Located close to Vienna, the city has long benefited from the difference in prices and cost of living between the two capitals. As a result, property prices have grown by up to 10-15% per annum since EU membership in 2004, thanks to interest from international investors and strong demand from local buyers.

To meet this demand, Slovakia Investment Property, a large central European property specialist, has launched a new city project comprising 22 high-quality apartments at Zahradnicka, in central Bratislava.

The Zahradnicka project is situated on the border of the first and second districts, close to a major redevelopment scheme, named Twin City, which will be the largest commercial assignment in central Europe and will boast the country's tallest skyscraper, shopping centre, a four-star hotel and entertainment space.

"One of the reasons Bratislava has become the focus for the international investor is because it is part of central Europe's fastest-developing region ('Centrope').

This core area includes the Vienna-Bratislava corridor and has one of the highest economic potentials in Europe, according to international studies, " says Petra Gajdosikova, managing director of Slovakia Investment Property.

Zahradnicka consists of studio units and one- and twobed apartments with private balconies or terraces; prices start from 55,035, with completion due in summer 2008.

Slovakia currently has a GDP growth of over 8% and is planning to adopt the euro in 2009.

Bratislava is serviced by Ryanair from Dublin and the airport is soon to receive an investment of 100m.

For further information contact Slovakia Investment Property, 0044 0207 152 4014; www. slovakiainvestmentproperty. com.