With spectacular countryside, sparkling beaches and charming towns and villages, Bulgaria is a popular choice with international buyers looking for a low-cost and healthy life abroad.

So, where should you buy and how affordable is it really? Let’s explore this beautiful country further…

Location and landscape

Set in south-eastern Europe, Bulgaria is one of the twelve countries that make up the Balkans.

Brimming with history and culture, it is one of the oldest states in Europe. Reminders of its long and interesting past include Roman architecture and ancient Thracian tombs. The capital, Sofia, is grand and stately, with broad boulevards in a characteristic yellow brick.

Bulgaria is roughly the size of England but has a population of just 7 million, so its landscape is wild, gorgeous and relatively empty! Lush forests and flower-filled meadows blanket the mountainsides, winding down towards sparkling glacier lakes and interspersed with villages and hamlets. There are seven mountain ranges in total – offering outstanding and affordable skiing – each home to a unique variety of flora and fauna.

Some of the larger wildlife that you might see (from afar!) include wolves, bears and lynxes. This is an unspoiled and exciting country where shepherds still work in the hills alongside their awe-inspiring Bulgarian shepherd dogs protecting their flocks.

When it comes to beaches, Bulgaria doesn’t disappoint either. Along the east coast you’ll find endless sandy beaches lapped by the crystal-clear Black Sea.

Notable buying spots

Whether you’re looking for a lively tourist resort or a more secluded spot, there is something for everyone.

In terms of beachside living, there are two main coastal cities: Varna and Burgas. Varna is a cosmopolitan city with plenty of green space and a large promenade lined with bars and restaurants. Burgas, on the other hand, is slightly less busy. It has a lovely beach and is popular with nature lovers – there are four lakes nearby that attract a plethora of birds and other wildlife.

There are also several coastal resorts – one of the more well-known ones is Primorsko, but if you’d prefer a quieter seaside location, try the fishing town of Balchik.

On the other side of the country is the capital, Sofia. This charming city of 1.2 million offers a wonderful lifestyle, with as sophisticated culture, restaurants and nightlife as any other capital, but much more affordable and with mountains on the doorstep. No wonder it is attracting expats.

Bulgaria accommodates for skiers too. Often overlooked, Bulgaria is an affordable, yet equally as beautiful, alternative to other popular ski destinations. The resorts particularly cater for beginners or intermediate skiers. One of the largest ski resorts is Bansko, which lies at the foot of the Pirin mountains.

The lifestyle

Life in Bulgaria really is what you make it. With mild year-round temperatures, it is the perfect place for nature lovers and active expats.

For some, the tiny traditional villages offer a welcome break from the bustle of modern life. You’ll find pockets of expats living in villages close to larger towns like Veliko Tarnovo and Dobrich. Life in these villages is slow, laid-back and almost feels like time has stopped.

On the other hand, there are the larger cities which offer a vibrant and more fast-paced lifestyle. In fact, Bulgaria is quickly becoming a hub for digital nomads (remote workers who work from different locations) and is a trendy spot for young professionals who are taking advantage of the country’s lower cost of living (approximately 50% lower than in the UK).

Wherever you decide to buy, if you intend to live there it would be a good idea to learn some Bulgarian at least to a basic level as English is not so widely spoken in Bulgaria.

Bulgarians are a friendly bunch, and even more so when you make the effort to learn their language!

Property

The main types of property in Bulgaria are city and beachside apartments, townhouses and detached houses with land.

International buyers are often charmed by Bulgarian properties due to their quaint and rustic appearance and are pleasantly surprised when they see the prices.

If you’re looking for a doer-upper in the countryside you can find 2- and 3-bedroom homes for under £20,000, just outside of Varna.

Near the ski resort of Borovets, which is about an hour from Sofia, you can find renovated one-bedroom apartments for around £30,000 and large ski chalets for £130,000.

In Sofia itself, prices are a little higher, with smaller apartments starting from around £90,000. There are, of course, some very luxurious apartments that can reach near £600,000.

Getting there

Bulgaria is well connected to the UK, with cheap non-stop flights from London, Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, Nottingham and Edinburgh. Flight time is around three hours.

There are five international airports in Bulgaria that you can fly into, although the main one is Sofia International Airport.