A HOME IN RURAL BULGARIA

Increases in the cost of living and real estate prices, in traditional southern European holiday destinations, are encouraging many holidaymakers and people thinking of moving abroad to consider more affordable alternatives. Britons, in particular, have additionally been affected by recent drops in the value of the pound, significantly reducing their purchasing power overseas.
Since the beginning of the decade, Bulgaria and a number of other ex-communist countries in south-eastern Europe seem to be coming out on top when it comes to value-for-money. Their proximity, climate, varied topography and landscapes, unique cultures, developing economies and infrastructure, and more importantly, low property prices are attracting the same kind of interest there was for Spain, Portugal and other Mediterranean countries, not so long ago.

Bulgaria, without a doubt, has become a household name in recent years, especially its ski resorts and coastal regions, that boast the same offers as their western counterparts, at a fraction of the cost. Bansko, Borovets, Pamporovo, Sunny Beach and Golden Sands, together with urban areas such as Sofia and Varna, have seen the sale of numerous properties, off-plan developments, and plots of land to foreign buyers.
There is, however, an alternative setting in this country that is quietly gaining in popularity. The unspoiled rural regions of the interior, often overlooked by those searching for second homes or profitable real estate investments, are undeniably helping to consolidate, this new EU member, as an emerging holiday and expat destination.

The Bulgarian countryside does not have the dry and barren appearance that characterizes the geography of other southern European countries. Its fertile rural regions are an array of diverse and striking landscapes, ranging from seemingly endless fields of wheat and sunflower, to the vineyards, orchards and pastures of the foothills, and the dense forests and alpine meadows in the mountain regions.
Bulgaria is also fortunate to still have four clearly defined seasons, highlighted by long and pleasantly hot summers, and its winters, that are often accompanied by abundant snow fall. The passing of the year results in an ever-changing scenery, as the lush green of spring is followed by the pastel tones of late summer, and the intense shades of gold, red and auburn in the autumn.

The charm and authentic character of "old Europe" lives-on in the small self-reliant rural communities, that exist throughout Bulgaria. Simple and unpretentious, sum-up the atmosphere in many Bulgarian towns and villages, as modest existences and traditional ways remain relatively undisturbed by the effects of globalization, and mass tourism.
Life in rural Bulgaria is strongly influenced by the seasons, the needs of crops and livestock, and many local farmers continue to engage in their day to day activities, in the same way their predecessors did generations ago, maintaining in the process, skills and traditional agricultural practices long since lost in other parts of the continent.
Rural Bulgarians, like their counterparts the world over, are uncomplicated and hospitable people that are keen to share their customs and traditions with new comers. As a result, far from been indifferent or even resentful towards outsiders, as you sometimes might find in the tried and tested vacation areas, the local response to the presence of foreign expats and holiday home owners is undoubtedly a very positive one.

Tranquil and pleasant surroundings, genuine local hospitality, a variety of possibilities for leisure and relaxation, and more importantly affordability, combine to make the Bulgarian countryside an attractive holiday destination, or desirable place for part-time or permanent residence; and is especially alluring to individuals and families on normal or modest incomes, the retired, and for those in search of more peaceful or detached life-styles.
British, Irish, Australian, South-African/Zimbabwean, Dutch, German, Swedish and Spanish citizens compose part of the broad spectrum of nationalities that are buying homes in the Yambol and Turnovo regions of central and southeastern Bulgaria.

INVESTING IN RURAL BULGARIA

Moreover, the relatively low cost of rural houses and plots of land in Bulgarian towns and villages is also allowing younger investors, who cannot afford to purchase real estate in their home countries, to get-their-foot on the "proverbial" property ladder.

Hand in hand with the growing foreign interest in these less publicized parts of Bulgaria, comes the inevitable increase in the value of property in rural areas. Renovated rural houses, in the right location, can often bring proportionally higher returns than apartments in the larger cities or tourist hot spots. As they are still in short supply, and often prospective buyers are eager to immediately start using or renting-out a property, without getting involved in renovating processes.
Alternatively, buying apartments in new residential projects or urban plots, in and around the expanding Bulgarian provincial capitals, is another potentially lucrative (and often overlooked) investment option, as they are relatively inexpensive, and local demand for them is fuelled by urban development, and current domestic trends in rural-to-urban migration.

