Irish investors made up 1-in-20 of the non-Bulgarians who purchased property in the EU state in the Q1 of this year, the Irish Independent writes.

Ireland, Hungary and Spain each accounted for more than 5% of the money spent by foreigners on real estate buys in Bulgaria.

Bulgaria joined the EU in January, but that had no effect on the market, as foreigners could buy real estate long before the accession, with the exception of the land itself.

Bulgaria has attracted foreigners for years with its warm climate, seaside and winter resorts and relatively low-priced properties, but interest grew into a boom last year.