Yes, all of this growth could be considered astronomical, daunting, magnificent, maybe even a little scary if not properly managed. This, however, is exactly why Romania has become the next big target of the international investor.

"It is the next big location in this part of the world, with many people looking to get involved here having moved on from Budapest or missed the property train there". "The big guns are already getting involved alongside the private investors." (source The Irish Times, September 2005)

The key to raw land investment in Romania is a) knowing where to invest and b) when and how to sell. Bucharest as the capitol of Romania and soon EU capitol city is the the star attraction of all Romanian land investment opportunities.

Prices in the downtown area of the city may have all but peaked after years of significant growth but the trend of high growth in a short-time frame has just begun in the area outside of the city limits which is pegged as the new Bucharest suburban district.

Bucharest is inhabited by more then 2.5 million people and that number is expected by many authorities to more then double to over 5 million by 2010 by the rapid development of new housing complexes inside of the city and the expansion of city limits with the introduction of new American-style suburban living there - now available to the average Bucharest-ian who is experiencing higher earning power coupled with increase access to credit.

Northrop Grumman, the large American construction firm is already in the market constructing new homes along with scores of other European and international building firms of reputation. As leaders in their industry, they are fully convinced that the projections for suburban Bucharest will become a current reality.

The savvy world investor, according to surveys, now identifies Romania as one of the top three investment locations in the world (along with China and Brazil) and the number one opportunity in Europe. Foreign Direct Investment in Romania is at roughly 3.5 billion dollars currently tied only with Czech Republic for the number one spot in Central & Eastern Europe. Decreasing investment rates there and expected investments in Romania will most likely push Romania on top.

Tesco and Walmart have already announced plans to follow in the footsteps of European giant Carefour to enter this thriving market.