Cooling of the Agricultural Market: Decline in Transaction Prices and Arable Land Rents in 2025

The agricultural land market in Bulgaria is undergoing a period of "cooling." According to the latest data from the National Statistical Institute (NSI), a decline is observed in 2025 in both direct purchase and sale of arable land and in the costs for its rental.

Transaction Prices and Regional Differences

The average price per decare of arable land in the country is 842.61 euros (approximately 1,648 BGN), representing a 3.3% decrease compared to the previous year. The trend is not uniform across the country:

• Decline: North Central, North-Eastern, South-Eastern, and South-Western statistical regions.
• Growth: North-Western and South Central regions.

The highest prices remain in the North-Eastern region (1,069.62 euros per decare), despite it recording the largest percentage decline of 9.5%.

Significant Decline in Rental Prices

A more noticeable decrease is observed in land rents. The average rental price per decare of arable land is 26.08 euros (51 BGN), which is a 12.1% decrease compared to 2024. This weakening of cost pressure has been reported in all statistical regions.

Important Clarification Regarding Methodology

When analyzing this data, it is necessary to take into account that as of 2025, the NSI has changed its method of information collection. Instead of direct surveys, the institution now relies on administrative data from the Registry Agency, the Cadastre, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. This means that comparisons with 2024 data must be made with increased caution due to the change in the information base.

What Does This Mean for Market Participants?

For landowners who rely on it as an asset for generating income, this means potentially lower profitability from leasing. For lessees (producers), the situation is more favorable, as the costs for using agricultural land are shrinking. For buyers, the market is no longer in a mode of constantly rising prices, which creates more balanced conditions for investment.