Why is everyone coming down with the Bulgarian bug?
The burgeoning availability of cheap access to this stunning country has opened Bulgaria to the investor. With the only white sandy beaches on the Black Sea, Bulgaria is a haven for lower value investors, with some properties starting as cheap as £20k.

Bulgaria is generously gifted with natural landmarks and a diversity of landscape, rich variety of flora, fauna, abundance of curative mineral springs, historical sites, hospitable sea resorts, perfect opportunities for skiing, breath-taking natural phenomena.   Caving, mountaineering, rock climbing, hiking, walking, horse riding, mountain biking, cycling, hunting, fishing, bird watching, butterfly watching, rafting, skiing, sailing and surfing - these are just a few of the opportunities that Bulgaria offers for your active vacation.  

Bulgaria is situated at a crossroads between Europe and Asia and it has a key position both for road, river and sea transport of a large group of countries. Several Pan-European transport corridors cross the country. There are 4 international airports in Bulgaria, the biggest being in Sofia.   Ancient culture, endless beaches, an emerald sea, high mountains with marvellous gorges and caves, clear lakes and rivers full of fish, wide valleys, healing springs,  hospitable people, tempting cuisine and wines.

Set to Join the EU
Bulgaria is set to join the EU in 2007 and the country is trying to gear up for this event as the Bulgarian way of life will definately change.

Bulgarians as a nation have recently moved from being a communist country, and hence are in the un-Western position of not owing any money and in general own the house they live in. This will no doubt change as EU money pours in to improve infrastructure and facilities.

Is Bulgaria the Next Romania?
People investing over the last 2 years are already seeing returns on their properties in the region of roughly 20 - 30%, and some of these are not even completely built yet!

Some properties are changing hands up to three times before completion. The largest growth areas are around the Black Sea coast and the inner mountain ranges that divide the country into North and South. These mountains are slowly being opened up for a booming skiing market, which many cheap package tour operators are taking advantage of.

Small Catches and Things to Note
Investing in land is a tricky process as some plots of land can be owned by up to eight people and you'll need every signature to actually own the land.

With a booming hooneymoon market, especially around the coast, building work is not allowed between december and March each year to reduce noise and disruption to holiday makers, this may also be as a result of the cold, which can drop to a toe freezing -20 degrees celcius at least once every Winter.

There are a few British owned and staffed estate agents on the ground, but many agencies are British run but Bulgarian staffed to reduce costs. Bulgarians have a very different way of doing business and you may find it easier to deal with British people out there.

Agencies seem liable to advertising eachother's properties, so make sure you are buying from the correct agent! This goes with renting as well.