We have been featured on the BBC Television Holiday programme on 16.01.2006!

"Bansko, Bulgaria

   The boom years might be over in the Costa but there are other places, especially in eastern Europe that are taking off right now. Bansko in Bulgaria is one of Europe’s fastest growing ski resorts. There are 65km (40.4 miles) of skiing with a brand new lift system and an explosion of accommodation surrounding this beautiful medieval mountain village. And with more lifts coming, a new motorway to the airport and a golf course next door, this place has become a property boom town. But it's only just been discovered by holiday home investors in the last couple of years.

   A budget of £40,000 could have bought you a gorgeous old two-bedroom apartment. If you’ve got visions of buying one of the lovely old medieval apartments in the area though, then you may need to think again as these come on the market very rarely. Now the investment action is in new-builds. For the same £40,000 you can buy a brand new purpose-built one-bedroom apartment with balcony. This centrally-heated apartment sleeps four and comes complete with a double bed, two single beds, new tv and small hi-fi system, a three-piece shower suite, and a fully-fitted kitchen.

Advice when buying

You may think that the housing market at home is fraught with insecurity; well there’s no difference buying abroad...

• Make sure you deal with a reputable agent (featured British Developments), and speak to existing clients.
• Get a fully qualified Bulgarian lawyer who speaks fluent English.
• If you’re buying off-plan try to find a contractor with completed projects so you can see their work.
• Be specific about what the price includes, for example in Bulgaria unfurnished usually means without a kitchen.
• And finally, don’t feel silly questioning everything, assume nothing.

James Hughes from Avalon Hotel says that about 90 per cent of people buying in Bansko are British. His advice is to make sure that you pick a really nice block as location is everything. When you buy, you must think in terms of becoming the owner of a one-bedroom hotel, as that's the business you're getting into. Since mid 2004, he's seen a massive increase in the value of property and thinks it's going to keep going up as Bansko has its attractions - good skiing, good snow, nice people, and cheap beer. "

Dominic Littlewood, Bansko, Bulgaria