European Union Membership

Bulgaria’s recent accession to the European Union on January 1st 2007 has further increased the confidence of foreign investors wishing to purchase Bulgarian property with record sales recorded in the first half of 2007.

Traditionally, new European Union countries experience steep increases in property values and the corresponding increase in tourism and investment will further boost the Bulgarian property market.

Rapid Tourism - one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in Europe

The number of visitors to Bulgaria in 2006 exceeded 5 million for the first time and ‘The World Tourism Organisation’ predicts Bulgaria to welcome in excess of 20 million tourists by 2020.

As a result of a booming reputation amongst UK & international tourist industries, Bulgaria’s tourism sector is officially one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in Europe creating a stable buy-to-let environment for investors.

World Class Ski Resorts: Increasingly fashionable ski locations which are set to become world-class and an excellent alternative to the expensive European destinations.

Easy Access: Close proximity to Europe and increased low cost airlines offering direct routes to Bulgaria from many UK and other European airports, make Bulgaria easily accessible for the property investor and visitor alike.

6 Billion Infrastructure funding: To support the next phase of growth in tourism, the EU structural and cohesion fund has facilitated the provision of almost 6 billion Euros for key infrastructure projects and with the country dedicating a further 2 billion to motorway improvements future growth is secured.

Bulgaria meets the criteria for real estate investment success:

Significant EU Funding: Bulgaria entered the EU on January 1st 2007 a provision of almost 6 billion Euros for key infrastructure projects future growth is secured.

Increasing Property Prices: delivering 20%+ average year on year returns on investment although 100% in Sofia.

Strategic Location: Just 3 hours from the UK and easy access from mainland Europe.

Simplified Purchase Process: Transparency of the Bulgarian property purchasing process and easier access to mortgages.

Budget Airlines: With the recent introduction of a number of high profile low cost airlines including Easyjet, all indications are that visitors to Bulgaria will continue to increase exponentially on top of the already rapidly growing numbers. Ryanair, Myair and Eurowings have all applied for similar access to Bulgaria and new routes from these carriers are expected to be announced within the next six months.

International Recognition: Bulgaria is fast becoming the investment capital of Europe with high profile European real estate investment funds active in property market and low corporate tax attracting considerable foreign direct investment and huge institutional investors.

Thriving Capital Sofia: International companies including Shell, Microsoft, Google, Hewlett Packard, Nestle, Porsche, Deutsche Bank, GE Capital, Ernst & Young, Citibank, Coca Cola, Nokia and Siemens have all recently set up offices in Sofia, showing the confidence these companies have in the region.

Political and economic stability: Bulgaria has experienced a consistent increase in GDP growth over a sustained period and economists of UniCredit Group expect a 6.2% real GDP growth in 2007 combined with a 13% increase in GDP per capita.