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Turkey has long attracted Bulgarians not only as a tourist destination, but also as a place for bargain purchases, including real estate. While the eyes of many investors are focused on Istanbul or the beach resorts on the Mediterranean and the Aegean Sea, the regions in the European part of Turkey – Thrace, offer excellent opportunities to acquire cheap properties in Turkey. Cities such as Edirne and Tekirdağ stand out for their affordable prices and strategic location, making them extremely attractive properties for Bulgarians.
Why Edirne and Tekirdag are interesting for Bulgarians?
- Geographical proximity: Edirne is only a few kilometres from the Bulgarian border and Tekirdag is about 150 km away, making them easily accessible by land. This proximity facilitates viewings, the purchase process and the subsequent management of the property.
- Affordable prices: compared to Istanbul or European markets, property prices in Edirne and Tekirdağ are significantly lower, opening doors for investors with a more limited budget.
- Developing infrastructure: both cities are centres of their province and are continuously developing, offering good living conditions, transport links and amenities.
- Growth Potential: Although not tourist destinations of the stature of Mediterranean resorts, their strategic location and economic development predispose to moderate but stable property value growth.
- Lifestyle: They offer an authentic Turkish lifestyle, without the excessive urbanisation of Istanbul, yet with all the urban amenities.
Edirne: A city with history and affordable properties
Edirne, the former capital of the Ottoman Empire, is a city with a rich history, impressive architecture and a unique atmosphere. It is famous for its mosques (especially Selimiye), bridges and traditional markets. For Bulgarians, Edirne is a familiar destination for shopping and short visits.
- Why is it profitable in Adrianople?
- Proximity to Bulgaria: Ideal location for those looking for a holiday property or a place for frequent visits.
- A steady flow of visitors: although not a typical seaside resort, the town attracts tourists from Bulgaria, Romania and Greece, creating potential for short-term rentals.
- Affordable: property prices in Edirne are significantly lower than in Istanbul.
- Property types and prices:
- Most often apartments are offered in newly built or older buildings.
- New construction: the prices of apartments in new buildings (e.g. 2+1 or 3+1 apartments) range between 70 000 and 150 000 EUR. You can also find studios or smaller apartments for under 60 000 euro. The price per square metre can be between 800 and 1,500 euros per square metre depending on the location and quality.
- Older properties: in the central parts of the city or in older neighbourhoods you can find apartments in need of renovation at even lower prices, starting from 40 000 – 60 000 euros.
- Villas/Houses: Individual houses in the town itself are less common, but in the surrounding villages you can find houses with a yard for prices starting at 50,000 euros.
- Investment potential: suitable for investment with the purpose of renting to students (Edirne is a university city) or to tourists seeking accommodation for shopping and cultural tourism.
Tekirdağ: Developing city on the Sea of Marmara
Tekirdag is a large city on the Sea of Marmara, which is an important industrial, commercial and port centre. Located about 150 km west of Istanbul, it offers a more relaxed life combining urban amenities with a maritime atmosphere.
- Why is it profitable in Tekirdag?
- Seaside location: offers access to the Sea of Marmara and beaches, making it attractive for summer recreation.
- Economic Development: the City is an industrial center, which creates jobs and demand for housing.
- Proximity to Istanbul: It is located at a reasonable distance from the metropolis, allowing access to its advantages, but at much lower prices.
- Infrastructure : It has all the necessary amenities of a big city.
- Property types and prices:
- Mainly apartments are offered in new and old buildings. There are also opportunities to buy building plots.
- New construction: the prices of apartments in new complexes or buildings with sea view range between 80 000 and 180 000 euros. More luxurious or larger apartments can reach 200,000 euros. The price per square metre can be between 900 and 1,600 euros per square metre.
- Older properties: in central areas or in neighbourhoods in need of renovation, apartments can be found for 50 000 – 90 000 euros.
- Villas/Houses: In the surroundings of Tekirdağ, especially along the Sea of Marmara (e.g. in towns such as Marmara Ereglisi), villas can be found at relatively affordable prices starting from 100,000 euros.
- Investment Potential: Suitable for long term rental due to industrial development and the presence of a university. There is also potential for seasonal rental during the summer months.
General tips for Bulgarians buying property in Turkey
- Professional help: it is mandatory to work with a licensed Turkish real estate agent and an independent Turkish lawyer. They will guide you through the process, conduct a legal due diligence and protect your interests.
- Tax number and bank account: get a Turkish tax number (Vergi Numarası) and open a bank account in Turkey.
- Expert appraisal (Ekspertiz Raporu): for foreigners, an expert appraisal of the property issued by a licensed appraiser is mandatory.
- Fees and Expenses: In addition to the purchase price, allow about 8-10% of the property value for fees (4% transfer fee, attorney fees, agent commission, translator fees, etc.).
- Interpreter: It is compulsory to have a sworn interpreter present when signing the final title deed (Tapu Devri).
- Budget for repairs/furnishings: especially in older properties.
Conclusion
Edirne and Tekirdag offer excellent property opportunities for Bulgarians looking for an affordable investment or second home in Turkey. Their geographical proximity, combined with competitive prices and development potential, makes them extremely attractive. With proper preparation and the help of reliable local professionals, buying cheap property in Turkey in these regions can be a successful and rewarding venture.
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