0
Hello,
Favourite properties (0)
Saved searches
Selected for you
Notifications
Subscriptions
Settings
Sign out
Close

BBC Radio 4 about Brits living in Bulgaria

2015-07-27

BBC Radio 4 series Brits Abroad on July 24, 2015 was dedicated to Bulgaria and how Brits are relocating to Bulgaria and changing the face of the Bulgarian countryside.

Safraz Manzoor meets with Brits living in Bulgaria to hear their stories. He speaks to the British retirees who have moved to rural villages in Bulgaria in order to have a good life on their UK pensions. They can buy a house for as little as the cost of a 'second hand car', as younger Bulgarians abandon their homes for the city lights or opportunities in the cities or other countries like Britain.

He also interviews Polina Stoykova, Managing Director of BULGARIAN PROPERTIES - the biggest real estate company in Bulgaria. She comments:‘60% of the rural properties are sold to Brits. With their pensions they can afford everything they need. In the Bulgarian villages every family grows vegetables, they have chicken, so it is as quiet as fifty years ago. Time seems to have stopped. People are very glad to see that Brits are coming to villages. They are always willing to help them with everything.’

Despite the fact that life is hard for Bulgarians, they welcome the Brits, recognising the benefits they bring to village life and the local economy. Retired Brits also benefit from the reciprocal health care and when Sally Rickard had breast cancer all her treatment was free and there were no waiting lists.

In conclusion Safraz Manzoor says: ‘During the making of this series I have been struck by the parallel between the migrants who come to Britain and Brits who leave for the continent. Both make the move for a better life, both relocate for the reasons of economics, love or fresh opportunities. Perhaps the most important lesson we learn from stories of the Brits abroad is that no one can really be blamed and no one should be attacked for wanting to have or make a better life.’

Listen to the full broadcast here

View our properties near Veliko Tarnovo

View all rural properties in Bulgaria

Share
Discover wonderful homes in the Bulgarian beach resorts!
Check out our selection of properties on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast! Attractive prices, regular flights to Burgas and Varna international airports. Perfect for frequent visits, summer holidays, and more.
See More
Properties with video
Only on our website you will find a variety of properties in Bulgaria with videos. Don't waste time, view them online - on your phone, laptop or tablet, at a convenient time and without the need for an inspection trip and personal visit. Welcome for video viewings with BULGARIAN PROPERTIES!
See More

More News

Press & Media
Sofia Housing Prices Keep Rising as Buyers Face Limited Supply Ahead of Euro Adoption

Experts say Bulgaria’s entry into the eurozone does not automatically drive property prices upward, although the market remains under pressure. Polina Stoykova, executive director of BULGARIAN PROPERTIES, told NOVA NEWS that the market has cooled slightly in the second half of the year, following the initial surge in buyer interest after the announcement that Bulgaria would join the eurozone on Ja...

04 December, 2025
Company news
BULGARIAN PROPERTIES Agents of December 2025 🏆

We’re wrapping up the year with confidence, professionalism, and a new era of real estate technology!

November shaped the final picture of 2025 – a strong, dynamic month with an active property market preparing for the euro and an important innovation: we launched our smart AI property search, now helping buyers and sellers connect more easily than ever!
Try it here.
...

02 December, 2025
Company news
BULGARIAN PROPERTIES presents Bulgaria's first AI property search engine

Are you tired of searching the old way? Try something new on our website!

BULGARIAN PROPERTIES announces the launch of a revolutionary new feature on its website —an AI search engine with natural language processing that allows users to search for properties by describing what they need in words.

It understands the meaning of what is written and returns the most accu...

21 November, 2025
Company news
BULGARIAN PROPERTIES Agents of November 2025 🏆

As autumn is in full swing, the real estate market in Bulgaria remains stable and active in anticipation of the eurozone entry.

Property prices continue to rise, and interest in new-build projects remains strong, especially for modern complexes with guaranteed quality. The year also appears to be one of the strongest for a rise in demand for rural houses which are offered in quite ...

04 November, 2025

REQUEST DETAILS