A new tendency can be observed on the Bulgarian property market. Increasing number of real estate seekers prefer to purchase property in the villages located close to Bulgaria’s capital instead of apartments in Sofia.

Villages located up to 30km away from Sofia offer houses at affordable prices and attract the attention mainly of young families unwilling to risk with untraditional purchase, Darik Radio reported.

Apartments in Sofia maintained unreasonably high prices, even when the construction quality was lower, Darik reported. Modern buildings cost more and to bring prices down constructors offer unfinished apartments for sale.

The Iskar gorge region offers property at affordable prices, mainly villas that do not require major restructuring. Prices of villas in regions close to Sofia vary from 10 000 to 50 000 euro.

Young families were interested in the acquisition of villas and the modification of such into permanent residence. Transportation to the capital was unproblematic due to the speed of trains and the expected completion of Sofia’s underground, property agents said.

Though property analysts predict decrease in the price of Sofia apartments in the end of 2006, the number of investors willing to buy such is not expected to increase significantly.