Bulgaria to Cap Markups and Regulate Prices of Essential Goods
The Bulgarian government is introducing new regulations aimed at controlling the prices of 22 essential goods by setting a ceiling
Interest in newly built properties is on the rise, driven by factors such as increasing prosperity, low unemployment rates, and accessible financing options, according to recent analyses by DSK Bank. Buyers are becoming more discerning, prioritizing quality housing in attractive environments. As a result, investors are focusing on properties that offer modern designs, high energy efficiency, and enhanced security and comfort.
Among the emerging trends in the property market, there is a noticeable shift toward three-bedroom apartments and detached houses. Around 40% of home purchases are now for properties built within the last three years, signaling a preference for newer, higher-quality homes that align with growing buyer expectations.
Housing remains an appealing investment, with the average rental yield standing at 4.7%, while mortgage interest rates hover around 2.5%. This provides a net return of roughly 2%. In parallel, wages in Bulgaria have increased by 16% annually, outpacing growth in the eurozone and boosting the affordability of housing.
Rising demand and escalating property prices have led to a 10% increase in the average size of housing loans. The average loan in Bulgaria now stands at BGN 195,000, while in Sofia it reaches BGN 240,000. This reflects both the upward trend in property prices and the stronger financial profiles of buyers.
Mortgage interest rates are expected to remain stable this year, while disposable incomes are likely to continue growing due to a strong labor market and favorable social policies. Additionally, digital services are becoming more prominent in the sector, with more buyers opting for online platforms to search for properties and secure mortgages, streamlining the purchasing process.
Overall, the real estate market shows sustained activity, with newly built homes continuing to be the focal point for prospective buyers.
the last quarter of 2024, the proportion of properties purchased with mortgage loans in Bulgaria grew to 27%, or roughly every third property
The real estate market in Bulgaria experienced notable changes in 2024, with significant price increases and a rise in transaction volumes
Financial expert Kamen Kolchev has advised against investing in real estate, warning that property prices in Bulgaria could drop by up to 20% upon the country’s entry into the eurozone
Foreigners who invested in property in Bulgaria are now facing legal battles after discovering that their homes were sold without their knowledge
In recent months, sales of residential properties in Bulgaria’s major cities have risen sharply
Despite the measures imposed by the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB), housing lending in Bulgaria continues to rise rapidly
Bulgaria's Perperikon: A European Counterpart to Peru's Machu Picchu
Bulgarians Among EU's Least Frequent Vacationers, Struggling with Affordability