If you are fed up with prices for investment property rising beyond reach in theUK, take a look abroad. Currently one of the best emerging markets in EasternEurope is Bulgaria, with a wealth of affordable property on offer.Property inBulgariahas increased in value by an average of 25% in the last 12 months.Bulgaria was a new member of the European Union in 2007, and is lookingforward to a prosperous future with encouraging growth already in evidence in itstourist industry. Visitors find alot to enjoy in Bulgaria, from quaint old villages tomodern cities, with picturesque national parks and booming ski resorts and golf developments. The country is also famous for its famous hot mineral springs andbeaches on the Black Sea where visitors can enjoy long hot summer days. You may be looking forproperty in Bulgariato use as a holiday home or as abuy-to-let investment; either way, there is a lot to choose from. If you arelooking at property in Bulgaria as an investment, then try capital city, Sofia. Overthe next decade or so, Sofia will be undergoing substantial redevelopment,opening up a wide range of opportunity for investors. The Bulgarian governmentis especially keen to revitalised Sofia in time for the 2014 Winter Olympics, forwhich the city is a candidate.In the quarter of Sofia famed for its mineral waters and clean air, you’ll find thebrand-new eponymous Gorna Bania Residence. Situated at the foot of theVitosha Mountain with wonderful scenic views, this complex of apartments is just25 minutes from the airport and 10 minutes from the city centre and neighboursthe New Bulgarian University. All apartments are fully furnished and you can findthem advertised on the Homes Go Fast website from under £22,000.In the very centre of the city is Museum House, currently advertised byBulgarian Dreams. Designed to fit into the local area, thisproperty in Bulgariaisin the Oborishte district, in a quiet location surrounded by cobbled streets andtrees. The apartments, due for completion in June 2008, will have privategardens with a gym and steam baths on site.Ski and golf resorts are very popular choices for those looking to buy property inBulgaria. More and more areas in the country are combining these two sportingfacilities, providing wonderful all-year-round holiday and rental opportunities. Onearea to explore is between the Ihtiman golf course and the Borovets ski resort.Here, ICB Properties have a range of older properties, starting at £7,000 for atwo-bedroom villa to £58,000 for a three-bedroom house. For newdevelopments, there are plans at the Ihtiman Air Sofia Golf Resort, a newcomplex that will include 33 apartments and 14 detached chalets.Another golf course under construction by Jack Nicklaus’s design company in thesame Rilamountain region, close to the Borovets ski resort is The Country Golf Club and Spa IBAR. You can expect to find 2-bedroom villas here for around

€

130,000 and 3-bedroom properties in the range

€

145,000–

€

180,000.YourProperty in Bulgariacould be located at Razlog, close to the state-of the-artskiing facilities at Bankso and a new golf course designed by Ian Woosnam. Forthose wishing to buy off-plan Avatar International has opportunities at the RazlogGolf & Ski complex, where there will be over 300 apartments available, starting