Lucrative investment opportunities are available in the Bulgarian region of Sofia...

...despite extensive development in other Bulgarian areas, according to experts at Off Plan International.

It is argued that Sofia has strong potential for investors taking a longer term approach, with properties that are likely to appreciate in value and high tenant demand for the foreseeable future.

Since joining the European Union in January, Bulgaria has enjoyed a higher profile and increased international interest - a trend expected to continue ahead.

This makes the present a good time for investors prepared to commit to the Bulgarian property market, according to the firm.

"Some of the coastal areas are over-developed or there's a high number of developments going up," commented Simon Walker, sales director.

"With Sofia being the capital... it would be very difficult to lose," he added. "You’d invest in Sofia in Bulgaria because you’d be looking at a longer term market."

Experts have highlighted eastern European city centres as offering positive capital growth and relative investment stability compared to other regions.