LOCATION: Romania

POPULATION: 22.2 million

INFLATION: 6.8%

GDP: 6.4%

GOVERNMENT TYPE: Republic

COUNTRY AREA: 238,391 sq km

COUNTRY BORDERS: Ukraine, Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria, Moldova

NATURAL RESOURCES: Petroleum, timber, natural gas, coal, iron ore, salt, arable land, hydropower

COAST LINE: 225 km

MAJOR INDUSTRIES: Textiles and footwear, light machinery and auto

MAJOR TRADING PARTNERS: Italy, Germany, Turkey, France, Hungary, China


The principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia - for centuries under the suzerainty of the Turkish Ottoman Empire - secured their autonomy in 1856; they united in 1859 and a few years later adopted the new name of Romania. The country gained recognition of its independence in 1878. It joined the Allied Powers in World War I and acquired new territories - most notably Transylvania - following the conflict. In 1940, Romania allied with the Axis powers and participated in the 1941 German invasion of the USSR. Three years later, overrun by the Soviets, Romania signed an armistice. The post-war Soviet occupation led to the formation of a Communist "people's republic" in 1947 and the abdication of the king. The decades-long rule of dictator Nicolae Ceausescu, who took power in 1965, and his Securitate police state became increasingly oppressive and draconian through the 1980s. Ceausescu was overthrown and executed in late 1989. Former Communists dominated the government until 1996 when they were swept from power. Romania joined NATO in 2004 and the EU in 2007.

Romania was granted entry to the EU, beginning January 2007. The process of entry had dragged a little, partly due to the judicial reforms that needed to be made first. Romania was also praised by the EU on its crackdown on corruption. Bulgaria was also allowed membership at the time but has been criticised on ?losing time? in carrying out judicial reforms and will be watched closely in tackling its corruption issue. In line with other new members over the years, this membership will see huge investment, regulation and structural change into the Romanian economy and society which will undoubtedly create huge growth opportunities and low investment risk.

Romanian unemployment is around 4.5%, with employment in Bucharest at around 2.6%. With the continual rise in foreign Direct Investment (FDI) we anticipate more job creation and wealth boosting. Average wages in Romania are low, in 2005 the average was EUR 200 per month (EUR 300 in Bucharest). These wages are growing at around 10% per annum which will cause a rise in the aspirant middle classes.

Mortgages Romania has an immature mortgage market (domestic mortgages were only introduced in 2002) and this can be a stumbling block for many investors looking to buy into the market using leverage as there is currently little availabilty for cheap mortgages to foreigners. EU accession will see a sharp increase in wealth for the citizens (due to economic growth) and a maturing of the Banking systems and new land zoning rules and government investment will see aggressive investment back into property and an surge in the property prices. Like those already existing in Western Europe, more sophisticated and easily available mortgages with lower interest rates are expected in the near future.

ECONOMY: Romania began the transition from Communism in 1989 with a largely obsolete industrial base and a pattern of output unsuited to the country's needs. The country emerged in 2000 from a punishing three-year recession thanks to strong demand in EU export markets. Despite the global slowdown in 2001-02, strong domestic activity in construction, agriculture, and consumption have kept GDP growth above 4%. However, macroeconomic gains have only recently started to spur creation of a middle class and address Romania's widespread poverty, while corruption and red tape continue to handicap the business environment. Romanian government confidence in continuing disinflation was underscored by its currency revaluation in 2005, making 10,000 "old" lei equal 1 "new" leu. The economy grew at 6.4% in 2006, the strongest growth in the last decade. Romania joined the European Union on 1 January 2007, and the IMF has praised the country's recent reform efforts in preparation for EU accession.

Romania Property

PropertyGem offer a wide range of investment properties in Romania, and we source and identify the most interesting Romanian property investment opportunities through our excellent local and national contacts. The PropertyGem.com website offers clients further information on the hand-picked Romanian property investments currently available. Property in Romania is predicted to show excellent capital growth over the coming few years, and is becoming one of the most sought after property investment destinations in Europe.

Choosing the right Romanian Property Investment can be an exciting experience with the right help and guidance. When searching for investment properties in Romania, PropertyGem have some of the best advisors and agents available, to assist you through the process of property investment in Romania.

Our website gives you detailed information on each of the properties for sale in Romania, allowing you to discover how Romania real estate can be a hugely rewarding investment. Romania property is affordable with even the most luxurious Romanian properties for sale appealing to even reasonable budgets.

PropertyGem are able to offer clients useful advice and information on acquiring investment property in Romania. The PropertyGem.com website gives you detailed information on each of the projects and individual properties for sale in Romania, enabling you to discover how investing in Romanian real estate can offer excellent capital and income potential. PropertyGem will help you secure the most appropriate Romanian property for sale, and our experience of the process of acquiring investment property in Romania will ensure your purchase proceeds quickly and efficiently.

Once a choice has been made on your favourite Romanian Property for sale, our dedication and swift operation help you to complete your purchase, giving you peace of mind and the relaxation to enjoy your Property investment in Romania.

Bucharest

For clients considering investing in a property for sale in Bucharest, Romania, PropertyGem have a constant supply of high quality off plan apartments available. PropertyGem are able to offer clients an unrivalled level of service, which will enable you to identify and purchase the most suitable property for sale in Bucharest. After finding you the right property for sale in Bucharest, PropertyGem will then assist you in completing the necessary steps to secure your chosen property in Bucharest.

Bucharest, Romania?s capital city is fast becoming one of Europe?s most desirable property investment destinations, with many national and international property developers bringing exciting projects to market, and offering investors a wide range of property for sale in Bucharest.

With Romania?s recent entry into the European Union widely predicted to stimulate the property market even further, many commentators are suggesting that now is the ideal time to buy an investment property in Bucharest, and our own experience of this market confirms that demand for property for sale in Bucharest is increasing. With Bucharest being the commercial centre and the most economically developed city in Romania, the city is undergoing a huge retail boom that will provide a many new leisure and shopping facilities, which will further enhance the property market in the city.

Bucharest is situated on the Dambrovita River, and with the addition of several lakes which stretch across the city, and the collection of public gardens and large public parks, all of which compliment the city, Bucharest is an ideal location to invest in.

At PropertyGem we know that property for sale in Bucharest is generating much demand within investors. With Bucharest being the commercial centre and the most economically-developed city in Romania, the city is undergoing a huge retail boom that will provide a mass of facilities for those wanting to take advantage of a property for sale in Bucharest.