Why did Vladimir choose Montenegro for purchasing real estate?

Vladimir and his choice of Montenegro

Vladimir is a Moscow businessman who decided to purchase a residential property in Montenegro in 2006, specifically in the cozy village of Bečići. When choosing real estate in this country, many reasons come to mind that influenced his decision. Notably, the apartment owner will be required to cover the costs of maintaining the pool, even if they have no intention of using it.

Statistics of foreign tourists

While walking along the beaches of Bečići, you can notice that among the foreign vacationers, a large portion consists of Russian tourists, making up almost 90% of the total number of visitors. Additionally, residents of this region can significantly save on living expenses:

• If you behave like a local, the monthly budget for groceries will be around 400 euros.

This is just one of many reasons explaining why the living space here attracts those who want to avoid the tourist crowds and enjoy the atmosphere of local life.

Reasons for choosing Montenegro

What prompted Vladimir to choose Montenegro as his vacation destination? First of all, he noticed the geographical location of this country. Among the possible places for purchasing real estate, he considered Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, and Montenegro. It was important for him that the country had Orthodox roots and a historical connection to Russia, as well as the opportunity to enjoy a seaside vacation with beautiful waters. As a result, Montenegro became the most appealing option in this context.

Real estate and investments

Although this may seem unusual, as housing prices are lower in several countries, Vladimir noticed that six years ago the difference was not so significant. Moreover, the traditional approach to this deal was based on the idea that purchasing real estate was not intended for business purposes. It was viewed solely as a place for relaxation, to spend a few weeks there each year. Thus, he believed that one should either not acquire anything at all or find only such property that truly appealed to him.

Housing prices in Montenegro

The real estate market in Montenegro cannot be called cheap. According to the national statistical office, in 2011 the average cost per square meter of new housing was 1307 euros. On the coast, this price increased significantly:

• In the city of Bar, it's 1735 euros per square meter.
• In Budva — 1702 euros.

However, it is important to note that this data is averaged, and to purchase quality housing in a developing region like Bar, you will need to invest around 3000 euros per square meter. In smaller towns, such as Bečići or Petrovac, you can find more affordable options ranging from 1800 to 2000 euros per square meter. We recommend paying attention to a detailed overview of the real estate market in Montenegro, which highlights crisis phenomena and development prospects.

Why Bečići?

Why did Bečići become the final choice for Vladimir? Before finalizing the purchase of an apartment, he thoroughly researched the entire coastline of the country. In his eyes, Bečići has the best beach that can possibly exist in Montenegro. While most places have pebbly and rocky beaches, here there are two kilometers of magnificent golden sand, and along the coast, there is a promenade perfect for evening walks. This aspect was the key factor in his decision to choose this location for relaxation.

The best beach in Europe

In 1935, a certain beach in this area was recognized as one of the best in Europe. The region where it is located has a favorable geographical position. In fact, this territory is a suburb of Budva – one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Adriatic coast.

Convenience in accessibility

The international airport of Tivat is located just 13 kilometers from the village, making it quite convenient to get here. The infrastructure for recreation in Bečići is at a very high level, with numerous hotels offering top-class services, ranging from 4 to 5 stars. I want to note that while I wouldn't want to label this place as "elite" or "prestigious," everything here does indeed look quite good.

The presence of Russian tourists

As for Russian tourists, I don't have exact data on how many of our compatriots own property here. However, on the beach, out of ten foreign vacationers, nine are usually Russian. This suggests that there are no language barriers among the vacationers.

Language of communication

In Montenegro, as in other places, the locals predominantly speak Serbian, which is generally quite understandable to Slavs. Young people actively study English, while those over 45-50 still remember Russian. Although they may not always speak it confidently, they are certainly able to communicate in it.

Comparison with Russian real estate

When it comes to the differences between local homes and housing in Russia, I can't give an accurate assessment since I haven't had the opportunity to visit Montenegrin houses. My apartment is located in a four-story building that has apartments of various sizes.

Living conditions

Our house has a gated area with a small courtyard where children can play. There is also a concierge in the building who keeps an eye on things. Notably, not all residential complexes in Montenegro are equipped with amenities such as swimming pools, gyms, or laundry facilities. The availability of additional services usually depends on the desires of the residents and the conditions offered by the developers.

• If a pool is included in the project, you will have to pay for its maintenance even if you don't plan to use it.

