In 2017, a client was on the verge of making a decision that would forever change her financial future. She was ready to sell her one-bedroom apartment for €92,500. Everything was set—the deal was agreed, and the notary meeting was scheduled. But then, a phone call changed everything.
Table of Contents
“I’ve Changed My Mind”
Just before the sale was finalized, the client called me: “I’ve changed my mind. I’m not selling the apartment. I’ll wait a little longer. I think prices will go up.”
I was stunned. The deal was nearly done, and a few thousand euros in commission were on the line. In that moment, I thought I’d lost the sale and the income that came with it. But in real estate, unpredictability is part of the game, and sometimes clients make surprising moves. She believed real estate prices would rise further—and she was right.
Prices Did Go Up
Fast forward seven years to October 2024, and the same apartment was sold for an impressive €180,000, a 94% increase in value compared to 2017. Not only was this a financial win for the client, but it also showed how patience can pay off in the real estate market.
According to Eurostat, the house price index in Slovenia rose by approximately 70% between 2010 and 2024. Prices hit their lowest point around 2011, but in the past decade, they’ve surged, particularly for smaller apartments like studios, one-bedroom, and some two-bedroom units. The demand for smaller living spaces has driven this sharp increase.
Auctions and Real Estate Projects
An interesting side note during this period was the opportunity for buyers to purchase properties at auctions. Several failed construction projects resulted in bargain prices, allowing lucky buyers to snap up homes that quickly appreciated in value, sometimes nearly doubling in price.
While such opportunities don’t come around often, Slovenia’s recent real estate boom has shown that significant returns are possible if you play the long game. However, it’s unlikely we’ll see such drastic price increases in the near future, as current economic conditions are more stable.
What’s Next?
Despite her success, my client now faces a new challenge. She wants to stay in the same neighborhood but upgrade to a larger apartment. And here’s the irony of the real estate market—although she benefited from the price increase of her former home, she’ll now have to pay significantly more for an extra 20 square meters than she would have back in 2017.
This story demonstrates the importance of strategic thinking and patience in real estate. While it’s hard to always predict the perfect moment to buy or sell, long-term decisions can often lead to impressive financial rewards.
