Why Bulgaria?
Bulgaria is a quiet, and largely rural country in SE Europe, about the size of England but with a population of only around 8 million. For years Bulgaria has been a favored holiday destination for Eastern Europeans, but in the recent years it has opened its doors to the rest of the world. Its mountains, beaches and old fashioned rural tranquillity offer a glimpse of Europe which has long since disappeared under the noise of traffic and concrete. Since Channel 4 'A Place in the Sun' was shown the interest in Bulgaria has increased considerably.

What are property prices like in Bulgaria?
Property prices in Bulgaria offer excellent value for money compared to other holiday destinations in Europe. They also offer a good investment considering the long-term prospects for the country. An average seaside villa can be purchased for around 75,000 EUR, with rural properties being offered for even less. Whatever your budget, Bulgaria offers considerably better value for money than any other European holiday destinations. 

What is available on the market?
The majority of our clients are looking for holiday/second homes often with a view to retirement in later years. We are able to source a variety of properties within different price bands including seaside villas, country homes as well as commercial properties. Whatever you require we will endeavor to locate suitable properties for you to view.

What's the weather like?
Weather in Bulgaria makes the country an ideal destination for both - Summer holiday or Winter breaks. If you're looking for guaranteed sun and the atmosphere of the Mediterranean, but without the crowds, then make Black Sea your next destination with more than 300 hours of sunshine in the High season. For those who love mountains - it is here in winter that some of the best skiing in Europe can be enjoyed, with excellent lift facilities and ski runs. Generally summers are longer and warmer (and guaranteed) whilst the winters are shorter but can be more severe. The coastal line has a mild climate and rarely sees snow in winter. For 5 months (May - September) average temperatures are 25 degrees Celsius and often above in the peak summer period.

What is the cost of living?
The cost of living in Bulgaria is the lowest in Europe. Red wine from Melnik (Churchill's favourite) is a pound a bottle. A cooling pint of beer Zagorka at a local pub ('mehana') is 60 Euro cents. Domestic cigarettes are 70 euro cents a packet. A taxi journey costs a Euro. Dinner for two, based on wonderful organic produce, starts from 8 Euro.

Are there any restrictions for foreigners?
According to the Bulgarian Act on Foreign Investment, foreigners can buy buildings but not land. Therefore the most common method for foreigners is to set up a company which then owns the property. We can organize the entire process from start to finish. We expect the law to change within the short to medium term as Bulgaria opens its doors fully in line with its expected entry into the European Union. This historic restriction is one of the reasons why property prices are so competitive compared to Western Europe.

How do we travel to Bulgaria?
Direct international flights are available to the capital Sofia, Varna and Burgas all year round. Direct charter flights to the Black Sea (Varna/Burgas) are available during the spring/summer months. For flights and hotel arrangements you can contact us via our e-mails: knn_yes@yahoo.com and optima_n@abv.bg

Do we need a visa to travel to Bulgaria and how long we can stay?
UK residents automatically receive one month stay entry (free of charge). Longer stays can be arranged locally depending on circumstances. Visa control has been considerably relaxed between the UK and Bulgaria following Bulgaria's invitation to join the European Union and any existing restrictions are likely to be relaxed further making long stays more simple to arrange. For further information please contact the Bulgarian Embassy in London on 0207 584 9400 or check http://www.bulgarianembassy.org.uk/. The British Embassy in Bulgaria also provides information at http://www.british-embassy.bg/.

Tourism in Bulgaria?
As a traditional holiday destination Bulgaria has a variety of attractions to offer visitors including some of the most unspoilt countryside in Europe in contrast to other more famous European destinations. There are many sources of information on Bulgaria among them is 'Bulgaria - The Rough Guide' (ed J Bousfield and D Richardson), 'Eastern Europe - A Lonely Planet Guide' ('Bulgaria - A Lonely Planet Guide' due to be published in 2002) and the Blue Guide to Bulgaria. These are just a few. A good source for history buffs is the Concise History of Bulgaria, Professor Edwards, Oxford University. All good book shops should have a selection.

What are the long-term economic prospects?
Following the changes in 1989 throughout Eastern Europe, Bulgaria has been going through a transformation from a state-controlled economy to an open market economy. Recently the main economic indicators have stabilized. Bulgaria has been invited to join the European Union in 2007. Until then the European Union is investing millions of pounds in upgrading the country's infrastructure - roads, airports and so forth - as well as schemes such as the Beautiful Bulgaria Project targeted at refurbishing the historical architecture and tourist resorts. At the same time, new private investment will bring Bulgaria in line with its European neighbours in the near future. 

What's next?
Keep checking our property pages as they are updated regularly and see if anything interests you. The best thing we find with clients is for them simply to come out and let us show them around. Once here, we find that our clients' priorities and expectations change in light of what they see on the ground. It is easier to cater for these changes when you are in Bulgaria and we are confident that we can find you exactly what you are looking for.