Property in Bulgaria ranges from bargain apartments to luxurious villas, with an array of locations and attractions which appeal to even the most discerning property buyer. Bulgarian property has been attracting foreign investors in their droves for the past four or five years when, with EU accession imminent, the country strove to shake off its image as a drab, former Communist state and re-positioned itself as a bargain destination for European property investment.

With its sandy beaches, abundance of historical sites, eclectic cities and varied ski resorts, Bulgaria offers something for everybody, particularly those buying on a budget. However, Bulgaria also boasts a fine selection of high quality property for sale, particularly in the nation’s capital – Sofia – and in the ski resorts of Bansko and the beach resorts along the Black Sea coast.

A Bulgarian Castle - currently for sale

Bulgaria Profile

Capital City: Sofia
Population: 7.35 million
Size: Roughly the same size as England
Currency: Bulgarian Leva (Lv)
Dialling Code: +359
Time Zone: GMT +2

Bulgaria Climate

The climate varies greatly between seasons. Summers are Mediterranean-esque along the Black Sea coast and inland, with temperatures averaging 30ºc from late May to September. Winters are cold and snowy, particularly in the highland areas, which makes for a great ski season, guaranteed every year.

Bulgaria Property

Property in Bulgaria remains a sound option for those looking to get on to the property ladder or expand their portfolio. While not as cheap as a few years ago, Bulgaria is still one of the most cost-effective locations for property investment in Europe. Bulgaria’s other main advantage over similar Eastern European countries is its infrastructure – its resorts have been catering for tourists for decades; all the country needed was a little gentrification in order to make it appealing to western buyers.

The Black Sea coast is dotted with well-established and trustworthy real estate agents, meaning the the buying process is straightforward and extremely transparent – western buyers are immediately put at ease when they hear a familiar accent or see UK qualifications: a number of agents operating in Bulgaria are British.

Whether looking for a holiday home, capital appreciation or rental returns, the country has a number of locations to cater for all types of investor and property buyer. With prices rising by an average of 15% over the past four years, purchasing a property in Bulgaria makes excellent financial sense.

There are three international-standard golf courses being built along the coast, so expect the region’s year-round appeal to grow stronger. Finally, with adoption of the Euro mooted for 2009, the buying process is set to become easier and safer, although prices are likely to rise when priced in Euros, so now is the time to invest.

Bulgaria Flights

Getting to Bulgaria is becoming increasingly easier. Wizz Air, a new low cost airline, has been flying to Sofia from Luton Airport three times a week for the past two years, and return prices are extremely favourable. Bulgarian Air links Manchester to Sofia twice a week, and Gatwick to Sofia and Varna. British Airways also flies to Sofia and Varna from Gatwick and Heathrow, while EasyJet now flies three times a week to Sofia from a number of UK airports