Despite being one of the 27 member states of the EU, Bulgaria has for most of its time within the union been an afterthought to expats, looking for a better way of life. However, this lack of attention should be considered criminal – as this Eastern European nation has somehow managed to not only be the best kept secret in the entire region, but quite simply become one of the best nations to move to on the planet – period. This is part of what has made savvy investors, those who already know of this Balkan jewel’s true worth, very interested in looking into the best cities for property investment in Bulgaria.
Sitting at continental Europe’s south-eastern most point, bordering Greece and Turkey to the south, the beautiful Black Sea to the east, Romania to the north, and Serbia to the west, Bulgaria sits at the heart of the historically significant Thracian Peninsula – making this country not only one of the oldest in the world, but also one of the most interesting. But Bulgaria’s incredible past is not the only thing going for it – as in the modern day, this Eastern European gem has quickly risen and developed into one of the most gorgeous, affordable, and interesting places to invest, move to, or visit on the entire continent.
Although I must admit, there may be a tinge of bias here (considering I am part Bulgarian!), after having visited most of the nations in the Balkans, as well as lived in both Bulgaria itself, Turkey, and Montenegro, it really must be said that this Eastern European nation is truly one of the best places to relocate and invest in the entire region – I have been absolutely stunned by it, full stop.
But what are the best cities for property investment in Bulgaria ? Well, after having spent significant time this year back in the country of my lineage, I’ve done the ground-work and research, so that you don’t have to. So without further ado, here are my top 5 best cities for property investment in Bulgaria!
#1: Plovdiv
Although most lists would start off with Bulgaria’s capital city, I decided instead to begin with the nation’s ancient capital instead – as it is my personal favorite place of residence in the entire country, as well as one of the best cities for property investment in Bulgaria. Having been recently revitalized by being named the European Capital of Culture in 2019, Plovdiv has quickly become one of the most peaceful, beautiful, and safe cities in all of Eastern Europe – as well as one of the most attractive places for investment in the entire region.
Imagine walking through cobblestone streets of the oldest city in all of Europe, bedecked by colorful houses, friendly families and people, before sitting down at a cafe and admiring the view of the many (many!) Roman ruins dotting the city landscape, all so well preserved – including one of the most gorgeous ancient theaters, that still runs shows to this very day, with some of the best acoustics anywhere.
Ultimately, this is just a taste of what you can plan to experience if you choose to live or invest in Plovdiv – easily one of the best cultural capitals in Eastern Europe, and one of the absolutely best cities for property investment in Bulgaria!
#2: Sofia
Moving from the ancient capital to the modern one, my close second favorite city in the country, and another one of the best cities for property investment in Bulgaria, is Sofia. Set in the western half of the country, this lovely capital sits at the foothills of the imposing Mt. Vitosha, ensuring gorgeous mountain views from many locations within the city, let alone the architectural sights and delights to be seen, such as the world famous St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral for starters.
With some of the cheapest real estate for a capital city within the European Union (starting around $1300/sq mt), Sofia, like Plovdiv, manages to honor its ancient heritage by preserving and integrating the many ruins that strut across its landscape into the modern core of its city, like few other places on Earth. Add in modern shopping centers, amazing and diverse options for food, fantastic entertainment and nightlife, and you suddenly get one of the best value cities to invest, work, and live anywhere in Europe.
Simply put, Sofia, like Bulgaria, has been highly underrated as a great place for expat life, and investor money for far too long, and definitely deserves to mark high on your list of best cities for property investment in Bulgaria, let alone Eastern Europe as a whole!
#3: Burgas
Moving across the country to Bulgaria’s southern-east most tip, and you find the Black Sea coastal city of Burgas, yet another one of the best cities for property investment in Bulgaria. Although various tourists in Europe having been coming to visit Bulgaria’s beaches for many years now, Burgas maintains a charm that other places on the coast, like Sunny Beach for example, simply lack due to years of wear and tear, let alone over-crowding during the peak season.