HOLIDAY HOMES IN RURAL BULGARIA

Increasing numbers of foreign families (especially British) are choosing to buy holiday properties in rural areas of central and south eastern Bulgaria.

A two storey country house with 3 bedrooms, and a quarter of an acre (1000m²) garden can be bought and renovated to an acceptable standard, for as little as 30.000-35.000 Euros. If compared to similarly priced investments, such as the cost of buying and maintaining a 6 berth caravan in a trailer park in the south of France, or the option of a time-share on one of the Spanish costas, they have and the added advantage of increasing in value, and the appeal of full-ownership. With a flight time, no different to that of other holiday destinations in southern Europe, and a choice of schedule, charter and low-cost airlines to travel with, the Bulgarian countryside is easily accessible from most UK and European airports. (Owning a second home abroad, and therefore knowing where next years holiday is going to be spent, also permits larger families to take advantage of the generous discounts carriers offer when tickets are booked well in advance).

Alongside young families, many retired people from northern Europe, attracted by the tranquility of a rural setting, the clearly Mediterranean climate Bulgaria enjoys between May and September, and the obvious fact that "western pensions" go that that bit further in BG, are choosing the Bulgarian interior for extended holidays or second residence.
In other cases, foreign nationals that already own a property, or permanently live in other southern European countries are viewing the pleasant and green Bulgarian summers as a welcome alternative to the sweltering heat of July and august in more southern latitudes. To many, Bulgaria also brings back memories of the way things once were, in the more commercial expat and holiday destinations along the Mediterranean, before advent of tourism on an industrial scale, rampant property development and the adoption of the Euro.

The surprisingly low cost of living in Bulgaria, allows for holiday budgets to be stretched considerably, and is complemented with a more than acceptable range of options for fun and recreation. Eating-out, excursions and picnics, aqua parks and pools, fishing and other water related leisure activities, horse riding, bird watching, tennis, golf, adventure and extreme sports, as well as visits to local vineyards, nature reserves, monasteries, museums and archaeological sites are but a few of the activities on offer in the rural regions of the interior of the country. Additionally, Bulgaria’s relatively small size (roughly half that of the UK), and its remarkably diverse geography, also means that, a trip to the beach, a weekend in the snow, or visits to Greece and Turkey are within comfortable driving distances.

MOVING TO RURAL BULGARIA

An inexpensive rural house in Bulgaria not only appears to have become an option worth considering, for those looking for affordable holiday homes in south-eastern Europe. The development, this part of the world has seen over the past decade, is making it a promising alternative for those wanting to move abroad.

The signing of international agreements and EU integration, have inevitably led to movements towards the harmonization of subjects such as banking, insurance, and health care; and a significant rise in levels of investment coming from Brussels, the Bulgarian central government, and foreign businesses are helping the regions of the interior of Bulgaria to prosper, and leave behind the somewhat adverse conditions of the post-communist transitional period. Most provincial capitals, have seen the arrival of multinational businesses such as foreign banks, service stations, fast-food outlets, supermarket and DIY chains, etc, providing a wide variety of international goods and services. Increased accessibility, as a result on-going improvements to infrastructure, and the proximity of 5 international airports (Sofia, Varna, Burgas, Plovdiv and Bucharest) are making it relatively easy to travel to and from central or south eastern Bulgaria.

Modern telecommunications like satellite and cable TV, the internet, telephone www.vivacom.bg/en/ and mobile phone operators, www.globul.bg/eng/, www.mtel.bg, www.vivatel.com , and an effective postal service www.bgpost.bg , provide a link to the outside world allowing both visitors and those moving to Bulgaria, to cheaply and regularly keep in touch with friends, family, and events in their home countries.
Bulgarian based news papers and magazines, printed in English, and their on-line versions www.novinite.com, www.sofiaecho.com, www.questbulgaria.com, www.vagabond-bg.com are helping resident expats to keep up to date with current affairs in BG.
Additionally, since the fall of communism, English has replaced Russian as the chosen second language, and is spoken by many young Bulgarians; consequently most bars, restaurants, and practically all medium to large sized businesses (banks, foreign supermarkets, DIY centres, etc) have at least one English speaking member of staff. Bilingual operators are available if the need to contact the emergency services arises (Dial #112), and certified interpreters can be resorted to, for reasonable hourly rates, to assist with official matters. Government agencies, regional authorities and many town halls are also starting to issue a lot of information in English (especially on their internet sites).

