Property crash in Bulgaria?

thanks for that. Do you think prices will go down even further? And which are the "hottest" areas to buy in your opinion?

I beg to differ. For a start there is unlikely to be a commuter belt in any town except Sofia, Burgas and Varna. The whole country has the population of two thirds of London. It is rural and the population will not explode unless outsiders populate the country. What I would stay clear of is non Bulgarian sellers of houses, ie property agents. They , more than the locals know exactly how much to whack on so as not to break the camel's back. The best way to buy is to get a local you know and trust and reward them for their work which is to have an ear on the ground about what is selling. Of course there is a rise in price if you are a gringo, but bargaining is good. Most agents will buy the house for leva and sell to you for the same amount in euros or a lot more. (they double the selling price).
Nice areas in town are no longer bargains and will appreciate slowly.
What you need to do is ask yourself what you want the property to do for you. If you want to invest and not get involved with the community than I do suggest very close to ski or sea resorts. You will get a characterless appartment with neighbours close, sterile shopping malls, western chains and noise and probably crime. Go for it but I prefer a tranquil village that is not trying to be anything other than it is.
My place cost me 2000 euros and I would not have spent more than 8 more to make it to my liking. I avoid British builders because the cost doubles or more.

I think you mean suburbs. to call that place a commuter belt is to imply that Ruse is destined for a renaissance in industry and the like, which it clearly ain't for many many years.
I have yet to meet an agent who does not double up. They are not charities and need to make a living in a saturated market and their agents fees are not enough to sustain a living.
Of course you know Bulgarian builders that are more expensive than Brits . They are chancing it like the brits. But try shopping around and speaking the language, don't drive around in a 4x4 or similar vehicle, don't flash it around and then ask for a quote. Make like you want to be a part of the village and that you will need more work in the future. I have seen so many foreigners in many countries make such a fundamental error.
But you know best and I'm sorry I brought the subject up. I can't argue with an expert on all things Bulgarian. It's good to know you have the finger on the pulse.

Frank you are the one who wants to score points and have the last word. I merely, respectfully pointed out that commuter belt is not appropriate for Ruse. If commuting happens in the area it will be long long after you and I are pushing up daisies. So what investment ? Suburbs are for those who want to be near towns without the commuting. Frank, you are hard work. I therefore bow to your infinitely superior knowledge and will let you carry on informing those who want want to learn. You are obviously the expat advice bureau.
I will retire with the following.

Those who think they know better, really ought to know better.

Frankie shut up you are so boring. Wot are you a surgeon better stick to dissectink frogs lol

I am very new to this site and registered here to learn more about Bulgaria. Who is this Frank person, is he one of the site owners,because he certainly seems to want to argue a lot. I don't go much on his sort of attitude and don't really want to get involved with it either. I found him a little off putting, as his post was the first thing I saw when I came onto the forum. And the other gentleman was only giving his opinion. Anyway I have a retail business in the UK, having thoughts about moving the whole thing to Bulgaria.If there is anyone that has done this and can help me, by telling me was it a good move or not, I will be be pleased for their help.

Many Thanks

We have saying in Turkish
Small peice of nowledge is very dangerous thing, better keep mouth shut. and also
into a shut mouth no fly will enter.
I think very true and revelant.

I am glad you agree with Frank. However you miss the point. Commuting has to do with living elsewhere to work and travelling every day to work. It has little to do with the new proposed Ruse airport or Bucharest, You mena city expansion and therefore suburbs. I am saying that there will not be enough work opportunites created in Ruse for many decades and hterefore no commuting. Yes, people will live outside the city to make use of the amneities but not to work. Consult town planning for the area, you ought to know how to do that, being a builder.
Secondly, I can get excellent work exactly how I want it from local Bulgarians who need the work. Why should I hire a works manager at another 100 leva a day, incur the mistrust of my fellow villagers by alienation and have, as we have seen on this forum somoen who will not and cannot improve on what the builders do anyway. I think when western standards are talked about, it really means a matter of western taste which really does not blend in. I can go into any village and show you the houses owned by brits bec they stand out like bandaged sore thumbs and that is not my idea of building. Discretion, less arrogance is what we all need to take on board.
Many brits in uk single out the differences seen in immigrant communities , so do you really think the Bulgarians don'do the same to us?

The original thread was not about investment but about a good time to buy.Subtle difference, well no, big difference actually. The chap was asking about whether it was a good time to buy. He says nothing about investment tho that might be a by product. I bought at a GOOD TIME but did not look at it as an investment, just a bargain. Maybe he wants to live here. You have made a gross assumption and are upbraiding me for your interpretation. Threads are always organic and can grow developing on a theme. Standstill is always stagnation, Frank.