Utility costs

In my house, there are no additional amenities, so the utility costs compared to other places are not high — about 700 euros a year, including all taxes. We come to Bečići once a year and pay these bills ourselves.

Real estate taxes

It is worth mentioning that the property tax in Montenegro ranges from 0.08% to 0.8% of the cadastral value of the property, depending on its depreciation.

Options for selling new buildings in Montenegro

Remember what options for purchasing real estate in Montenegro are available, especially in the new construction sector. Many of them offer ready-to-move-in apartments with finishes or even furnished. In my case, I became the owner of an apartment that was already well-decorated. This saved me from having to deal with renovations myself. However, it only had a kitchen installed, and I had to buy all the other interior items on my own.

About five or six years ago, this could have been a challenging task: in search of a suitable television, I had to spend a lot of time traveling around the country. Today, the situation has improved significantly, and modern shopping centers have appeared in Montenegro, where it's easy to order any furniture. Considering that a good salary in Bečići is considered to be 400 euros, delivery and installation of furniture have become quite affordable services.

Average salary and expenses in Bečići

The average salary in Bečići is indeed around 400 euros, so for foreigners planning a month-long stay in this picturesque place, it makes sense to rely on this amount. However, everyone has their own needs and expenses. Personally, this budget would not be sufficient for me to live comfortably for a month.

A sum of 400 euros will be enough if you plan to live like a local rather than a tourist: you need to buy groceries in supermarkets instead of eating exclusively in restaurants. Prices in Montenegrin stores are lower than in Moscow, although not significantly enough to be noticeable. For example:

• Salads in the café cost between 2 and 5 euros.
• Hot meat dishes will cost about 10 euros.
• Fish is significantly more expensive — from 40 to 60 euros per kilogram, and you can choose the fish that will then be prepared for you.
• Local wines in stores cost about 4-5 euros per bottle, while the same item in restaurants will cost 9-15 euros.
• French wines can cost 20 or even 50 euros.

Visa issues

Vladimir, how often do you get to visit Montenegro and have you encountered any issues with visa processing? Unfortunately, we can't travel as often as we would like. Usually, we visit this country twice a year, staying for a week. Russian citizens can stay in Montenegro without a visa for up to 30 days.

If you want to extend your stay, just rent a car and drive to Serbia, Croatia, or Albania, and then come back.

Leisure in Bečići

How is your day going in Bečići? What do you usually do in this resort town? Basically, in Bečići, just like in any other vacation spot, you have no obligations. That's the essence of a great holiday — you can enjoy your time at the beach and then relax at a café.

There are plenty of entertainment options here.

• Paragliding.
• Rafting.
• Volleyball and tennis.
• Excursions.

However, it is worth noting that the infrastructure for children in Bečići is not very developed, and I think it would be better to go to Budva with little ones.

Renting an apartment

What happens to your apartment when you're not in Montenegro? Do you rent it out? I don't rent out my apartment because I don't want unfamiliar people staying in it. It's a useful measure for maintaining personal space and comfort.

In general, this approach allows me to use the apartment myself and enjoy it at any time of the year.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I want to emphasize that purchasing real estate in Montenegro has become not just a transaction for me, but the beginning of a new chapter in my life. This is a place where the past harmoniously blends with the present, and the Orthodox culture along with the shared history with Russia creates a unique atmosphere that is lacking in other countries. My favorite apartment in Bečići has become not only a cozy corner for relaxation but also a symbol of a certain stage in my life — I have found a place that truly meets my expectations and needs.

I am genuinely glad that I chose Montenegro. This country is open and friendly to everyone who finds themselves here. Interacting with the locals is a special pleasure, as many of them can speak Russian and are always ready to help. The convenient location, beautiful beaches, and developed infrastructure make life in Bečići very comfortable.

• Friendly locals who speak Russian.
• Comfortable infrastructure for recreation and living.
• Beautiful nature and golden beaches.

Yes, of course, it's important to consider the costs of maintaining the property, but they are quite justified when you think about how much joy each visit to this wonderful corner of the Adriatic brings.

Every time I come here, I realize that I made the right choice, and with each visit, my love for this place only grows stronger. And perhaps in the future, my apartment will become a gathering place for family and friends, which will make its value even higher. Montenegro is more than just real estate; it is my piece of happiness, my stable anchor in a world full of change. I hope that my experience will inspire others to seek their perfect place that will become a cozy home away from home.