More than 29 per cent of the property deals in 2006 in Bulgaria are signed by foreigners, according to an international properties research. UK citizens account more than 50 per cent per cent of these foreigners (Buyers from Russia and the former soviet republics are not included in the survey).

Brits buy in Bulgaria mostly with investment purpose, the report said. That is why they are interested in holiday studios and one-bedroom apartments with sale prices varying from EUR 30 000 to 80 000.

Irish buyers prefer coastal or ski-resort properties for personal use, where they could spend their vacation. An Irish family would invest in Bulgarian holiday property from EUR 50 000 to EUR 100 000.

Danish investors are considered sceptical and need solid information for the developer before buying. They are interested in quality and luxury properties.

The average amounts foreigners invested in Bulgarian property in 2006 are as follows: coastal developments - EUR 46 000, ski resorts' projects - EUR 70 000 and residential apartments in Sofia - EUR 100 000.