None of that seems to be a problem in Burgas, as the city maintains one of the most beautiful coastal parks and beaches in the entire region, called the Sea Garden, with views from the coast more reminiscent of parts of Thailand then anywhere you would consider in Eastern Europe! Although Burgas isn’t my favorite place to live in Bulgaria, as it does lack a certain charm that makes both Sofia and Plovdiv really shine, it certainly ranks highly for investment, especially for great deals on good quality beach front property.
If you are looking to put your money in a nice beach town that attracts visitors all year round, and has great connections to both Sofia and Istanbul, then look no further – make sure to consider Burgas on your list of best cities for property investment in Bulgaria.
#4: Varna
Meanwhile, if you are looking for a bit more excitement, better and more diverse food and entertainment options, but still want a taste of the Black Sea, then look a bit further north to the larger coastal city of Varna – another one of the best cities for property investment in Bulgaria. Standing as the country’s third biggest city, as well as it’s largest port, Varna is truly one of Bulgaria’s shining gems – as well as my personal favorite city on the nation’s coastline for both property investment, and lifestyle choice.
Despite not having as nice a beach as Burgas, Varna is a short drive away from the peaceful seaside resort town of Balchik, near the Romanian border, while within the city, fantastic cafe culture, friendly people, and gorgeous architecture awaits – all tinged with a pretty blue hue of the Black Sea below. Varna is also well connected to the rest of the country via its own airport, which also has limited international flights to various cities within the region.
Essentially, if you are looking for a bit more action with your sea view, and may even wish to consider living in the same city where you wish to grow your investment portfolio, then definitely give Varna a try – one of the nicest cities on the Black Sea, and one of the best cities for property investment in Bulgaria.
#5: Bansko
Finally, my last pick for best cities for property investment in Bulgaria would have to be the gorgeous ski resort of Bansko, back over on the western side of the country. Hidden away between the Rhodope and Pirin mountain ranges, Bansko has quickly and quietly become known as one of the best value spots for winter sports in all of Europe, as well as a hotspot for many digital nomads, looking for a lovely, cool destination to live and work in the foothills of one of the continent’s most gorgeous mountainsides.
Although Bansko is definitely a more seasonal destination then the other cities on this list, and thus rental yields on investment properties may be affected somewhat by the shorter potential earning season, this shouldn’t be enough to scare off potential investors from Bansko – as with the rising tide of digital nomads, as well as year-round local tourism, makes this ski resort town still a very attractive place for economic opportunity, and very affordable real estate in a charming mountain town.
Ultimately, if you like snow more than sand, and may even wish to live part the year in your lovely investment property in one of the premier value spots for skiing and snowboarding in all of Europe, then look no further – Bansko is not only for you, but also one of the best cities for property investment in Bulgaria, as well as for digital nomads, looking for a great place to chill out, and stay a while too.
DESTINATION: Bulgaria, A Beautiful & Mysterious Balkan Jewel
Having had the chance to live in the land of my heritage now on two, separate occasions, over a decade apart, I’ve had the great pleasure of being able to see just how much Bulgaria has changed for the better over the years, into becoming what should easily be considered one of the best places to live in all of Eastern Europe, let alone the continent as a whole. In fact, I’ve written an in-depth article about my top reasons why Bulgaria as a country is one of the best places to live in the region right here!
It simply has to go without saying that Bulgaria punches well above its weight when it comes to natural beauty, friendly people, great food, and some of the most affordable investment opportunities in all of Europe – and I highly recommend not only all of these best cities for property investment in Bulgaria, but also a move or visit for any traveler, expat, or retiree looking for a better way of life.
There are few places where the charm of a more peaceful, perfect world may truly exist – but if the mirage and dream can be truly found on planet Earth, then Bulgaria must definitely be one of those places, and one of my favorite places to live, work, and travel to in Eastern Europe, and in the world.
If you are considering living in Bulgaria, or would like to consider more options in the region to compare the best cities for property investment in Bulgaria to, then why not check out another one of my deep dives into the best places to live in all of Eastern Europe right here? You won’t be disappointed!