Hi

I too am in the process of buying a one bedded apartment in Greenfields. I went out to see it last week-end as we were beginning to hear that the site was no where near ready for completion on 1st May, and also the rentals expected were not coming anywhere near to what had been predicted two years ago. We went out to see the site for ourselves and also talk with some agents out there.

Prior to going, I had booked a furniture package with FDW - there price came in as what seemed more realistic. However, I did cancel the package for other reasons just before I went out and I am glad that I did so. In our opinion the site is no where near ready for completion on 1st May - and we accept as someone pointed out to us, that our version of 'complete' is very different from the romanian version. But what we saw last week-end, and I had the opportunity to physically go into the apartment I am buying, is a site where works are still going on, the roads around are still building rubble (right up to our front door) and inside is just not ready. I have been told by our agent who promoted this site, that we'd be surprisesd at how quickly all of this can be put right, but we are not of the opinion it will be in a state ready or suitable for anyone to either live in as their own home, or even to offer to a tenant for potential rental.

We met with the lawyers and expressed our concern and sought answers to a list of things. We also intructed that no further documents are signed on our behalf pending answers to those points. I am glad that I cancelled the furniture package for the moment as in our view, it would simply be sitting on a building site collecting dust.

In terms of furniture packages, I am more comfortable leaving this to someone else to complete for me. The Ikea in Banesea is more epensive than you would think and then you have the delivery charge and fitting etc. I was happy with what I could see FDW would give and there are other threads on this site which seem to recommend them from previous use. I also went to see some furniture packages in situ with Investment Romania and have to say they looked really good too so I think you have some good choices.

Regarding rental income, we are prepared for the mortgage not being covered or even coming close to it really. The income that is likely to come in will not break even at all at the moment. Given that the mortgage will revert to the variable rate at the end of the promotional year one, then this will exacerbate the situation for us even more. We are now recalculating the entire purchase and running costs to make sure we are aware of everything that we need to know.

I hope this helps you but I'd be glad to hear from you again and how you are finding the process.

Thanks