Despite Restrictions, Housing Loans in Bulgaria Continue to Surge
Despite the measures imposed by the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB), housing lending in Bulgaria continues to rise rapidly
According to the latest Global Property Index from international consulting firm Deloitte, Bulgaria boasts the highest number of dwellings per 1,000 people in Europe, with 668 homes for every 1,000 citizens.
Spain follows in second place with 559 dwellings per 1,000 people, while France ranks third with 553. Countries like Germany, Belgium, and Norway, which are often considered more economically developed, fall significantly behind. At the lower end of the spectrum are Greece, Israel, and Great Britain.
Experts note that this high ratio of dwellings creates significant profit potential in the Bulgarian real estate market. Bulgaria stands out among 24 European countries in terms of housing availability.
In the past six months, housing prices in Sofia have risen by 12%, indicating a consistent and stable increase in property values in the capital and other major cities, according to market analysts cited by BNR.
The stability and predictability of the market appeal not only to individual buyers but also to large investors, drawn by a range of luxury developments, holiday homes, and commercial properties.
Experts emphasize that the abundant supply of diverse property types fosters investment opportunities and mitigates risks associated with capital concentration in specific markets or segments. Additionally, they suggest that Bulgaria is becoming a favored destination for investments, aided by low construction restrictions that allow for innovative projects featuring modern, energy-efficient solutions.
The cost of housing in Bulgaria has surged dramatically in recent years
Rents in Sofia, Varna, and Burgas are seeing significant growth, but they remain among the most affordable in Europe
If Bulgaria adopts the euro in July 2025, property prices are expected to rise further
In the third quarter of 2024, housing prices in Bulgaria saw a notable rise of 16.5% compared to the same period last year
The real estate market in Sofia remains robust as the year draws to a close
Housing affordability in Sofia has improved since the pandemic, making it one of the few capitals in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) to experience this positive trend
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