Vacation properties in Bulgaria become an increasingly expensive acquisition

Prices for holiday properties on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast have grown by around 30% on an annual basis. If in 2024 properties in the most desirable resorts were still at levels below 2,000 euros/sq m, in 2025 prices already steadily exceed this threshold. This is evident from a report compiled by the construction and investment company Green Life Development & Resorts.

Although vacation homes are "catching up" with urban properties, their prices are still significantly lower. They are about 20-30% lower than those of a high-quality apartment in Sofia, for example," commented Ekaterina Zhelyapova, commercial director of the company.

What kind of apartments are most in demand?

Buyers in the Bulgarian holiday property market mostly seek one-bedroom apartments, while families with more children are looking for two-bedroom apartments or villas in gated complexes with swimming pools. Currently, prices for one-bedroom apartments stand at around 120,000 euros, and for two-bedroom apartments - around 180,000 euros.  

According to the report, generous lending and affordable mortgages are playing an increasingly favorable role in the holiday property market.

More and more young families, when purchasing a vacation property, rely on bank loans. Remote work continues to be a factor in the Bulgarian labor market. This allows many people to combine their family vacation with their professional obligations," says Zhelyapova.

According to her, another key factor in the development of the vacation property market is the rising prices of standard hotel vacations.

These clients see that investing in their own vacation home is significantly more beneficial," she says.

According to her company's analysis, the growth in prices and demand will continue, driven by several factors. One is Bulgaria's Schengen zone membership. Gradually, Bulgaria is changing its image, from a secondary tourist destination to a place that is starting to rival Spain and even Italy, while in terms of prices, it retains its competitive advantage.

The second clearly emerging reason is the expected cessation of hostilities in Ukraine, which is a prerequisite for the return of Russian-speaking customers - this, on the one hand, will limit sales on the secondary market, and on the other, will increase new demand.

Purchasing a vacation property in Bulgaria is now an opportunity for foreign buyers to have their own home on the seashore and within the Schengen area," Zhelyapova points out.

According to her, investment interest in the Bulgarian holiday market will grow, and with it, prices.

Which are the most sought-after locations for purchase?

Buyers’ profiles remain stable, the company's data also shows. The most active group is people between the ages of 35 and 45.

These are buyers from various fields of work - middle and high-level management in Bulgarian and foreign companies, SME owners, as well as people working in the fields of law, healthcare and education.

Sozopol remains a favorite among buyers oriented towards the Black Sea Coast. For this reason, the picturesque town is increasingly attracting the ambitions of construction developers.

Four large-scale holiday projects are currently being built in the municipality, and this dynamically influences its image and appearance. Traditionally one of the most well-known holiday destinations on the Bulgarian Black Sea, Sozopol remains a strong attraction for tourists. Key factors for this are the easy access, developed infrastructure, beautiful nature and the historical and cultural heritage of the city. The year-round tourist flow and the festival culture of the city make it a good investment choice.

Translated by Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov