Bulgaria's Burgeoning Appeal

Expert explains why property buyers are looking to Bulgaria

"Property in Bulgaria offers excellent value for money. It also offers a good investment opportunity considering the long-term prospects for the country since it joined the EU in January 2007," explains Andrew Anderson, co-director of Stara Planina Properties, specialists in the sale of Bulgarian property.

Sofia, Bulgaria

"An average seaside villa can be purchased for around £50,000, with rural properties being offered for even less. Whatever your budget, Bulgaria offers considerably better value for money than most European destinations."

Bulgaria, situated in the south east of Europe, to the north of Greece and Turkey, has been a holiday destination favoured by Eastern Europeans for years; it's only fairly recently that this fascinating country has opened its doors to the rest of the world. Dramatic mountain ranges, fine sandy beaches, natural mineral springs and authentic rural villages are just a handful of Bulgaria's inherent charms which have been winning the hearts of holidaymakers and property buyers alike.

"The majority of our clients buying property in Bulgaria are looking for investment property; another large group of clients focus on holiday and second homes, often with a view to retirement in later years." says Mr. Anderson. "At Stara Planina Properties, we are able to source a variety of properties within different price bands covering rural, coastal, ski and city locations. So whatever our clients require, we endeavour to locate suitable properties for viewing."

Sunset in Varna, Bulgaria

Stara Planina Properties, established in 1998, was the first British-owned company of its kind in Bulgaria, offering a range of services for foreign property buyers. The two co-founders both worked as urban planners and researchers in London before being engaged by the United Nations to direct the European Union supported project called Beautiful Bulgaria renovating historical and tourist sites around Bulgaria. During this period, they developed a deep attachment to the country, its people and the way of life.

"As a traditional holiday destination, Bulgaria has a variety of attractions to offer visitors including some of the most unspoilt countryside in Europe," explains Mr. Anderson.

"The country offers property buyers a variety of settings and lifestyle options and with the EU investing millions of Euros into upgrading the country's infrastructure - roads, airports and so forth - as well as schemes such as the Beautiful Bulgaria Project, now is the ideal time to invest. New private investment also looks set to bring Bulgaria in line with its European neighbours in the near future."

Stara Planina Properties provide tailor-made agency, legal, management and consultancy services to assist anyone thinking of purchasing property in Bulgaria.

Beach in Varna, Bulgaria

While the agency helps clients find and secure their holiday or retirement home by locating the best properties on the market at the local price, the company's legal service provides clients with important advice and helps with the completion of all the necessary legal paperwork.

Once a buyer has bought their home, Stara Planina Properties' management service ensures that the company's partner, Bulgarian Property Management Ltd., looks after the property and manages it while clients are away, and if a client wishes to let their property and earn extra income while they're away, the company can help with that too.

Finally, the consultancy element offers bespoke services to anyone interested in commercial investments such as hotels, restaurants and land plots.

"In addition to our core services, we also offer inspection trips to Bulgaria for anyone considering buying property in this great country," says Mr. Anderson. "We just want to make the purchase process as straightforward as possible so people can find their ideal property and start enjoying the benefits of this amazing place."

Stara Planina Properties are specialists in the sale of Bulgarian property, being the first British-owned company of its kind in the country, servicing the needs of foreign property buyers.

Click here to view the company's range of properties