Secondary real estate in VilniusHistoric lanes with studiossquares and gardens

Why Secondary Real Estate in Vilnius Appeals to Global Investors

Vilnius, Lithuania’s baroque capital nestled at the confluence of the Vilnia and Neris rivers, has blossomed into a sophisticated market for English-speaking buyers seeking ready-to-occupy resale properties. Secondary real estate in Vilnius—including restored Gothic townhouses in the Old Town, modern flats in Šnipiškės waterfront towers, and spacious apartments in Žvėrynas—often trades 10–20% below comparable new-build prices. Investors enjoy immediate rental income from expatriate professionals, EU-institution staff, and international students, coupled with straightforward title transfers under Lithuania’s registry system. With modest transaction costs, no restrictions on foreign ownership, and yields buoyed by growing fintech, life-sciences, and tourism sectors, Vilnius offers both historic allure and compelling returns.

Old Town & Boutique Rentals

Vilnius Old Town—a UNESCO World Heritage site—commands top resale premiums. Resale apartments in restored merchant houses deliver gross yields of 4–5% when leased to corporate guests, visiting academics at Vilnius University, and cultural tourists. Buyers often negotiate credits for façade renovati­ons and interior refurbishments—preserving original vaulted ceilings and timber beams—unlocking nightly-rate premiums up to 25% during Vilnius Film Festival and St. Christopher’s Feats of Strength Museum exhibitions.

Rising Neighbourhoods & Long-Term Leases

In Šnipiškės, riverside high-rises built in the 2010s offer turnkey resale flats with amenities such as fitness centers and underground parking. These units trade 10–15% below off-plan rates yet yield 5–6% on annual leases to EU-institution employees and fintech teams. Similarly, Žvėrynas—known for its wooden villas and leafy streets—hosts mid-century apartment blocks where simple upgrades (modern kitchens, enhanced insulation) can boost rents by 15%, attracting diplomats and international school families seeking spacious, villa-style living.

Lithuania’s efficient legal framework underpins Vilnius’s secondary market. Title checks at the Centre of Registers confirm clear ownership, while total closing costs—stamp duty (about 0.5%), notary and registration fees (1–2%)—remain under 3% of sale value. Mortgages for non-residents are available from SEB and Swedbank, offering up to 75% LTV at rates around 3–4% APR. No capital-gains tax applies after a two-year holding period, making medium- to long-term buy-and-hold strategies especially attractive.

Vilnius’s expanding transport network enhances resale values. Proximity (within 300 meters) to new tram stops on the Neris riverside line and major bus interchanges yields premiums of 5–7%. The upgraded International Airport link and planned metro feasibility study further stimulate demand in Šnipiškės and Naujininkai districts. With its blend of cobblestone streets, contemporary riverfront, and a transparent regulatory environment, Vilnius offers global investors a unique entry point into the Baltic region’s most dynamic capital.