Man this did not age well, hope you are ok in all this madness. Prayers for Ukraine 🇺🇦

This was hard to watch, knowing what we know now. My heart is breaking for Ukraine. I wish we could stop this without risking WW3.

I wonder if any of these apartments are still standing? My heart grieves for all the people there. 🇺🇦

I was so close of getting an apartment near Kyiv for 60k but now I’m glad I held back because Those places were attack badly. My heart goes out to the affected people, praying that the war would end soon

Hope everything is ok with you and the family especially in these times

So very,very sad to look at this now, I just want to cry. My heart goes out to this beautiful city❤️Much love from Finland.

I really like your statement "I'm adding value to the world". This is a mindset that is needed in the world.

Your video came up on my algorithm, thanks for sharing what life was like before this chaotic situation that is happening now. I am praying that you and your family are safe and well.

Second apartment: had Bald and Bankrupt been there, he'd have said 'Soviet' some 500 times.

I’m so glad your lawyer saved you from a bad deal!

:( Watching the war now and then finding your video and seeing it before all the devastation is that much more heartbreaking. I hope you made it out and are safe. :(((

Hey, also I would really check on how much it will cost you to renovate :) I'm not sure if your estimations were realistic. We've bought an apartment in Lviv, my hometown, in a 1905 building. The renovation was a lot more expensive than we thought. The old building can be very tricky, you start doing floors - end up replacing beams underneath, you want to do plumbing - end up having to drill a hole to your neighbours upstairs/downstairs, to connect the water pipe and a lot of other things. It is also not easy to find the team that will do the renovation - it's totally russian roulette - you can find a good team and everything will be fine or they will steal your money and you'll never see them again :)

This is so cool seeing this city and I am fascinated with apartment shopping for some reason lol thanks for sharing!

22:01 at the point when Maria said that all the furniture and appliances remain the guy says "if something is not needed you can just throw it out of the window" had me deaddd :D:D

Now worth about $ 8

Hey! Johby, thank you for telling people around the world about our country and city! I live in Kiev and I am glad you love this place! I hope you find it peasful, respectful and kind towards your adventure! With much respect!

I'm so sorry it all happened :(. I just bought a new house and the thought of this happens breaks my heart. But as long as you are safe that's really all that matters.

why is this so relaxing to watch?

I'm glad we can see what everything looked like before. I could have sworn I've seen the 1st apartment in a recent video with explosion damage. Very sad. I hope Ukraine builds back better than ever.

Now going for $10

So heartbreaking to watch this. Love and prayers to you all at Ukraine 🇺🇦

Really interesting for me, I lived in Kiev in 2007 in a sleeping district on the North side within sight of the forest.. Subway + bus was a daily grind as it was beyond the end of the line. Rent was relatively high in 2007 for a Soviet grade lifestyle. Going into the beautiful downtown was good for the spirit. I was considering a small apartment not far from the city centre to enjoy a nicer lifestyle but left due to world economy concerns. Wish I could have been there with deeper pockets and gone shopping for flats lol.

Wow the first apartment looked so beautiful Such a beautiful place every one of them It’s sad what’s happening now

I am really enjoying going on this apartment adventure with you ! I really thought that apartment number 2 could have really been made into something pretty special ! I am really sorry that your deals fell through ! Looking forward to going on Your next apartment adventure ! Take your time and you will find something really spectacular ! Love seeing the neighborhood with you !

New subscriber here, based in Prague. Here, for renting and purchasing, the buying/ renter pays the commission. To me, this is nuts. There are a few "no commission" agents, where the seller/ owner pays the commission ( which is how it should be ). Cash only for me = walk away. Always get the due diligence done. You wouldn't buy a car without a valid title and no lien on the car, so why would you do it with an apartment. Buying in cash saves on interest. Depending if your wealth is US$ based, and whether you think your life will always be in eastern europe, you are exposing yourself to currency risk. But if your wealth and earnings are Ukraine based, then no worries. I guess apartment A was set up for Airbnb investor - hence the fold out beds. For me, I couldn't live with less than 70sqm for a single person. Roof apartments are a no no : too cold in winter/ too hot in summer ( ask me how I know ). At least you are allowed uPVC windows there. Here, if you are in/ near the historic centre ( say 3km radius from the centre ) you can only have wooden frame windows. Makes for an always on heating situation in the winter. That was a GREAT video ! I'm very interested in Ukraine. As a Westener, I love Prague/ Czechia. But I'd love to move further east

I haven't been to Kyiv since 2017, thanks for your videos) I like to see them

Love your apt work search... You and your viewers are learning a lot. Thank u for your great captivating research!😊

People say they hate brokers in the US - what they don't realize is that the US usually has more consumer protection - which is also built into license law.

My heart aches for Johnny watching this now knowing what are happening in Ukraine and especially in Kyiv. Saw Johnny in Bald’s video they both managed to escape to Poland. Good luck to you Johnny and pray things will turn better for you.