As a result, the Bulgarian countryside is, slowly but surely, attracting ever more full or part-time foreign residents; and small communities of expats are beginning to appear in central and south eastern Bulgaria, along the Black Sea coast and near the major ski resorts.
It is calculated that in the Yambol and Veliko Turnovo areas alone, over 2000 foreigners have applied for permanent residence permits, over the last 4 years. (The number of holiday home owners in these regions been significantly higher).
Of those who have opted to move to Bulgaria, some initially bought, what they thought would only be a holiday property. Others have made a conscious decision to leave their home countries, somewhat disillusioned with current socio-economic conditions, and have found in rural Bulgaria more rewarding and affordable life styles.

Many foreign residents have opened small businesses intended to service the needs of holidaymakers, other expats and in many cases the locals as well. Bars and restaurants, shops, B&Bs, kennels, foreign food suppliers, English language teachers, hairdressers, mechanics, building and renovation contractors, landscape gardeners, businesses specializing outdoor recreational activities (fishing, horse riding, hunting, adventure sports, eco-tourism, painting holidays, etc); and your author’s choice, property sales, are some of the occupations that are providing incomes for many of those who have chosen to settle in Bulgaria. In addition, the advent of modern telecommunications, these days allows many professionals to work at considerable distances from their offices or employers. IT specialists, architects, even college professors are currently living in, and exercising their professions, from a home or small farm in rural Bulgaria. For those moving to Bulgaria, and wanting to run a business, the fact that under the current legislation in order for a foreigner to buy a property with land (generally the case in rural BG), inevitably involves the creation of a Bulgarian registered company (Ltd or OOD), fits in very nicely, as it then gives you the right to carry out commercial activities in Bulgaria.

http://ec.europa.eu/youreurope/business/countries/bulgaria/index_en.htm
www.bbcc.bg/en/

Others moving to Bulgaria, are opting for more alternative life styles, such as dabbling with self-sufficiency and living-off the land. An average rural property (house, outbuildings and garden), together with the additional purchase of an acre or two of agricultural land on the outskirts of a village, can more than adequately supply the needs of any prospective self-supporter. This is not only a feasible proposition from a financial standpoint (a small holding can be purchased and maintained for a fraction of what it would cost in western Europe), the "know-how" if you will, is already here as many of the locals have been doing exactly this for most of their lives, and are an inexhaustible source of information (the older generations are very keen to, and often enthusiastically share their knowledge and experience with likeminded individuals).
From a commercial perspective, on the other hand, organically farmed produce, is starting to find its niche in the Bulgarian food markets. www.bulgariansmallholder.com, www.agrolink.org, www.bioselena.com, www.safontwork.org/workshops/ws3/presen/press_SAFO.pdf, www.abibbg.com
Rural Bulgaria is also an affordable playground to experiment with alternative forms of bio-construction (building with recycled or traditional construction materials), as well as tinker with renewable energy generation. www.greenhomebuilding.com, www.strawbale-building.co.uk (no shortage of this stuff in rural BG), www.earthship.net
As a result of favorable EU and domestic government policies the number of companies in Bulgaria that provide solar heating systems, photovoltaic panels, small scale wind generators, and so on is on the increase. www.beerecl.com, www.ecoenergy-bg.net, www.apeebg.org, http://energy.sourceguides.com/businesses/byGeo/byC/Bulgaria/Bulgaria.shtml

The Bulgarian countryside also offers the more creative souls, or those in search of more contemplative and detached existences, an affordable and fitting setting.
Remote, unspoiled, and far from urban contamination and the overpopulated environments of western Europe, yet easily accessible and “expat-friendly”, rural BG is among the best options in the EU, for those wanting to get away from it all; and despite the increasing popularity of some towns and villages, that are attracting considerable numbers of holiday home owners, many communities, and there are plenty of them to chose from, do not have a foreign presence.
Moreover, the pristine and varied landscapes, peace and quiet, and natural sounds that prevail in this tranquil corner of Europe, are unlikely to have an adverse effect on creativity or dampen moments of inspiration. The Bulgarian countryside accordingly provides a desirable backdrop for writers, painters and other artists.