More than just square meters: What are buyers looking for in the 2025 Sofia real estate market?

"Our clients are looking not just for square meters, but also for quality, security and an integrated living environment." These were the words of Radoslav Kotlarov, the CEO of GBS Invest and Managing Director of GHome, spoken during the Residential Forum 2025. During the event, representatives of the housing sector discussed the latest trends among real estate buyers in Bulgaria and market forecasts in the context of the country’s expected accession to the eurozone.

The sector concluded that customer priorities changed, from the initial focus on location to the overall quality of the product and the living environment.

They no longer only ask “Where?”, now they ask, “What do I get?” A good project can create a good location around itself. An example of this is Mladost (ed. a district in Sofia) – an example of a 15-minute city where logistical, social and commercial infrastructure are integrated,” said Kotlarov.

Photo: Ivan Miladinov

He reminded the audience that GHome had launched a large-scale mixed-use project in Mladost 4, right next to Sofia Business Park.

It will offer a living and working environment, as well as access to all the necessary social infrastructure," said Radoslav Kotlarov.

Development of housing projects

Large cities continue to be key points for the development of new residential projects. The strong interest in the Mladost district, for example, is due to its well-developed infrastructure and public transport links, making it a preferred location for young families and professionals.

In Mladost 4, we are creating a new type of environment that not only provides residential spaces but also adds value through integrated areas for work, recreation, sports and social activities. Quality projects create new sustainable urban areas that build on existing locations," added Kotlarov.

The Hladilnika district and Srebarna Street in Sofia used to be industrial zones, and now they are hot spots for living and investing. Twin Tower, another landmark project of Glavbolgarstroy and Smart Consultants, reflects the global trend towards complex and functional solutions in modern urban housing construction, which is being implemented at Srebarna Street 28. The extra amenities that buyers are looking for are no longer just an addition. Shared workspaces, sports areas, and dining and socializing areas are all becoming a mandatory part of any modern residential project.

Proof that Sofia can implement projects that create locations with added value for entire neighborhoods is G Tower, which has already become a household name for the residents and visitors of the Ovcha Kupel district. Soon, G Residence, in the immediate vicinity, will also be built. It was designed in line with the principles of the Ghome developers for the modernization of public spaces, added value for public needs and in the direction of the development of the urban environment.

What is happening in the Sofia housing market?

According to Kotlarov, the market is currently strongly influenced by emotions and speculative expectations, but after the initial effect of the euro adoption passes, there will be stabilization.

Currently, the market is holding onto people's emotions. Next year, when they see that there will be no drastic change after entering the eurozone, demand will stabilize. Buyers themselves will begin "sanctioning" builders who are not fair or do not offer quality, the number of sales will decrease, and prices will normalize," predicts the executive director of GBS Invest.

There is currently great euphoria due to the dynamic development of the real estate market in Sofia, which leads to the entry of inexperienced developers who tend to buy expensive and overpriced terrains. That’s why 2025 will be critical - it is necessary for buyers to carefully choose their developer and builder in order to guarantee their safety.

We at GHome choose our projects from a long-term perspective. We don't just build, we create sustainable and functional urban spaces," Kotlarov added.

2025 will be a year of transition from euphoric demand to conscious choice for end customers in the Sofia real estate sector. Quality, functionality and the overall concept of projects will be the key factors for market success.

Translated by Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov