Approximately 28 % of Bulgarians (2 million people) live in panel houses, many of which urgently need repair, according to ee24.com citing newsbg.ru.
Bulgarian authorities can't cope with the volume of works on the reconstruction of old houses. New housing construction has also slid down in 2013 compared with 2012. In the beginning of this year more permits were issued, so there is reason to hope for a revival of the construction industry.
Experts say that if in Sofia, Varna and Burgas there is some activity, while in small towns the housing stock remains the same. Meanwhile, the Bulgarians are willing to buy housing and improve living conditions. Many take a mortgage: as writes monitor.bg, to buy an apartment in Bulgaria worth €40-55 thousand, residents may ask for credit up to €30 thousand, and monthly payments usually range from €280 to €400.