House Hunting

While still in the Philippines, I have tried to schedule an appointment with some real estate agents to search for a house. On the very Monday after our arrival, Adrian and I were picked up by Katarina from expat4u.sk. A lovely lady who showed me 6 houses on the first day. Houses in Slovakia, well perhaps what I can generalize in Bratislava with the houses I have seen is that they have, regardless of how many bedrooms ,one and I mean one, uno, ein, bathroom. They have of course a guest toilet, plus a separate toilet and one main bathroom. Usually there is always a bathtub. In only one flat was a bathtub missing. Kitchens are always in the houses including fridge, oven, etc. A washing machine is also always included. Generally, there are wardrobes. A garage and storage are also usually there. Most have fireplaces (wood can be ordered). If it has a garden, there is also a company who could come and do the garden, shovel the snow, etc. Most have an alarm too.

With regards to the areas this is what I think:

Horsky Park – a sought after area by the embassies. There is the largest park in the city and it is really a quiet, well guarded location. It is very near the city and it is served by bus. I’d prefer to stay here due to its proximity to the German school.

Koliba – an area on the hill overlooking the eastern part of the city. It has great walking, hiking and skiing possibilities. With a tower on top of the hill, there is also a revolving restaurant. Those who don’t live here has an opinion that there is only one way to get out of Koliba which could really be a disadvantage but that I couldn’t say yet. The houses in my opinion should have good views but it is not the case all the time.

Kramare – it is on the other side of the hill of Koliba. It is famous to the French due to the French school nearby. I have seen a house with a great view to Dubravska and to the castle. Unfortunately it is located on a place where its road is too steep. It houses the best Children’s Hospital of Slovakia, the Oncology Hospital. There are newresidential buildings built around those hospitals.

Karlova Ves – this is where our temporary apartment is located. It is known to house dormitories for students but there is also a large residential area. It has two international schools in which it is also preferred by expats. On top are supermarkets, restaurants, banks, laundry etc. Stare Grunty is also located in Karlova ves where new detached houses are being built.