The idea of living in a house in the suburban areas of Bulgaria's capital Sofia has been the choice for many people for a long time. However, it was until the last few years and the booming real estate market in Sofia that purchasing a house became a better choice and even trend among Bulgarians. Many people find it frustrating to live in the closed and limited space of the apartmemts, but recently the price factor has started to gain signifficant importance. Prices per square meter for a decent apartment in the so-called 'better' residential areas exceeded 1000 Eur a long time ago.
If these two types of properties should be compared, one should take into consideration the same living area. For example, an apartment with area of 150 sq.m or more in the quarters of Izgrev, Borovo, Boyana, Vitosha, Beli Brezi, Manastirski livadi, Dragalevtsi, etc. (considered by most people as attractive places to live), one should spent around 1400 Eur per sq.m.
The price for a square meter of a house in Belite brezi or Ivan Vazov is around 1300 Eur. And you might be offered not just a one-family house, but also a floor of a bigger one. For about 1500 Eur/sq.m are offered the houses at the foot of Vitosha, in Simeonovo, Dragalevtsi and Boyana. Similar houses are even cheaper in Manastirski livadi and Malinova dolina (currently very popular).
It can be easily concluded that in fact, buying a house is not more expensive than purchasing an apartment. Prices per square meters are similar, but the total living area you one can get in return is more.
However, these are two very different types of properties. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Getting a house means getting a an undisturbed, detached estate. It means getting a garden with a fence, a cradle for your children and a hammock for you, barbeque and fireplace, separate rooms for everyone, a lounge or a study and any other extras to pamper your family. And you have the option to construct your own home according to every single one of your whims.
For those of such independent thinking, apartments have the greatest disadvantage - complying with the builder's plan. Customizing opportunities for these properties are very limited. Especially if you are purchasing a re-sale apartment already arranged and designed according to the taste of the previous owner.
Another negative side would also be your neighbors. Although similar problems may arise quite often if you own a house, you are more likely to have totally different opinions on how loud and how often you should have parties and guests, how the shared bills should be distributed, who would get the parking spot in front of the building and how often should you have your apartment repaired and renovated.
On the other hand, one should never disregard some of the major advantages of apartments. Neighborhoods usually have well-developed infrastructure - regular public transport, any types of shops, schools, kindergartens, etc. More social activities and easier to meet new people. Getting to work takes less time, last-minute shopping and a wide range of entertainment are available relatively close, and taking a taxi back home after a night out is always cheaper. But for most people, the lack of well-developed infrastructure in house suburban areas in Sofia is often the biggest obstacle, especially for families with young children.
No matter the choice, it is important to note that apartments and houses meet the requirements and needs of two different groups of people. When you make your decision, you should always remember that the type of the property reflects on your way of life and daily routine.