Why Bulgaria?

Long post…

I’ve spent hours watching various TV shows, documentaries, and YouTube channels about different countries, destinations, and holiday properties. It would be inaccurate to claim that everywhere else is bad and only Bulgaria is ideal. Bulgaria has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it’s very important to understand these before making any commitment.

Let’s look at a few aspects.

PRICE

Compared with seaside areas in Georgia, Egypt, parts of Cyprus, Albania, and Montenegro, you can find similar price levels. However, Bulgaria is part of the European Union, which provides an additional layer of protection for EU citizens. While the purchase process has some nuances, in general your ownership is secure, and the law protects property rights.

I can also compare from the price perspective with certain regions of Italy, where the nearest airport can be as far as 200 km away. Considering that some airlines operate early morning departures or late-night arrivals to reduce costs, reaching your property can become both challenging and expensive. In contrast, Nessebar, Sunny Beach, and Sveti Vlas are only about a 30-minute drive from the airport, and taxi or transfer services are reasonably priced at any time of day or night.

Location

As mentioned above, Sunny Beach and its surrounding areas are easily accessible from several major airports. Taxis and private transfers are usually the most convenient options. The region also benefits from good connectivity to many European countries, with a wide range of direct seasonal flights.

One of the main disadvantages is that Sunny Beach is a highly seasonal destination. However, an increasing number of people are choosing to live there year-round or visit during the winter months. This trend offers hope that the area will gradually develop into a more attractive and accessible destination throughout the entire year.

In addition, the region offers a unique combination of sea, nearby mountains, and green areas, all within a short driving distance.

PEOPLE

I recently came across a comment on a social media post saying, “I met a few Bulgarians in Ireland, and they do not seem to be nice people.” I personally find this comment unfair. It is not reasonable to judge an entire country or nation based on interactions with only a few individuals. Ireland, like many other countries, has its own social groups and dynamics, which can sometimes create a misleading impression of the country as a whole. The same applies to Spain, Germany, or France.

Many foreign buyers, however, often mention the friendliness and hospitality of Bulgarian people as one of the reasons they feel comfortable returning year after year. Compared to some larger tourist destinations in Europe, Sunny Beach and the surrounding areas often feel more personal, relaxed, and welcoming.

WEATHER

Right. Sunny Beach is a seasonal destination, which means it experiences all four seasons. Summers are warm and sunny, while winters can occasionally bring snow. Spring is typically mild and full of blooming nature, and autumn tends to be cooler with more frequent rain.

ROI – RETURN ON INVESTMENT

The payback period for a standard one-bedroom, 60 m² apartment close to the beach in Sunny Beach is typically around 10 years, taking into account that it is a highly seasonal destination.

By comparison, in places such as mainland Spain, the Canary Islands, or Cyprus, the payback period can extend to 20 years or even longer, even though rental income can be generated year-round rather than only during a 4–5 month season. This difference is largely due to significantly lower initial purchase prices in Sunny Beach for properties offering similar rental potential.

SAFETY

I want to cover two aspects here. The first is personal safety.

Recently, on one of the Sunny Beach Facebook groups, a question was asked about how safe the area is. Almost all comments described it as very safe – some even suggesting it is safer than many other European countries or cities, such as the UK or Ireland.

People often also ask what type of crime is most common in Sunny Beach. Like many busy tourist resorts across Europe, the most typical issues tend to be:

• pickpocketing
• unattended belongings being stolen on the beach
• tourist scams or overcharging during peak season
• occasional disturbances related to nightlife areas

Serious violent crime against tourists or property owners is relatively uncommon, particularly within reputable residential complexes that have security and controlled access.

The second aspect is illegal occupants.

Sunny Beach in Bulgaria is not widely associated with this issue. Any unlawful entry is treated as trespass, and local police will generally act accordingly. In Bulgaria, property rights are strongly protected in principle, and if ownership is clear and uncontested, authorities can respond relatively quickly.

This differs from situations in countries such as Spain, where squatting has become a more well-known issue, or in some parts of Italy where property-related disputes can sometimes be more complex, and owners’ rights may be more difficult to enforce in practice.

‘POOREST EU COUNTRY’

The media often tends to portray Bulgaria in a simplified or negative way, which can sometimes create a distorted impression. Like many countries, Bulgaria has regional differences. Some less urbanised areas may appear more underdeveloped, which can influence perception, but this is not unique to Bulgaria and can be seen in many Eastern European countries.

Outside of major cities, the capital, and key coastal areas, parts of the country may indeed look less developed compared to more modern urban centres. However, this is also reflected in the cost of living. Expenses such as property prices, mortgages, and rent are generally lower, which can make day-to-day life more affordable.

When comparing this with higher-income countries such as Ireland or Austria, where taxation can take a significant portion of income, it can sometimes become challenging for households to maintain a comfortable standard of living despite higher average salaries. As a result, not everyone finds that so-called “wealthier” countries necessarily provide a better overall quality of life. Overall, Bulgaria offers a different balance between cost of living, lifestyle, and development compared to Western Europe, and it’s important to judge it based on specific regions rather than general assumptions. Ultimately, the right choice depends on individual priorities, expectations, and lifestyle goals.