There has been much hype about cheap property in the British media, and although this was true two years ago prices have risen dramatically over this time. You can still buy an apartment with a magnificent sea view for £35,000, but not in Sunny Beach . Best value for money is south of Bourgas. Houses are very difficult to find and new developments are thin on the ground we personally know of about half a dozen current projects. There may be more in the future.

The best place to find very cheap property is inland one hour from the sea. There are still hundreds or thousands of houses under £10,000. But the British are getting the reputation for being millionaires and the prices rise when the first house in the village is bought by a Brit. We are our own worst enemies.

Do not expect thing will happen fast in Bulgaria . The bureaucracy here is to blame and the bureaucrats are desperate to keep their jobs. Parkinson’s Law “work expands to match the time available for it’s completion.” Your first taste of how things work, or don’t, is at the Bulgarian embassy in London .

There is bribery and corruption but it is difficult to find, its hidden just below the surface. Getting approvals etc are a nightmare. There are Bulgarian companies who claim to be able to get things processed fast but you pays your money, always in advance, and you take your chance.

There are few things that seem constant, a very low cost of living and sunshine. Both of these will last for the foreseeable future.