Bulgaria is a country that not only has weather comparable to Spain and other top holiday destinations, but also property prices that are less than a quarter of their Spanish counterparts. Over 150 days of sunshine a year, with average summer temperatures of 26ºC (79ºF) and occasionally climbing to a sizzling 35ºC (95ºF).

Beautiful Blue flag beaches for the summer holidaymakers and top ski resorts for winter holidaymakers only a few hours away. Flights are only two and a half to three hours from the UK or Ireland . Low-cost airlines are entering the market and the number of direct flights is increasing. Bulgaria is fastest growing holiday destination in the world. Major tour operators such as Thompson and first choice have recently added Bulgaria to their brochures and site it as one of their top sellers.

The cost of living is significantly lower than other European countries, with a dinner for two costing about 7 Euros (5 pounds sterling) and a pint for 0.70 Euros (50p). Bulgaria is a full member of NATO and is due to join the EU in 2007.

The currency (Lev) is pegged to the Euro, making it stable and less volatile. Most property can be bought and sold in Euros.

Land prices are flying, with the average cost of land on the Black Sea Coast at 150 Euros per square meter, which is predicted to rise to over 400 Euros in the next three years.

In the last two years property prices have risen by over 50% in some regions and is expected to grow at the same rate as has seen with the recent boom in the Spanish market.

Highly profitable rental returns are achieved through holiday rentals.