Why are so many properties for sale in such poor condition ?

@Hoowster

Good info, thank you!

Like you, I think folks should look carefully at the location, and pay more for something in a more desirable village/town.

Many years ago, I too was looking at incredible Ebay offers (many finished and livable) for 10k-20k. However, we ended up spending FAR more than this on EACH of our properties. I didn't even realize it back then (I purchased sight unseen), but our locations are absolutely wonderful. We have a country house in the Balkan Mountains (close to famous Shipka, the Buzludzha Monument, and next to the Valley of the Roses / Valley of the Thracian Kings, and not far from the Central Balkan National Park). A holiday studio in Bansko (Bulgaria's top ski resort with the spectacular Pirin National Park). And our flat in downtown Plovdiv, a former European Capital of Culture. Each place is livable full-time, so the multi-property thing is pure self-indulgence (that I can only afford because we're in Bulgaria).

Your point about renovation is also very helpful. This is now very expensive, far more than many expect. I think some of the deals for fully renovated or partially renovated (inside bathroom, septic tank, renovated/maintained roof, solid perimeter wall/gate) are arguably a better option than something needing complete renovation.

For those on a very small budget, but capable of extensive DIY, I'd say typical Bulgarian village houses look very basic, but often have very good "bones". You can often renovate them even when they look like tear-downs. You can also grab a bargain caravan on Ebay and drive it over so you have some home comforts when you start the job. In our village (very desirable) almost every house (no matter how dilapidated) has been renovated. Very few were torn down to start again (and then the new owner built a much larger, luxury house with better views).