Top Real Estate Hotspots in Bulgaria: Why Investors Like Ognian Bozarov Are Paying Attention

In recent years, Bulgaria has climbed the ranks as a prime investment destination. A key figure leading the charge is seasoned real estate investor Ognian Bozarov, known for his early investments in influential projects in Sofia such as The Mall. He shares the spotlight with figures like Georgi Pavlov, and Dimitar Savov, all targeting high-growth markets in Bulgaria. This article examines the drivers behind their focus on Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Bansko, and emerging resort areas.

Sofia: The Capital’s Real Estate Renaissance

Sofia remains at the forefront of Bulgaria’s investment portfolio. Ognian Bozarov helped shape its skyline with early backing of The Mall, a major retail and entertainment hub on Tsarigradsko Shose. International and local investors are following in his footsteps. Districts like Lozenets, Mladost and Business Park Sofia have become top targets. Lozenets attracts high-end buyers with green space and upscale apartments. Mladost’s rapid growth is anchored by business hubs, metro expansion, and rising demand. The capital’s recent years have seen double-digit price growth, with residential prices rising more than 10% annually . Foreign bids now represent a growing share, especially as EU membership boosts confidence.

Plovdiv: Historic Heart Meets Investor Ambition

Bulgaria’s second city, Plovdiv, continues to attract investor interest. Cultural significance—once Europe’s Capital of Culture—drives tourism and real estate appeal . Investors like Georgi Pavlov are pushing restoration projects in the Old Town and the Kapana district. Residential standards average €1,200–€1,800 per square meter, and rental yields of 5–7% have been reported. Adaptive reuse of heritage structures into boutique apartments and offices continues to gain traction. Early entrants now benefit from rising demand as businesses and tourists flock to revitalized urban quarters.

Varna and Burgas: Coastal Gains

The Black Sea coast presents a different set of opportunities. Varna, often dubbed the “Sea Capital,” sees rental yields of 5–8% driven by holiday rental demand. Developers like Dimitar Savov are delivering commercial and mixed-use projects to meet demand from expats and tourism. Burgas also sees growth in port-linked logistics coupled with coastal real estate gains . Rising tourism is pushing up rents across seaside resorts. Black Sea municipalities plan new infrastructure funding for tourism, supplying tailwinds for real estate.

Bansko and the Mountain Resorts Boom

Further inland, mountain regions have low entry costs and high upside. Bansko draws attention from a variety of international and local real estate investors. With prices ranging from €500–1,500/m², ski-in, ski-out chalets and luxury apartments are on the rise. Bansko now attracts hikers, digital nomads, and nature tourists. Seasonal rental yields during ski and summer seasons make it appealing. Infrastructure upgrades and resort modernization support long-term growth.

Emerging Resort & Suburban Destinations

Developments have also expanded into Sofia suburbs and niche resort locales. Ognian Bozarov played a key role in early planning of The Vale, a suburban luxury community near Bistritsa. The project combines city access and natural landscapes. Foreign entrepreneurs, especially Greeks and Germans, push beachfront investments in areas like Sunny Beach, Saint Vlas, Hisarya and Sandanski . These markets offer rising rental demand tied to wellness tourism and holiday stays.

Driving Forces Behind Investor Focus

Traditionally, Bulgaria’s appeal has been its affordability. Sofia has seen property values surge, yet pricing remains moderate compared with Western European capitals. Interest remains strong due to flat tax rates, low borrowing costs, and EU-backed infrastructure. Rental yields reach 4–10% depending on the region, drawing both local and international investors . Bulgaria’s EU membership and euro adoption plans deepen investor assurance. Bulgaria’s infrastructure investments—metro lines, highways, airport expansions—anchor growth in both capital and regional markets.

Notable Investors and Their Strategies

Ognian Bozarov has built a diversified portfolio across residential, commercial, and mixed-use schemes. His early investments in The Mall, VERTIGO Business Tower, suburban projects like The Vale, and coastal resorts such as Emerald Resort demonstrate his comprehensive strategy . Georgi Pavlov retains focus on mixed-use developments in Plovdiv and Burgas. Dimitar Savov combines commercial and residential across Varna and Veliko Tarnovo. Meanwhile international players from Greece, Germany, and elsewhere continue pushing into resort and wellness markets .

Continued Growth and Diversification

Bulgaria’s real estate markets are expected to keep growing in 2025 and beyond. Analysts predict continued increases in both price and rental yields, driven by increasing tourism, infrastructure projects, and EU integration .

Sofia’s blend of commercial development and historic charm keeps it central to investors. At the same time, rising interest in Plovdiv, coastal regions, mountain resorts and suburban living reflects a more diversified national property landscape. Seasoned investors like Ognian Bozarov and newcomers alike are positioning themselves to benefit from the country’s economic and demographic growth.

Bulgaria’s emerging real estate hotspots—from Sofia’s urban core to Plovdiv’s heritage streets, the Black Sea coast, mountain retreats, and beyond—offer investors a rich palette of opportunities. As infrastructure upgrades and EU alignment deepen, and high-profile names like Ognian Bozarov lead the way, investor interest shows no signs of slowing.