Increases in the cost of living and real estate prices, in traditional European holiday destinations, are encouraging many holidaymakers and people thinking of moving abroad to consider cheaper 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 the southeast of 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 southern France, 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 vacation and expatriate 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 dazzling landscapes, ranging from seemingly endless fields of wheat and sunflowers, 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 most Bulgarian 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, and the needs of crops and livestock. Many local farmers continue to engage in their day to day activities, in the same way their predecessors did generations ago, and in the process maintain skills and traditional agricultural practices long since lost in other parts of the continent.

Peaceful and pleasant surroundings, 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 a desirable place for part-time or permanent residence; and is undeniably alluring to individuals and families on average or modest incomes, the retired, and for those in search of more genuine or detached life-styles. British, Irish, German, Swedish, South African, Australian and Spanish citizens compose part of the broad spectrum of nationalities that have purchased in the Yambol and Turnovo regions.

Moreover, the relatively low cost of houses and rural plots/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 interest in these less publicized parts of Bulgaria, comes the inevitable increase in the value of property. New-builds and 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 renovation processes. Alternatively, investing in urban plots/land and new residential projects, in and around provincial capitals, primarily aimed at the domestic market, is another interesting option, as they are relatively inexpensive, and demand for them is fuelled by current trends in rural-to-urban migration.

Increasing numbers of foreign families are choosing to purchase a holiday home in rural areas of central and south eastern Bulgaria. A small two storey rural house with 3 bedrooms, and a ? acre garden can be bought, renovated and furnished to an acceptable standard, for as little as 30.000-35.000 Euros. If compared to similarly priced investments, such as the cost of purchasing and maintaining a 6 berth caravan in a trailer park 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 southern European holiday destinations, and a choice of schedule, charter and low-cost airlines/carriers to travel with, Bulgaria is easily accessible from most UK and European airports. (Owning a second home abroad, and thus 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).

The extremely 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, aqua parks and pools, excursions and picnics, horse riding, fishing, hunting, golf, visits to local vineyards, nature reserves, monasteries, archaeological sites are but a few of the activities on offer. 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.

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

EU integration has led to the signing of international agreements and movements towards the harmonization of subjects such as banking, insurance, and health care. A significant rise in levels of investment coming from the Bulgarian central government, foreign businesses, and Brussels, is helping the regions of the interior of Bulgaria to prosper. Increased accessibility, as a result on going improvements to infrastructure, and the proximity 5 international airports (Sofia, Varna, Burgas, Plovdiv and Budapest) are making it relatively easy to travel to and from central or south eastern Bulgaria. Most provincial capitals in Bulgaria, have seen the arrival of many multinational corporations, foreign banks, service stations, and supermarket and DIY chains, providing a wide variety of domestic and international goods and services.

Since the fall of communism, English has become the chosen second language, and the fact that it is spoken by many young Bulgarians, is helping to bridge the language gap. Bulgarian based, news papers and magazines printed in English and their on-line versions www.sofiaecho.com, www.questbulgaria.com, www.novinite.com , satellite TV and the internet, are allowing many of those that chose to move here to keep up to date with events in Bulgaria and in their home countries; as well as regularly in touch with friends and family back at home. Many foreign residents have inevitably opened small businesses intended to service the needs of other foreigners; bars and restaurants, shops, kennels, mechanics, building and renovation services, and (your author’s choice) property sales, are providing incomes for many of those who have chosen to settle in Bulgaria.

The Bulgarian countryside is, slowly but surely, attracting ever more, full or part-time foreign residents; and small communities of expats have begun to appear in central and south eastern Bulgaria, along the Black Sea coast and near the major ski resorts. It is calculated that over 2000 foreigners have applied for permanent residence permits in the provinces of Yambol and Veliko Turnovo, over the last 4 years. (The number of non-Bulgarians, that actually own a property in these regions been considerably higher). Of those who are deciding to permanently reside in Rural Bulgaria, some initially bought, what they thought would be a holiday property. Others, have deliberately left their home countries, somewhat disillusioned with the current state of affairs, and have found in rural Bulgaria more rewarding and affordable life styles.

At the same time, many older 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 along way in BG, are choosing the Bulgarian countryside for extended holidays or second residence. In other cases, some people that already own a property, or permanently live in other southern European countries are viewing the pleasant and green Bulgarian summers as an alternative to the sweltering heat of July and August in more southern latitudes.

Rural Bulgaria also offers those wanting to get away from “stresses” of office or factory life in the overpopulated environments of Western Europe, the chance to pursue more simple and peaceful existences. Rural Bulgaria lends itself small projects in organic gardening and farming, eco-tourism, hostels and bed & breakfasts, and other pursuits such as living-of-the-land, and dabbling with renewable energy and bio-edification. Modern telecommunications, is allowing many western professionals (artists, writers, even college professors) to live more contemplative and detached lifestyles, without compromising their carriers.