In 2025 Bulgaria improved its positions in international indices and this is an important factor for the real estate market

According to information from the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Chamber of Commerce and Industry – abbreviated BCCI), in 2024–2025 Bulgaria improved its positions in a number of international rankings at once.

In the Prosperity and Freedom Index, the country climbed from 75th to 53rd place. 

"Prosperity and Freedom Index" is a general name for indices that measure prosperity and freedom in different countries. The best known are the Legatum Prosperity Index and the Index of Economic Freedom. The first focuses on a combination of economic and social well-being, while the second evaluates economic freedom across four main areas: the rule of law, the size of government (the degree of its intervention in the economy, which is usually measured through the ratio of government spending to GDP), regulatory efficiency and open markets. It takes into account such factors as property rights, the effectiveness of the judicial system and the tax burden. Bulgaria's leap of almost 20 positions upward speaks to an improvement in the country's competitiveness and an increase in its attractiveness for living and investment.

In the ranking for energy transition, the Energy Transition Index, compiled by the World Economic Forum (WEF), Bulgaria moved from 36th position to 29th. 

The Energy Transition Index (ETI) is a comprehensive assessment tool that measures how well countries are able to balance energy security, equity (accessibility and affordability) and environmental sustainability, as well as the readiness of their environment for the transition to clean energy.

In the property rights index — the International Property Rights Index — the country's indicator improved (from 59th to 55th position). 

Bulgaria ranks 55th in the property rights index according to the Institute of Market Economics. In another ranking, also based on the protection of property rights, the country was placed 54th (with a score of 5.132 points), coming after Croatia and before Greece.

An improvement in the property rights index is a signal that Bulgaria is strengthening its institutional guarantees: real estate registration, protection of owners' rights, legal transparency. For property buyers (especially foreigners) this is one of the key factors when making a decision.

In the global competitiveness ranking (according to IMD, with which the BCCI cooperates), in 2025 Bulgaria climbed to 57th place among 69 economies studied. 

These shifts reflect not an abstract improvement, but real changes: growing confidence in the economy, an improvement in the regulatory environment, attention to sustainability and investment attractiveness.

How these changes increase the attractiveness of real estate in Bulgaria

Investor confidence

The improvement in property and competitiveness ratings reduces risks: investors feel more protected. This increases demand for real estate as a long-term asset — not only for holidays, but also for capital preservation.

Growth in the value of housing taking ESG and green trends into account

In Bulgaria, new projects comply with ESG principles. Housing that takes ESG into account is real estate designed and built in compliance with the principles of the environment (E), social responsibility (S) and governance (G), which ensures its sustainability and long-term value. Such projects reduce the negative impact on the environment, improve residents' quality of life and have more efficient management. The transition to more sustainable energy (Energy Transition Index) makes properties with energy efficiency, modernised utilities and good infrastructure relevant — such residential complexes are becoming premium. 

Increased inflow of business, jobs and rental demand

When a country develops more actively — business expands, employment grows, new specialists arrive. This stimulates rental demand — especially in cities and popular regions. New workers, foreigners, digital specialists — they are all looking for housing, which has a positive effect on the liquidity of real estate.

Growth of confidence in legal protection and stability

Why the coming year 2026 is a particularly favourable time for investment in Bulgarian real estate

Bulgaria's overall economic and institutional stability is improving. Bulgaria is demonstrating growth in the indices of sustainability, freedom and competitiveness. Improvements are being recorded across a number of metrics: property rights, energy, the business climate. This creates a rare combination: an affordable entry price, stable macro conditions and prospects for growth. The improvements in Bulgaria's indicators are especially relevant for private investors who view real estate as a reliable long-term asset. More and more foreigners are considering Bulgaria as a country for relocation, work and business. For buyers who want to rent out housing — the Bulgarian real estate market offers demand and stability.

BCCI data show that Bulgaria is gradually strengthening its positions in the global economic and investment market. The improvement in property, competitiveness and energy ratings increases the attractiveness of residential real estate as an investment. Against the backdrop of stable demand, sensible price levels and institutional improvements, right now Bulgarian real estate can be considered one of the best options for long-term investments.