The property investment opportunities in Bulgaria fall into four main categories, wrote the Independent on Wednesday in an article that praises the property market potential of the country on the threshold of the European Union.

"The first lies in the capital, Sofia, which is growing economically and geographically faster than any other former East European capital. The property boom has now hit the centre, with locals themselves pitching into the market - always a good sign."

The article points out that an average, two-bedroom, new-build apartment in the centre is selling for between 69,000 pounds and 87,000 pounds, and values are rising almost by the day.

The author points out that Bulgaria has a burgeoning skiing industry whose centre is Bansko, an ancient village at the foot of the Pirin Mountains.

A typical two-bedroom, new-build apartment costs 71,000 pounds, with prospect of a rise in values of about 20 per cent a year.

The Black Sea, with its sunshine, cheap beer and great food, beckons investors too.

"Locations such as Sunny Beach may be set to become the new Costa del Sol."

The Independent cites experts, according to whom the really "canny" investment, and one open to those on a low budget, is to buy land.

They say the town of Kavarna would command prices of 70 euros a square metre, and Balchik 58 euros.