Regardless of whether you are a guest of the capital and want to settle in the city for a longer period of time, or you decide that it is time to separate from the family, you will initially need a rental apartment. And as it has become clear in recent years, financial dimensions are not the only factor influencing the decision of where you will live. Sofia is a colorful city filled with many emotions, but the choice of a temporary home should be taken with a cool mind. In this article, we will look at some of the capital's eastern neighborhoods and what they offer to their residents.
Why the Eastern Districts are a good location for your rental property
For years these neighborhoods - "Youth", "Friendship", "Dianabad", "Redoubt" are a preferred choice because of their relative calmness, relatively low crime rate and good infrastructure. The wide boulevards, kindergartens and schools built even during the time of socialism, provide an opportunity both for unobstructed travel and for quick access to educational institutions in case you are a parent. Another very popular factor for renting accommodation there is the fast connection to the Trakia highway and the newly opened section of the ring road. Residents of some of these neighborhoods have had access to the subway for several years, and in the next decade, more subway stations will be built.
The city center is also a stone's throw away, and the presence of parks in each of these neighborhoods guarantees you places to stroll.
A brief overview of some of the eastern neighborhoods:
Youth
Mladost is the largest and most developed district in the eastern part of Sofia. The area consists of several sub-areas – Mladost 1, 2, 3 and 4, as well as smaller adjacent neighborhoods such as the Polygon and the American University housing estate. Mladost is preferred because of the amenities it offers - numerous shopping centers, supermarkets and restaurants. Some of the most modern residential complexes with high standards of construction are also located here. The good transport network makes Mladost convenient for daily travel to the center of Sofia - regardless whether underground or surface transport is used. This is an area suitable, both for young people who work near Business Park Sofia, and for families looking for comfort and security.
Friendship
Druzhba is more affordable in terms of rents compared to Mladost, which makes it attractive to students, young families and people looking for more budget options. The area is connected to the center of Sofia by metro and buses. And there, as in the other eastern districts, there is a park, as well as a large lake. In recent years, the area has started to develop, with new residential complexes appearing with mostly undersized dwellings. Friendship, as well as Mladost is connected by major boulevards to Sofia Airport, which yes is an advantage for people who travel often.
East and Sunrise
These neighborhoods are among the most prestigious in Sofia, which also reflects on rental prices. They are distinguished by a quiet and peaceful atmosphere, as well as by extensive green areas such as The Hunting Park and the Boris Garden. Apart from that, the inter-block spaces themselves are miniature parks. The area is convenient for people who want to be close to the center, but at the same time value peace. C both the neighborhood has numerous diplomatic missions, which further contribute to this.
Redoubt
Redoubt is a district with a highly developed infrastructure, while preserving the traditional appearance of old Sofia. Toh is preferred by families as it has good schools, kindergartens and numerous sports facilities. There are in the regions good transport connectivity with the center and other parts of the city by buses and trolleybuses. And at the moment (2024) a new metro line is being built. Rental prices in these neighborhoods are relatively affordable, making them popular with renters looking for a balance between price and convenience.
Dianabad
Dianabad is a dynamic and well-developed neighborhood that attracts mostly young people and families. The area offers easy access, as to the city center, and so on the main business areas while providing a green environment. The immediate vicinity of The hunting park making it suitable for nature and sports lovers. Dianabad has a well-developed infrastructure including supermarkets, gyms, restaurants and schools. Rental prices are moderate, tending to be higher.
Price ranges of rental housing in the eastern neighborhoods
Rents in the eastern districts of Sofia vary significantly depending on the area and the type of housing. The neighborhoods East, Sunrise and Dianabad have higher prices, due to their prestigious location, proximity to the center and the presence of many green areas. By the end of 2024, in these areas, the monthly price of a studio apartment for rent varies between 800 and 1100 BGN, two-room - between 1,000 and 2,000 BGN, and for a three-room - between 1800 and 4000 BGN, especially if the property is newly built or luxuriously furnished. The last figure may come as a surprise, especially since the landlord usually also requires a deposit. We in Flatimo however, we don't think that way and believe that rent should be paid when the home is rented.
On the other hand, as we have already said – in a neighborhood Friendship rental prices are lower. Here, the rent for a two-room apartment is usually between 800 and 1200 BGN, while the three-room apartments are approx 1200 to 1800 BGN. These areas offer more affordable options for renters, but still have good infrastructure and transport links.
Youth is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in terms of prices. In the older parts of the neighborhood - Mladost 1 and 2, rents are relatively lower - approx 700 to 1200 BGN for a two-room apartment. In newer and more modern complexes with more new construction such as Mladost 4, however, rental prices can reach up to BGN 2,000 for a three-room apartment.
In recent years it has been observed stable rent growth in the eastern districts. Factors that influence prices include proximity to metro stations, availability of modern residential complexes, shops and services, as well as the good infrastructure of the areas. Rent prices in these neighborhoods are expected to continue to rise as their popularity increases with increasing demand and new construction.
Practical tips for renting an apartment in the Eastern Quarter
How to search for a suitable apartment
When you are looking for an apartment for rent in the eastern districts of Sofia, it is good to use a variety of search channels. Online real estate platforms like ours are a good start. Also, agenciesthem for real estate they offer help, but there they work with commissions, which are sometimes disproportionate to the prices of the offered options. Unlike us, since we rent without brokers and intermediaries, there is no commission, and the whole process is completely digitalized. We recommend that you monitor listings regularly as good deals often sell out quickly.
What to keep in mind during inspections
When organizing an inspection of an apartment, pay attention to the condition of the home – problems with plumbing, electricity, windows and heating. Assess the availability of furniture and electrical appliances, as well as their condition, if the apartment is furnished. Always ask if there are additional costs, such as building maintenance, elevator or parking fees.
Selection of neighborhood according to needs
Think about what is most important to you - proximity to subway, the presence of green areas or access to modern amenities.. In the end - choose the area according to your priorities and budget and don't regret - whatever happens, we are here for you!
