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Where To answer this it is imperative that you first carefully define your objectives. Are you seeking a holiday or retirement home, capital growth or rental return - or a combination of any two or more of these requirements. I remain astonished by the number of Brits, beguiled by low prices and the promise of huge returns, who - with severely limited local knowledge - simply buy online. A dangerous practice! Spotting opportunities at the right price and the ability to take a calculated risk are key requisites for any entrepreneur but Research, Appraisal and Evaluation will always be key weapons for the successful investor. A Marketor will commence his / her appraisal by defining the needs of the consumer in order to define precisely the attributes of the product. In this context the consumer is, of course, the person or persons who will be occupying the property (as buyer or tenant). In Bulgaria, as in so much of the rest of this rapidly developing world, the young are leaving the perceived drudgery and poverty associated with farming the land to seek new jobs in the cities. As a consequence there is a glut of traditional properties in picturesque rural locations - at ridiculous prices But think carefully. Such a property will require upgrading. Do you have the necesssary project management ability? It will require maintenance in your absence, at least of the garden. It is possible to come to an arrangement with a neighbour but in a more rural location your neighbours may not, quite understandably, speak English (Just how good is your Bulgarian?). If the location is poorly served by public transport will you not require a vehicle? If so someone will have to maintain it during your absence if it's going to start when you need it. If you have the time and detemination the rewards are great but it's not surprising that thousands of Brits (and Germans, and the French, and the Russians) are taking the far easier option - and buying into new purpose built apartments, often off-plan. These frequently come fully kitted out and when you compare their prices with the whole of the rest of Europe appear extremely attractive investments. And so they should be - providing you've bought in the right place. But what constitutes the 'right place'? This depends upon what you or your tenants are seeking. Is it nightlife, sea, good food, culture (which abounds in plenty throughout Bulgaria), golf, activity pursuits (horse riding, mountain biking, sailing or sail boarding for example), hiking, bird watching, peace and quiet.........? How close is the location to an airport? Careful consideration of these factors will assist those seeking short term growth. I have always believed, however, that property should be a long term (ideally 10 years) investment. If you share this view you should consider not just the location as it is now - but its potential.Will it go up - or could it go down? Remember the Costas. Is there an over supply of similar property, a proper infrastructure, planning control, density management, a good overview? These are just some of many issues for the prudent investor. New properties are generally sold at so many Euros per metre. It is therefore necessary to consider that thorny old question - furiously debated by men and women over the centuries - Is it size that counts or how you use it? Look carefully at the layout (of the apartment - Ed). A studio compared to a one bed flat of comparable space may well provide greater flexibility and with less useless wall space a much greater feeling of space. Great if you're a couple. Not so good if you have two teenage children or frequent guests. Total price depends upon total metres. Look carefully at how that space is utilised. Space however is not just the internal dimension but the balcony and some 'public' space in the entrance corridor. Check these allocations carefully and consider the value of external space such as the balcony. Your lifestyle will determine whether you spend much time living and feeding the barbie there - or indeed not using it at all. Many apartments come with a fully fitted kitchen. Given the low cost of eating out do you want it? Is it really worth the hassle of washing up? With a large family you may have no choice - but if you do intend to use the kitchen frequently think carefully about its location. We visited various third and fourth floor flats with the kitchen adjacent to the entrance. Given that most fires start in the kitchen this just might be 'Big Valhalla' for lovers of deep fried chips and a beer or two too many. The purpose of this missive is not to deter. We think the Bulgaria Coast offers wonderful opportunities and a great summer lifestyle. We simply seek to ensure that you receive maximum benefit from your investment.
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