THE PROPERTY PULSE OF HASKOVO: THE MARKET IS ENTERING A PERIOD OF ADDITIONAL PRESSURE AND PROVOCATIVE STRESS!

The one-month period between August 20 and September 20, 2026, clearly outlines a change in the dynamics of the real estate market in Haskovo. Transactional activity is narrowing down to buyers with urgent housing needs, while a significant increase is being recorded in the rental segment. At the same time, major tax changes are on the horizon which, combined with the difficult geopolitical environment, are placing the sector before a serious test.

Residential sales: Sellers are making significant discounts to close deals.

The market is increasingly confirming the trend that buyers are now primarily people acquiring property to meet their personal and immediate housing needs. Speculative and investment interest has virtually disappeared.

In this situation, it has become critically important for sellers to retain every genuine potential buyer. Discounts in transactions are now reaching higher levels — between 5% and 8%, with owners willing to reduce their asking prices in order to secure the completion of a sale. At present, the banking sector remains highly active, while mortgage interest rates are still attractive, supporting buyers with genuine housing needs.

Commercial properties: Complete silence and a lack of business interest.

Unlike the previous month, business properties and commercial premises are recording extremely few transactions. There is a complete lack of interest from established businesses in expanding their operations, investing in additional space, or acquiring new assets. Entrepreneurs in Haskovo have adopted a wait-and-see approach.

Residential rentals: Peak activity and strong demand.

In complete contrast to sales, the rental market has been extremely active during the past week. Significant shifts in preferences and price levels are being observed:

• One-bedroom apartments: The most sought-after segment, with rents between €200 and €230 per month.
• Two-bedroom apartments: Traditionally strong demand at levels of €300 to €350 per month.
• Three-bedroom and larger homes: Significantly lower demand, with prices ranging between €400 and €500 per month.

Expectations and stress test: New taxes on the horizon?

The market is currently under significant psychological and financial pressure, viewed from a broader perspective against the backdrop of two upcoming regulatory measures:

1. Excess-profit tax on banks: It is expected to have a direct impact on the banking sector, potentially leading to higher costs for financial services, increased interest rates, tighter lending conditions, and considerably greater conservatism in the approval of loans.
2. 20% VAT taxation: The proposed measure to impose VAT on all transactions — including those involving private individuals — concerning the sale of regulated land plots, new apartments, residential properties and garages is causing considerable concern.

This would undoubtedly lead to additional pressure on property transactions, which are already not at their most active levels. The team of “Intriga” Ltd. is closely monitoring how this stress will affect actual market prices in the coming weeks.

Outlook and geopolitical influence: A difficult winter with many unknowns.

The approaching winter season is shaping up to be an extremely difficult period, marked by economic uncertainty. The international environment is exerting strong negative pressure — the two ongoing wars, expensive fuel, high food prices and the overall increase in the cost of living are limiting consumers’ financial capabilities. At present, there are few positive economic incentives.

The conclusion of “Intriga” Ltd.:

The real estate business in Haskovo continues to operate in a difficult and uncertain financial environment, with its development strongly constrained by macroeconomic and tax-related factors. We are entering a challenging period in which creativity, flexibility in negotiations, and accurate legal and market expertise will be of key importance for the successful completion of every

transaction.

This article is intended solely for analytical purposes and expresses the professional opinion of the agency's team, based on current market observations. The material does not constitute legal, financial or investment advice.

All texts, analyses and conclusions contained in this material are the exclusive intellectual property of “Intriga” Ltd. Copying, republication or use of any part of the analysis is prohibited without the express written consent of the author and proper attribution.