Fri, Feb 10 2012
Bulgaria's real estate market would soon reach its saturation point, while Romania still had options to develop, The Diplomat Bucharest reported.
Some areas in Bulgaria are already over-developed, agents said. Coastal resorts like Sunny Beach experienced over-construction, which in turn affected the plans of investors.
Coastal areas in Bulgaria and Romania, as well as the region surrounding the capital cities offer the best opportunities for property investors. The report, however, said that in Romania the costs are higher.
Bulgaria still features as a more attractive purchase destination but profits in Romania are higher, agents said.
Apart from the residential sector, other property segments in the two countries are developing. The office markets in both countries saw some developments and major transactions recently.
Retail is also gaining momentum in Bulgaria. Some major international brands are considering expanding their market to Bulgaria after a number of malls opened doors in the country, The Diplomat Bucharest reported.
Average market prices of homes in Sofia fell by one per cent in the fourth quarter of 2011 compared to the same period of 2010, according to the Raiffeisen Real Estate Index, as quoted by Klasa daily.
Proportionately, the number of transactions in leva increased as people reacted to speculation that the euro would disappear.
Nearly all banks are ready to finance between 80 per cent and 90 per cent of the price of a home, provided it is a good building in a large city, Bulgarian daily says.
Property prices in Bulgaria were five to 10 per cent lower in 2011 than in 2010, while initial estimates for this year are that they will remain largely unchanged, with transactions remaining at ‘crisis levels’.
Bulgaria’s capital city Sofia ranks 17th, report says, quoting Global Property Guide.