million pounds - if you're lucky. However, break away from the obvious Swiss and Austrian choices and you'll soon find some fantastic deals appear on the horizon.

Zakopane has long been Poland's Winter Capital and it's hosted scores of international events over the years. Nestled at the foot of the Tatra Mountains - the highest stretch of the Carpathian range - the town has had a renaissance in recent years, what with the fall of the Iron Curtain and the return of the free market.

Of course, the real clever clogs investors were snapping up properties right after the collapse of the communism. (In those days you could pick up a palace for a pack of peanuts). But compared to so many other European resorts, Zakopane still offers incredibly reasonable prices. And, from the point of view of the canny investor, there's the knowledge that this is a town that's going from strength to strength.

So what sort of properties are up for grabs in the Zakopane region? Well, the most hallowed residential houses in town are original wooden villas in the 'Zakopane Style.' Before the First World War, there was a vogue for building villas that were inspired by highlanders' cottages. This fashion went hand in hand with a general frenzy for all things folkish. The villas were often highly beautiful - the champion of the movement, Stanislas Witkiewicz Senior, was a larger than life artist and and all round character.

Several of the 'Zakopane Style' houses are now museums. However, there are plenty of other properties on the market. Many echo the basic features of a 'Zakopane Style' villa. That said, whilst most 'Zakopane Style' buildings were of wood, a large proportion of houses in the region are made of brick.

Naturally, prices in Zakopane proper will be amongst the highest in the region. But further afield, there are plenty of rich pickings. As it goes, many people will actually prefer properties out of town. For one, you'll be able to find more of a rural idyll (no nightclubs etc.) and the prices are more favourable. Provided you've got a pair wheels at your disposal, this shouldn't inhibit your enjoyment of the ski slopes.

Property Laws In Poland

Purchasing property in Poland is by and large an uncomplicated affair. English is widely spoken, especially in Zakopane and Krakow (the two most popular destinations in the Malopolska region), and red tape is fairly minimal.

EU citizens have the least paperwork when it comes to snapping up property. Nationals from Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein likewise have few barriers. Any of the aforementioned groups do not need a permit to buy property in Poland. However, if you're looking to buy farmland or forest, permits may be needed. Likewise if you're not from any of the previously listed national groups.