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In 2025, investors showed growing interest in new builds, securing prices at an early construction stage in the hope that the property would gain value. According to the National Statistical Institute of Bulgaria (NSI), the average housing price growth in the first quarter of 2025 was 15.1% compared to the same period in 2024.
Why Investors Are Showing More Interest in New Builds
New builds offer a clearer pricing path. The contract fixes the initial price, which usually rises as the project approaches completion.
- Early-stage pricing: The price is agreed during construction.
- Modern specifications: Newer complexes are often easier to sell or rent.
- Stage-based pricing: Developers update their price lists as construction progresses.
However, NSI data shows that the two segments are moving at different rates. In Q1 2025, price growth for new apartments was 13.4%, while the secondary market saw 16.2%.
What Is Happening in the Resale Market
The resale market is becoming more selective. Buyers compare prices with new projects and factor in renovation costs. This affects their negotiating position.
- Renovated apartments in good locations sell steadily.
- Unrenovated properties require price adjustments.
- The buyer's decision-making period has increased.
Eurostat confirms the broader trend: in Q1 2025, Bulgaria ranked second in the EU for housing price growth (+15.1%). The market remains active.
How to Choose a Strategy
The choice depends on your investment horizon and goals: New builds suit buyers who are willing to wait for completion in exchange for potential price growth. Resale homes suit buyers who want to start earning rental income soon after completion.
Where the Opportunities Are
- Early-stage pricing: Lock in the project cost at an early stage.
- Room to negotiate: Capitalize on price adjustments in the secondary market.
- Capital protection: Rely on official NSI and Eurostat statistics, not market noise.
- Time horizon: Choose a strategy based on your investment horizon, not the latest trend.
According to IMF forecasts, Bulgaria's economic growth in 2025 was around 3%, supporting housing demand. Experts expect price growth to continue in 2026 at a level of 8%. Would you like a comparison based on your goals?
