Bulgaria is currently the hotspot for European real estate investment. Prices are rising steadily at 30% per year and are expected to increase when the country becomes a full member of the EU in 2007.

Bulgaria is a truly remarkable country with a varied terrain. Not only can it offer urban, coastal, mountain and rural properties, but the vast amount of real estate that is available to buy also comes with prices to fit everyone’s budget.

coastal properties.

The waters of the Black Sea are actually warmer than those of the Spanish mainland during the summer months. Popular investment places are Sunny Beach, Golden Sands and Varna. Emerging destinations include Nessebar St. Vlas and Balchik.

The promotions on offer are efficiently designed as holiday apartments by the sea. However, there is now also a fast growing golf market that is being served with new developments being built or planned. Prices can be as low as £20,000 for a studio apartment up to £100,000 for detached villas at golf resorts. Instant equity and guaranteed rent are also available at select communities.

city ​​apartments.

Sofia as the capital and Plovdiv as the second city are the two main growth areas. Real estate in Sofia currently accounts for around 25% of the cost of other European capitals. Plovdiv is even cheaper, with prices between 400 and 500 EUR per square meter.

The cities offer an excellent investment option, and good rentals are expected from companies relocating to Bulgaria. Corporate rentals can offer a consistent guaranteed rent with minimal risk. Prices range from around £30,000 for an apartment on the outskirts of the city to over £100,000 for a city center apartment with excellent facilities. These prices are considerably cheaper than other properties for sale across Europe.

Rural investments.

The countryside really does offer the cheapest real estate. Bulgaria is a magnificently beautiful country. About the same size as the United Kingdom, the country has a total population of less than 8,000,000. Infrastructure can be an issue in more isolated areas, and price increases will likely take longer than in more popular destinations. However, detached properties with acres of land are available for less than £10,000.

Mountain and ski real estate.

Bulgaria has three main ski resorts. Borovetz and Bansko and Pamporovo. The ski season is the longest in continental Europe. From an investment standpoint, mountain resorts probably offer the best opportunity for big capital gains. The mountains only offer a small, defined area for development. Once all available land is built, all existing properties will attract the highest premiums.

Much more casual than other European ski destinations, the Bulgarian resorts offer good value for money. Skiers and snowboarders, horrified by the exorbitant prices charged, especially in France or Austria, will be pleasantly surprised by the ridiculously cheap prices at all the Balkan resorts. A pint of beer is around 80p and a three course dinner with a bottle of wine is less than £6.

The available properties also echo the fantastic value for money, being 60-70% cheaper than other European equivalents. Studio apartments are available for less than £30,000, as are two-bedroom apartments in the region of £60-80,000. The 2006/2007 ski season is already 75% booked and for those who own property, rental income is virtually assured.

In conclusion, Bulgaria offers a viable investment alternative for everyone. Even with the lowest budget of less than £10,000, a property can be purchased that appreciates quickly. For those looking to build an expansive portfolio, all regions offer excellent value for money and will generate sizeable capital gains for years to come.