I lived in Kiev for two years. It's a fantastic city, real character, and the Ukrainian people are the best!

I love the 2nd apartment too....it has a lot of character and those ceilings are all that!

Worst investment ever.

That seems crazy expensive for a country where the average yearly salary is around $4,000 a year.

Hah, I recognize some of those locations! The building you said might be a back of a school IS actually the back of a school. That park was where I played as a kid! Man, memories. And that apartment that needed to be renovated from start to finish was horrible.

Damn...! this hits hard after a year.

Thanks for sharing this experience. It opens the imagination of what could be in far-off strange places.

I will forget about buying an apartment in Ukraine after this! In Greece is much safer and cheaper. 1 bedroom apartment 47sqm renovated is 65 thousands. Nice area in Thessaloniki. I wish you a good luck

I was amazed to see not only my house but also an entrance on Zhilyanska st. Our neighbors definitely overestimated the cost of the apartment; it does not cost that much.

I’m glad the search for the Apartment is continue, Because all that you’ve seen do not has a smooth beginning. And good luck with yours finding and no more issues arrived. And please Don’t forget to check the background of the property to make sure no death due to murder or any killings of sorts. Paperworks or deed check by your lawyers before money handling over. Again good luck 👍

Rule no.1 - Location, location, location....There's a good reason why houses in London, Singapore, Switzaland, New York etc are so expensive.

Show us more in turkey. We for sure would love it. Congratulations for the amazing video.

Wow) I live all my life in Kyiv and that was realy interesting to see my city from your point. But Im so ashamed by the state of the yard's, street's and buildings. It hurts so much.

Enjoyed every moment of your search

ok, I'm late here, a very good video Johnny, I'm in the UK bought my first place aged 18, but over here in the UK I employed a lawyer and a surveyor for every property I have purchased, just to be on the safe side. you need a surveyors report if you're getting a mortgage, it's not needed for a cash purchase but I would always advise anyway it's one thing to buy a lemon for a car, different ball game when it comes to property.

I was surprised a about the prices. Holy cow I thought it was gonna be cheaper

Kiev is really my favorite city. The atmosphere, the people. Its awesome.

Kiev looks a lot more developed than I expected.Nice properties.

Happy you're safe sending love and prayers from USA 💖

Thank you. I found your video very interesting. We are also looking to buy somewhere in Eastern Europe (we are from the UK) as we love the area and way of life, but as usual, there are always pitfalls in transacting in a different culture and if you don't have the right people and advice on your side, you can get into a lot of trouble. I trained as a lawyer, many years ago in the UK, but this only helps with awareness as every country does things differently. You definitely dodged a bullet with the fourth property. Please keep uploading this kind of material, it's very useful to those in similar circumstances. I also like your association with Bald and Bankrupt. Looking forward to lots of more top notch content.

2nd, due to great location. Spend $80K to buy + another $20K for renovation; you'll have a fantastic one.

At 11:13, the music was from the soccer stadium and it was the UEFA Europa League anthem. The game was about to be on when you were there. Thank you and Ben for making these videos. Hope you two are safe! Hope the war will stop soon!

Thanks for the information ! It is interesting on how things function there . Cheers.

I would've been all over the third one. Really cozy feel, nice lighting and low key looking neighborhood. Had a calmness about it. Seemed laid out the best and had a nice sized/new bathroom. Little store on bottom floor is clutch too.

Hey Jonny , you should have waited to buy that apartment you could have gotten it for free now . Stay safe .

Next, apartment hunting Taiwan.

Probably get a really great deal right now?

Wow maybe not the best business decision given recent events! Hope your well bro!

And in Thailand you can rent a beachside condo for 150 usd a month.

Wow crazy to see what happened 11 Month ago ...fast forward March 2022. Who would have thought. How CRAZY

Portfolio took a hit. Literally

I didn't care for any of the apartments (price or condition), but the handling of the deals all seemed shady. If it were me, I'd hire a broker to fin potential apartments that had clear titles and have terms and conditions spelled out before finalizing any deals. Definitely, you were in too much of a hurry. Take your time!

I hope you are all safe. ☮️🇺🇦

loving your videos!!

The 3rd apt interior the best, but those stairs! No 4 apt is very wonderful and only 2 floors up. Nice.

Watching videos on different countries to live I rarely hear the KZfaqr ever mention things like stability. We're so used to stability in the West we take it for granted.

Oh beautiful, you can see the russian tanks from the balcony, also a beautiful view of the American biological/ infectious disease weapons lab.

this video introduced me on how beautiful Ukraine is..i was so attached to the place that it made me so sad of what happened.. prayers for all the people affected

Second apartment has soo much potential. My only gripe is sourcing the talent and help to get it done right and with confidence. Reno's are usually a big headache if you dont have any contacts to trust or rely on.

I hope your apartment is still in one piece! Be safe bro!

