Live Close to the Heart of the Action in Sofia Centre.
Most of the buildings in the centre of Sofia were built in pre-socialist (communist). Some of the apartments in these buildings have been very tastefully renovated but as soon as you see the outside of the building, the entrance hall and the antiquated lift (if the building has an elevator) you will be reminded of days gone by. So if you are looking for Sofia center real estate it may be better to look at some excellent new developments towards the southern end of Vitoshka Boulevard towards South Park where the prices are high, but you have the convenience of being able to travel to the centre of Sofia on foot.
Two of the main streets, Vitoshka and Graf Ignatiev have now been pedestrianised, and the parks have been renovated so the centre of Sofia is a very nice place to spend time in.
Sofia Metro System
The main interchange station for the Sofia Metro is Serdica (a past name for the capital) but there are several other stations that are in the centre such as NDK, Vasil Lekski Stadium and Orlov Most that you can use to get around if the weather is bad. The Metro is very modern, continues to be expanded and is a very convenient way to get to the airport.
Sofia Center Shopping
Like many major cities, most of the popular shops are found in the Malls located in the Sofia districts, such as the Ring Mall and Paradise centre although there are some nice shops situated nearby the Sheraton Hotel.
Sofia Eating and Drinking
There are many good restaurants in the centre of Sofia and the main problem seems to be getting a table, so we recommend making a reservation as soon as you decide on a place and time. We are always willing to make suggestions if you are new to the city.
There are also many bars in the city centre although many seem to be hidden and do not stand out like the pubs in the UK. A bar that we like to use is called Eddie Sacoys which is situated just off Vitoshka, has excellent drinks and is very popular with foreigners.
Apartments for Sale in Sofia Center
If you are looking for an apartment in the centre of Sofia, we suggest investing in a studio or 1–2-bedroom apartment. Now the best places to purchase an apartment in Sofia are close to:
- Sheraton Hotel
- Parliament buildings
- Sofia University
- Doctor’s Garden
- National Palace of Culture (NDK)
- Vitosha Boulevard
- Graf Ignatiev Street
- Patriarch Evtimii Boulevard
As mentioned above, most of the apartments for sale in Sofia Center will have been constructed in pre-socialist times where parking can be difficult, and some do not have elevators. If the apartment does not have an allocated parking space, then secure parking is available in many places for around 100 Euros a month although you may have a short walk to your apartment. Note that near the end of Vitosha Boulevard, near NDK, there are some modern buildings.
If you are looking to purchase an apartment in Sofia center as investment you can achieve an annual yield of 7-8% due to the high demand.
If you are looking for a more long-term investment, there are areas near to the bus and train stations that are undergoing development that we can advise you on.
If you purchase a property in the centre of Sofia that needs re-development, we partner with teams of builders who will refurbish and furnish your Sofia apartment to your requirements.
Apartments for Rent in Sofia Center
Nice apartments for rent in the centre of Sofia are hard to find. Expect to pay 1000 Euro a month for a fully furnished and fitted 1-bedroom apartment ranges for a long term let and more for a short 1500 Euro for a short term rent or a serviced apartment in the centre of Sofia. Of course, larger properties will cost more.
You are likely to want to rent near your place of work or where your children go to school but the best areas to rent in Sofia are the same as the ones listed above in the Apartments for Sale in Sofia Center section of this page.
This is where a professional real estate agent becomes invaluable as they have the knowledge and experience of living and investing in the centre of Sofia.
Sofia Centre Neighborhoods
These are some of the key locations to consider when investing in Sofia center real estate:
Oborishte
The upscale area of the centre is called Oborishte. The reason for this isn’t that the quality of the homes is so different from that of other areas of the city centre, but rather that historically, Oborishte was the diplomatic neighbourhood that housed the upper class, foreign residences, and embassies. Due to its fashionable but calm ambiance and proximity to the bustling ideal centre demand remains stronger than ever.
Ndk, Graf Ignatiev, and Vitoshka
For those who want to be in the thick of things, this is Sofia’s real hub. This region offers excellent investment options for short and long-term rental houses for buyers not scared of a refurbishment work.
Women’s Market, Pirotska, and Tzar Simeon
This area of Sofia’s centre, where costs are cheaper, is currently undergoing gentrification. Historically significant buildings include the public baths, which are now the National History Museum, the mosque, the synagogue, the catholic church, and of course the renowned Halite indoor market. The area was formerly the city’s old Jewish neighbourhood.
