Quest Bulgaria Property and Lifestyle Magazine

If you want to buy a property so that you can ski all day, spend evenings in the heart of a European capital city and be close to an international airport then Sofia, Bulgaria ticks all the boxes.

Whilst there are far less property investors out there right now, for Bulgarian property or anywhere else, there are still many lifestyle buyers. Frequently, these are buyers who have savings and are seeing that prices have adjusted, so believe that this is an opportune moment to buy. One of the best choices for a lifestyle purchase is in or near a yachting harbour or marina for long term benefits. With easy access, all facilities, in upmarket and glamorous surroundings, Balchik, on the northern Black Sea coast, offers potential for economic growth, making it increasingly attractive for lifestyle property purchasers. Marina living is highly sought-after as it offers a feeling of exclusivity right on the sea, combining chic and ocean-front.

The Bulgaria property market has received mixed reviews in the media as to whether buyers should look to invest or not. Much of this has occurred due to the frenzied property buying over the last five years with the belief that the market could do nothing but grow. Bulgarian off plan apartments were eagerly bought at whatever price and in whichever location. One could say it has been a case of excessive investment leading to oversupply and no exit strategies. Depending upon what and where they bought, some purchasers have done better than others.

Currently, most UK buyers looking to buy property in Bulgaria are those seeking a holiday home, retirement property or a permanent move rather than investors with their calculators at the ready for making a fast buck. In other words, lifestyle buyers. With so many areas having been 'done to death' by British buyers, who bought at the top of the market, the question now is where to look for quality value-for-money authentic Bulgarian property this year?

The gloom and doom of media coverage seems to have clouded the issues about the strength and value of the Bulgarian property market. According to recent media reports the picture is one of over development, lack of supply and falling prices. Yet buyers from all over the world are still buying all manner of Bulgarian real estate from beachside apartments to rural cottages. Yes, prices have realigned themselves to more realistic levels making it a buyer’s market and this is all the more reason to take a look at what the country has to offer in terms of good value property and land.

Many would-be expats scour the internet looking for the ideal host country; one that suits their personal dreams of a warm climate or year round skiing, a country with investment potential and a population that at least understands English but the defining factor in choosing a new host country ultimately comes down to the cost of the property there and the cost of living. Most people think of emigrating without a country in mind and some, desperate to never return to the UK try more than one country until they find the best to suit their needs.

With the wolf at the door and global property markets plummeting, many might assume that now is the time to get out of the real estate business rather than get into it. Yet the fact is that not everyone is affected by the crisis. Those with secure jobs and high incomes will benefit from falling prices and many believe that when it comes to investment, no matter what the economic outlook, there’s nothing as safe as houses. Diana St John-Palmer realized this when she moved to Bulgaria’s North West four years ago. With such low prices in this wonderful part of the country, Diana has decided to open her own real estate company.