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

The housing market in Sofia in 2022 - accelerated price growth and low supply

2022-07-19   |  Polina Stoykova MRICS, Managing Director and Head of Research of BULGARIAN PROPERTIES

In the first half of the year, we observed a real estate market in the Bulgarian capital, characterized by very high demand and insufficient supply. This explains both the accelerated price growth and the slowdown in sales growth.

New construction projects got off to a slower start due to rising material prices and supply difficulties, and those that were on the market were actively selling "off-plan". In addition, many property owners pulled out of the market due to high inflation, and this reduced the supply further.

At the same time, demand continued to be supported by favorable bank lending and rising incomes. Interest rates on mortgage loans continued to fall, and the volume of newly granted loans - to grow, maintaining the pace of 40% growth from 2021.

The other factors that influence the housing market also continued to have a positive impact - unemployment remained at low levels - around and below 5%, and incomes continued to grow - by around 10% on average for the country and 12% for Sofia in the first quarter according to NSI data.

The war and inflation gave an additional stimulus to the demand for investment in a safe asset, such as real estate, and the market felt a housing shortage not only in Sofia, but also throughout Bulgaria. The supply that existed on the secondary market, even in holiday resorts and in the countryside, has greatly diminished and the offers that do come to market now often sell out in a matter of days.

All this has led to an accelerating price growth, which according to BULGARIAN PROPERTIES data reached 21% in Sofia in Q2 of 2022. This represents the fastest increase since 2008.

Sales volume

BULGARIAN PROPERTIES' calculations based on data from the Registry Agency show that property transactions in Bulgaria in Q2 grew by only 4.3% compared to the same period in 2021. This comes after a growth of around 30% in 2021 and by about 10% in the first quarter of 2022.

There is also a slowdown in the growth rate of transaction volume in Sofia, where a growth of only 0.28% on an annual basis was registered after a 30 percent increase in 2021.

These figures reflect both the slight cooling of interest due to rising prices and - to a much greater extent - the main trend we outline for the period and which we consider to be leading - insufficient supply to meet the available demand.

Average prices and preferred housing in Sofia

According to BULGARIAN PROPERTIES data, the average price of apartments purchased in Sofia in Q2 is 1,425 Euros/sq.m. – a rise from 1,345 Euros/sq.m. in the first quarter and 1,175 euros/sq.m. a year earlier – in Q2 of 2021.

Read the full report here

Subscribe for our newsletters with latest market analyses and top offers

View properties in Sofia


  Read more news

Share
Looking for a Renovation Project in Bulgaria? 👇
You’ve just found the right place! BULGARIAN PROPERTIES offers a wide selection of affordable rural homes and renovation-ready properties across the country.

Whether you’re dreaming of a peaceful countryside escape or a charming village house to restore, we have great-value options — many under £10,000. Our team will guide you through the entire buying process and support you even after the deal is done.

Start your new chapter in Bulgaria with confidence and local expertise by your side!
See More
Hot properties in Bansko - the best offers are here for you! ⛰️
Buy your own property in the top ski resort in Bulgaria! An all-year-round resort suitable for winter and summer tourism with the best prices in Europe! Holidays in your own property without the need for hotel reservations!
See More

More News

Company news
BULGARIAN PROPERTIES Agents of February 2026 💙

The first month of 2026 has passed – the first after Bulgaria’s entry into the Eurozone. The market returned to a normal pace, interest in properties remained high, and deals continued to close across the country.

In this context, we proudly present our Agents of the Month – the professionals at BULGARIAN PROPERTIES, who stood out with their results, personal approach, and dedicatio...

03 February, 2026
Press & Media
Stronger supply is expected on the housing market, which will tame prices

Intermediaries expect a stronger supply of housing in 2026. According to them, this will lead to a calming of the rate of appreciation of this type of property, which is definitely not “healthy“ for the market.

“At the end of 2026, we can expect price increases to approach inflation or fall to below 10%“, predicts Polina Stoykova, CEO of BULGARIAN PROPERTIES.

In the ...

02 February, 2026
Press & Media
🏔️ BULGARIAN PROPERTIES for Capital: What is happening on the real estate market in Bansko

The authoritative business publication Capital approached BULGARIAN PROPERTIES as one of the most active and long-established real estate agencies in Bansko, well known among both Bulgarian and international clients, to provide up-to-date and reliable insights into local market trends and buyer profiles.

In the feature article by Boryana Gencheva, our local office agen...

02 February, 2026
Company news
The Winners of the 18th Annual Awards of BULGARIAN PROPERTIES

For the 18th consecutive year, BULGARIAN PROPERTIES presented its annual awards for best results and significant achievements.

2025 was another strong year for both BULGARIAN PROPERTIES and the real estate market in Bulgaria as a whole, with an increase in transactions and accelerated price growth prior to our entry into the eurozone.

This allowed us t...

28 January, 2026

REQUEST DETAILS