Build an Airbnb Rental House in Bulgaria 2026 | Investment Guide
Bulgaria’s growing tourism sector creates real opportunities for vacation rental property investment. With the right location, design, and management, a purpose-built rental house can generate meaningful income while providing you a personal retreat when not booked.
This guide covers how to design and build an Airbnb-optimized property in Bulgaria.
Browse Rental-Friendly House Plans →
Why Bulgaria for Vacation Rentals?
Growing Tourism Market
Bulgaria attracts diverse visitors:
- Ski tourism: Bansko, Borovets, Pamporovo draw winter sports enthusiasts
- Beach tourism: Black Sea coast sees millions of summer visitors
- Cultural tourism: Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo attract history seekers
- Eco/rural tourism: Growing segment seeking authentic experiences
Favorable Economics
Building costs and operating expenses are low:
- Construction: €400-700/m² (vs. €1,500-3,000+ in Western Europe)
- Property taxes: €50-200/year
- Utilities: €50-150/month when occupied
- Management: 15-25% of rental income
Platform Presence
Airbnb and Booking.com have strong Bulgaria presence:
- Established guest trust
- Easy listing and management
- Payment processing handled
- Review systems build reputation
Best Locations for Rental Properties
Bansko Region
Rental potential: High
- Ski season (Dec-Mar): €60-120/night
- Summer (Jun-Sep): €40-70/night
- Annual occupancy: 40-60% achievable
Why it works:
- Bulgaria’s top ski destination
- International clientele
- Year-round appeal (skiing + hiking)
- Established rental market
Learn about building in Bansko →
Black Sea Coast
Rental potential: Moderate-High (seasonal)
- Peak summer (Jul-Aug): €80-150/night
- Shoulder season: €40-70/night
- Annual occupancy: 30-50% (highly seasonal)
Why it works:
- Strong summer demand
- Beach lifestyle appeal
- Growing shoulder-season interest
Explore Varna region → | Burgas area →
Plovdiv Area
Rental potential: Moderate
- Year-round: €40-80/night
- More stable occupancy than seasonal destinations
- Cultural tourism draws
Why it works:
- European Capital of Culture legacy
- Year-round city appeal
- Business and leisure mix
Rural/Village Properties
Rental potential: Niche but growing
- Eco-tourism rates: €50-100/night
- Lower occupancy but lower costs
- Authentic experience premium
Why it works:
- Growing eco/rural tourism segment
- Unique positioning
- Lower investment required
Optimal House Size for Rentals
Under 100m²: Sweet Spot for Self-Builders
Our C-101 (80m²) and C-102 (97m²) are ideal rental properties:
Advantages:
- Self-build eligible (major cost savings)
- Lower construction and operating costs
- Easier to manage
- Appeals to couples and small groups (largest market segment)
- Competitive nightly rates
C-101 (80m²):
- 1 bedroom, sleeps 2-4
- Perfect for couples
- Lower cleaning/turnover costs
- Price:
€2,493€2,168
C-102 (97m²):
- 2 bedrooms, sleeps 4-6
- Families and friend groups
- Higher nightly potential
- Price:
€2,731€2,375
Larger Properties: 100-200m²
For premium rentals or multiple guest groups:
- Higher nightly rates
- Can accommodate larger groups
- More complex management
- Requires contractor (over 100m²)
Design Features for Rentals
Must-Have Features
Professional photography potential:
- Interesting architectural details
- Good natural lighting
- Instagrammable spaces
- Views or outdoor areas
Guest convenience:
- Open-plan living (feels spacious in photos)
- Well-equipped kitchen
- Good bathroom(s)
- Reliable heating/cooling
- Fast WiFi infrastructure
Management-friendly:
- Durable, easy-clean surfaces
- Quality fixtures that don’t break
- Simple systems guests can operate
- Secure storage for owner belongings
Outdoor Spaces
Outdoor areas dramatically improve appeal:
- Covered terrace for weather flexibility
- BBQ or outdoor cooking area
- Garden or landscaped surroundings
- Hot tub (premium positioning)
- Parking space
Our designs include covered terraces that don’t count toward the 100m² threshold.
Local Character
Guests seek authentic experiences:
- Traditional architectural elements
- Local materials (stone, wood)
- Regional design touches
- Connection to Bulgarian culture
Financial Projections
Investment Example: 80m² Rental Property
Initial investment:
- Land (mountain resort area): €15,000-30,000
- Construction (self-build): €35,000-45,000
- Plans (C-101): €2,168
- Furnishing: €5,000-10,000
- Total: €57,000-87,000
Annual income projection:
- 100 nights at €70 average: €7,000
- Less management (20%): €1,400
- Less utilities/maintenance: €1,500
- Net income: ~€4,100/year
Return metrics:
- Gross yield: 8-12% of investment
- Payback: 15-20 years (excluding appreciation)
- Plus: Personal use value, property appreciation
Improving Returns
Increase occupancy:
- Professional photography
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reviews
- Multi-platform listing
Increase rates:
- Premium amenities (hot tub, sauna)
- Unique design features
- Perfect cleanliness
- Fast response times
Reduce costs:
- Self-build construction
- Energy-efficient design
- Self-management (if local)
- Proper maintenance preventing repairs
Legal Requirements for Rentals
Registration
Vacation rentals in Bulgaria require:
- Registration with local municipality
- Tourist tax collection (varies by location)
- Annual reporting
- Fire safety compliance
Tax Obligations
Rental income is taxable:
- Personal income tax: 10% flat rate
- Possible business registration if significant activity
- Deductions available for expenses
- Consult Bulgarian tax advisor
Insurance
Consider specialized coverage:
- Property insurance
- Liability for guest injuries
- Contents insurance
- Business interruption
Management Options
Self-Management
If you’re local or visiting frequently:
- Keep 100% of rental income
- Direct guest relationships
- Immediate problem response
- More work required
Local Property Manager
For remote owners:
- 15-25% of rental income
- Key exchange, cleaning coordination
- Guest communication
- Maintenance oversight
Full-Service Management
Complete hands-off approach:
- 25-35% of income
- All aspects handled
- Lower personal involvement
- Suitable for distant owners
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the minimum investment for an Airbnb property?
With rural land (€5,000-10,000), self-build construction (€35,000-45,000), and basic furnishing, you could start around €45,000-60,000 total. Premium locations require significantly more.
Can foreigners own rental property in Bulgaria?
Yes. EU citizens have equal rights. Non-EU citizens can own buildings directly; land can be owned through a Bulgarian company. Rental income is taxable in Bulgaria.
What occupancy rate is realistic?
Depends heavily on location and management quality. Well-managed properties in prime locations achieve 40-60%. Budget for 30-40% initially and improve from there.
Is it better to buy existing or build new?
Building new allows rental-optimized design and modern efficiency. Buying existing gives immediate availability but may need renovation. New construction under 100m² offers significant savings through self-build.
Start Your Rental Property Project
A well-designed rental property in the right Bulgarian location can provide meaningful income while growing in value. Our under-100m² plans offer the ideal combination of rental appeal and self-build cost savings.
Your next steps:
- Browse rental-suitable plans — focus on C-101 and C-102
- Research your target location’s rental market
- Calculate realistic investment and returns
- Contact Architect Miglena to discuss your rental property project
All plans include 15% discount—start building your Bulgarian rental property today.
