Bulgaria's property market is expected to significantly increase its appeal following the country's accession to the European Union. Photo by Yuliana Nikolova (Sofia Photo Agency)
Average price levels of residential properties on Bulgarian middle market will increase by 5-10% in 2007, experts say.
Luxurious newly built apartments and properties at key locations will command a higher increase in prices - an average of 15%, according to realtors' forecasts for the country's first year of EU membership, cited by 24 Hours daily.
Low prices, long-term investment prospects and changes in lifestyle fuelled record-high property sales in Bulgaria for 2006.
The year-end count of transactions is forecast to reach 260,000 at a combined value of more than EUR 5 B, according to figures of BulgarianProperties.com, partner of foreign property buyers in Bulgaria.
The experts comment that following the massive 25% to 30% annual capital gains of recent years, Bulgaria's property market is now showing a much more realistic growth rate of 15% so far this year, setting the pattern for more predictable and sustainable long-term investment.