The Black Sea area, as a coastal holiday destination, is seen as among the best in Europe and possibly even in the world. Bulgaria is ideal for families, as the sea is renowned for being hospitable for swimmers and paddlers of all ages and abilities. The sea is calm and clean with gently sloping beaches, allowing for easy access and safe shallow bathing. As well as being particularly calm and inviting, the Black Sea is also half as saline as the Mediterranean.

Water temperatures in the area are extremely favourable. With more than 240 hours of sunshine during the months of May and September and an impressive 300 hours of sunshine in both July and August, it is hardly surprising that the temperatures rarely drop below 17 degrees Celsius and are often closer to 25 degrees Celsius.

Anyone looking to invest in a coastal property will not be short of choice, as the coastline extends for more than 378 kilometres and offers a wide range of property opportunities. The fastest growing areas are currently the luxury four and five star resorts with well-appointed apartments, although there is also no shortage of village- style properties for purchasers looking for something a little different.

Resorts

As a foreign purchaser, it is most likely that you will head towards the large resorts that offer financial benefits and excellent infrastructure. The most notable of the resorts are Golden Sands, Albena, Sunny Day, Sunny Beach and Dyuni Holiday Village. All of these offer the ideal holiday base and most include sports facilities, a wide selection of entertainments and family-friendly hotels and restaurants.

Other resorts that are well worth a visit include Kiten, Sinermorets and Shabla. These are smaller resorts that may not offer the same extensive facilities but nevertheless have the benefit of a relaxing, quiet stay away from the mainstream tourist trail. An advantage of purchasing a property in these resorts is that many of the holidaymakers will rent such properties for several weeks, thus reducing the costs of servicing your property.

Prices and Rental Prospects

Prices on the Black Sea coast have sky-rocketed, recently, and this is likely to continue when Bulgaria joins the EU in 2007. A one bedroom apartment in Golden Sands could cost anything from around 20,000 Euros upwards, depending on the facilities that the individual property offers.

One of the huge advantages of purchasing in this area is the structure that exists for the rental market. Many of the developers are acutely aware that most of their clients will be looking to rent their new apartments to tourists, during the peak months, in order to recover a healthy profit. With this in mind, there are a wide number of guaranteed rental schemes in place, which offer investors the security of knowing what their return will be for the first year or so. When looking at these schemes, it is important to conduct your own independent research, as the guaranteed return may not be similar to what you would achieve in the long run, when the guaranteed period ends.

Pay particular attention also to issues such as servicing costs. Amenities including pools and indoor entertainment areas are a wonderful selling point to tourists; however, they do come at a price. If you are planning on using the company from which you purchase to let and manage your property, you should be certain that you obtain exact details of communal expenses. A management company will invariably take a percentage cut on your rental income; find out if this cut is taken before or after such essential costs are paid.

As with all foreign purchases, it is vital that you obtain independent legal advice; this is particularly important when buying off-plan or using just the one company as vendor, rental agent and management company.

The Black Sea is tipped as the next Costa del Sol, which doesn't seem impossible; however, make sure that you do not get caught up with the holiday atmosphere and end up parting with more cash than you ever intended!