Need advice on Bulgaria

Hi Welshlady,

It seems like you and TOONMAN, know your stuff on Bulgaria!

My Dad has recently retired, and looking for a new focus. I have suggested he buy a property abroad, where he can spend part of the year and perhaps let out too.

He is in his 60%26#39;s enjoys a place with History, culture, arts and good climate, pace of life needs to be a little slower, and have beautiful scenery. Although I don%26#39;t think the heart of %26#39;Sunny Beach%26#39; would be for him, - your excellent and comprehensive reviews I have read! but you mention a place called St Vlas that sounds interesting. What do you think of Bulgaria, Generally ? Could I ask what you know of the country as a whole? ..Whats the weather like throughout the year? That kind of thing, Are the locals friendly? I have researched a little, the economy is stable but not growing especially, and Bulgaria receieves around 5 million tourists a year around 300,000 from UK but none of this research, really tells you the feel of the place. Can you help? This would be very much appreciated.x

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Hi Sundaygirl

I will help all I can and I will give my personal honest opinion on buying a property in Bulgaria.

Having visited the country for many years, we actually did consider buying an apartment some years ago, we are now pleased that we decided not to. The Black Sea coast area is now over developed with empty properties everywhere. Sv Vlas was a small village just outside Sunny Beach but now even though it is still very relaxed has expanded so much over the last few years. Saying that, it has a beautiful Marina area and a good beach and the village itself has many good restaurants. Unlike, Sunny Beach you%26#39;ll find everywhere closed by about midnight. Sv Vlas is also very hilly. It is a village though where local Bulgarians live all year round.

I love the Bulgarian people who are very friendly, and when you get to know them, you find that nothing is too much for them. It does help to learn some of the language though. The holiday season on the coast is from end of May until September. The weather is good during the Summer but can be very cold in the winter.

Remember that buying to let, you would probably have to depend on a management company to look after your property. The only way I would invest there personally would be if I decided to live there all the year round....or win the lottery, of course!!

Before thinking of investing anywhere, its a good idea to visit the area on holiday and get a feel for the place but remember that Bulgaria also has a recession. Be very wary, many property developers are now bankrupt and hundreds of people have lost their money there.

There is a website for BG property owners, www.mybulgaria.com where you may find more info.

If I can be of further help, just ask. Good luck.

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Have to agree with WL. The resort area of SB is vastly over priced compared with just a few miles inland, however, the drawback is that the season lasts from say mid May until mid September.

Letting then has approx only 16 weeks, most of which, if I was retired, I%26#39;d want for myself enjoying the usually decent weather and local hospitality.

I too thoroughly enjoy myself in SB but wouldn%26#39;t buy there.

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Why buy? one can go there, rent a place and stay as much as he likes. Renting for longer periods is cheaper too. One can rent places on the sea or in the mountains and have a different experience. Bulgaria has many spa resorts too with different kinds of mineral waters. This is also an option, although the spa resorts are not luxurious at all, but adequate.