The lack of skilled workers, more expensive construction materials and electricity will bring up construction prices in 2007, Capital weekly reported.

At the same time the market prices of property are not expected to climb up at such high pace because of the increased supply.

Bulgaria would also have to meet European quality requirements, the report said. These demands would also bring up construction prices, property analysts said.

An expected increase would vary between three and five per cent, representatives of the National Construction Federation said.

Apart from the higher standards, EU entry would enable Bulgarian workers find employment in other countries, Capital reported. The country already experiences labour hand shortage.

To keep their employees construction companies will have to offer higher wages. According to construction sector representatives wages would increase until they reached the European levels of 20 euro an hour.