Johnny, good luck on buying real estate. I never had any luck with my "investments" which at one time were mostly homes. Some renters were late payers, others trashed the place, I even had one that made a fourth room from our Florida home (the outside porch) and rented the room out to strangers. The real estate agent we contracted to watch the residence never advised us of the added construction. What a nightmare when we finally had to sell it. I did far better with conservative utility stocks, the S&P and finally Vanguard VYM over the decades and now sleep well at night.

hope you can find a good renovation team during the pandemic and I hope your offers were conditional on an inspection of the places

with $80k you can buy 2 very good ,new 3 room appartments in Bulgaria in sunny beach and rent them for tourists easily making good passive income .

Kyiv is a Cool Place. Good luck on the Appartment Hunt ;)

Thank you for the video. I moved to the US in 2002 from Ukraine and work as a real estate agent in NC. Good luck with your search! Hope all goes well and nothing shady happens. I work with many Ukrainian immigrants who are buying their first home in the US and it is always an interesting experience. Some do want to bring cash - suitcase of case for a deposit. Some question every move and legal system in the US. I just have to remind people that it is totally different in the US. Nothing is done under the table...lol. I enjoyed watching your video...awesome to see a different perspective. Let me know if you are ever in Ivano-Frankivsk.

Certainly hope you’re okay

Godbless you, I pray your all safe.

I don't know why this is showing on my feed... but its incredibly sad considering what's happening there now. I hope you are safe man.

How much is the apartment worth now?

He was so excited and a happy guy. si sad. Hope he got out and us safe.

Amazing vid Johny. Best way to shop for a flat is via remote review. local agent will provide a NON BIASED review for a small fee.

Always impressed with Eastern European apartment furniture, great use of space. Shocked by those prices. How do Kievians afford such?

Good videos keep up the good work! Yeah buying is some countries in Eastern Europe can be a minefield especially as the laws are not there and if they are they are not properly set so there is not much to protect you as a buyer. You are right to have employed lawyers to oversee the process before parting with any money.

From the way my brother was breathing after those stairs for the 3rd unit I was like “this not the one” 😂

Johnny apt2 was the one I'd have gone for. I'd have got the bathroom and kitchen done. Slept on the floor and used the run down aspect of the apartment for photography. That red phone on the table was just fab. Keep patient, everything happens for a reason. Let's see Tatiana BTW 😉

I’m English but we bought in France , here the commission can be as high as 10% + taxes. The notary works for you and is employed by the government. It’s nothing like buying in the U.K. but a lot safer than buying in Spain. Keep safe John and good luck.

Will you return to Kiev one day, unashamed of fleeing, to live amongst the Brave People who stayed behind to defend the city ???

So similar to Romania (first one). I got one last year (two others rented out) and the balcony is closed off exactly like this (but smaller). These old-style Communist era blocks a lot have no elevators or fire exits but thick walls - so cool in summer and warm in winter & are very well built (I’m guessing this is early ‘80s). Mine was completely refurbished too. And another thing that’s very eastern Europe is folding bed in sitting room that turns into a bed. Wishing you the best, Johnny. Hopefully you get to return to Kiev soon. 💪! P.S. the music from the stadium is for a football (soccer) match - theme song for the European qualifiers for the World Cup. 🤟 P.P.S - I was literally hours away from buying a green space (land) on the outskirts of Cluj-Napoca (Romania) in 2011 but something felt off. 25k for the land to build a house. Long story short, a friend who works EU funds did an extra bit of digging and found the area was due to be turned into a no build green belt, so I could’ve bought it and had a green space..for walnut trees 😂🤦🏻‍♂️! Thank God I triple checked. I could have bought and built straightaway but with potential red tape I could have easily been screwed. Always, always, always double & triple check.

Great firing positions, minimal exposure. Easily accessible spots for an ambush, knock down some of those walls and you could maneuver nicely.

Just take your time. Don’t trust any agent.. wishing you all the best in searching for the apartment that you 👍

Little does he know

carpet on the wall is a must

Praying for you guys!

That’s so wild Johnny...I just passed by Nam this afternoon, and spotted the yellow building, looked up t the top floor, and thought...oh yeah, I could definitively live there. For every reason you said. Small, strange world this is. Hit me up.

You definitely are living life to the fullest....I'm thinking of buying in Thailand 🇹🇭 I need to visit you in Ukraine sometime...been wanting to go for awhile... Looking forward to your search continuing....luckily you have a great lawyer

Oh lordy.. This just popped up in suggestions.. I hope You and Your Families are all good!

I paid 6% to my agent when selling two homes. But they handled all the paper work. All I had to do is sign a lot paper work. One home was around $80K and the other was around $130K. The problem with having to go up stairs is if you ever have to use a wheel chair or something at some time. A lot of people don't think of that.

The fixer upper would have been great because of the location. Sucks that the owner wouldn’t budge.

Probably get a bargain now ZZZZZZ

Back luck, dude. Glad you are alive.

There are brand new skyscrapers in that area, for example Tetris hall. The price is higher, but you’ll have a magnificent view, open planning, modern infrastructure.