Bulgaria’s property market is experiencing a period of calm, expert analysis shows. Long-term predictions envision increase in property prices, Dnevnik newspaper reported. The trend would affect mainly big cities and Bulgaria’s famous resorts. In the short-run the steady supply will maintain the stability of the property market, real estate experts said. For the first three months of 2006 property in major cities became 4.7 per cent more expensive, data from the National Statistical Institute shows. Sofia, Varna and Bourgas remain the most expensive cities. The price difference between cheaper and more expensive regions decreased. Cities with relatively inexpensive property registered significant price growth. In Vidin property costs 50 per cent more. In Lovech, Smolyan and Pernik real estate became from 10 to 20 per cent more expensive in the first months of the year. Sofia’s most attractive property, two-bedroom apartments, registered price stability. According to investors, the purchase of property in Bulgaria is no longer the most attractive investment option. As a result, the price of vacation property went down. Expert prognoses envision property market stability in the short-run. But experts said negative economic developments in the countries of foreign investors could affect their purchase plans more than local factors. http://www.sofiaecho.com/(12.05.2006)