Invest in Bulgaria

'Low cost of living. Lovely countryside. Blinkin' cheap, despite annual price rises of 25-35%. Great climate with proper seasons. Accession to the EU next year.' The Guardian '06

Why Bulgaria?

• One of the Top 10 holiday hotspots for the last 2 years
• Beautiful countryside, historic towns and over 350 km of sandy coastline
• Offers a flourishing property market with low prices
• Property growth nearly 50% in hotspots
• A thriving economy
• Stable, forward-thinking political democracy
• Gained EU accession in January 2007
• Economic growth over 5.5% per annum
• Stable currency pegged to the euro
• One of Europe's most competitive tax regimes

TOURISM

Domestic property demand is growing
The market is not only being driven up by foreign investors but by Bulgarians too. As more money is flowing into the domestic market, property prices are being pushed up.

Low cost holidays
Both ski and beach breaks in Bulgaria are as much as a third cheaper than a holiday in Greece, Spain or France and Bulgaria's tourist hotspots have had millions poured into them in recent years. The ski resorts shine with a many new facilities while the coast benefits from burgeoning modern amenities.

Easy access
Flights into Sofia, Varna, Bourgas and Plovdiv are set to increase. With the signing of an 'Open Skies' agreement in September 2005 more low cost airlines are able to fly into Bulgaria.

ECONOMY

The economy is thriving
The economy (GDP) has been increasing by 4-6% every year, growing in a continual and sustainable way for the past seven years. Foreign Direct Investment in 2004 was nearly US$1.4 billion, and the Lev, the national currency, has been pegged to the Euro. Crucially, GDP per person has increased massively, rising 24% between 1999 and 2002.

EU integration
Bulgaria's is progressing steadily towards EU accession, which has already lead to an improvement in the business environment. When Bulgaria joins the EU, it will gain access to markets of over 500 million consumers.

Mortgages and borrowing
As late as 5 years ago, mortgages didn't exist in Bulgaria. Last year the uptake of mortgages by Bulgarians grew by a massive 150% and this still represents a tiny fraction (2% of GDP) of the potential. Compare that with 40% GDP in the UK. This means Bulgarians will be influencing the growth in property values over the coming years..

POLITICS

Bulgaria is a thriving parliamentary democracy with a wide range of parties operating across the whole political spectrum. With all of them fighting for the middle ground, this is clear evidence of political stability.