People Are Quietly Leaving Bulgaria… Here’s Why

Are people really leaving Bulgaria… and if so, why isn’t anyone talking about it?

We’re Fresh Start Sticks — a family of 5 who left the UK to start a new life in rural Bulgaria. What we’ve experienced since returning has honestly made us stop and question everything.

From rising costs and unexpected bills, to the reality of rural life and what’s happening beneath the surface…

👉 If you’re thinking of moving abroad, already living here, or just curious about the reality… this is for you.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:12 Brits rushed to Bulgaria – why they’re quietly leaving now
00:39 Rural Bulgaria homestead project update
02:10 Biggest mistakes when investing in Bulgaria property
03:46 Why expats are still moving to Bulgaria
04:13 Common buyer mistakes in Bulgaria explained
11:28 Why now could be the time to invest in Bulgaria
12:00 What to know before investing in Bulgaria
15:14 Q&A – living in Bulgaria, costs & expat life
18:07 Outro

👇 Join the conversation
Have you experienced this where you live?
Would you still move abroad in 2026?

☉ WELCOME TO FRESH START STICKS ☀︎
We’re a family of five who left the UK to start a new life in rural Bulgaria.
After the events of 2020, life in the UK changed dramatically. Attitudes shifted, businesses struggled under constant regulation changes, and with three young children, we began questioning whether the traditional path still offered the future we wanted for them.

We didn’t feel that the school system could provide the structure, freedom, and real-life skills our children need as they grow into young adults — so we chose to homeschool.

After researching several European countries, we chose Bulgaria. It’s still organic, the people are welcoming, and the nature is truly beautiful. After months of searching — and almost giving up — we finally found an old farmhouse in the countryside that had been empty for over a year. We decided to buy it and renovate it, learning as we go.

OUR GOAL IS SIMPLE:
Renovate our Bulgarian farmhouse
More freedom.
More family time.
Growing our own food.
And travelling together as a family in the Balkan countries

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🎥 WHAT WE SHARE HERE

This channel documents real family life after moving abroad — the highs, the lows, and everything in between.
Real-time relocation & rural living
Honest DIY & renovation (no experts — just learning as we go)
No crew. No big budgets. Just us.
New videos every Sunday.

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🔔 SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW THE JOURNEY

👉 Subscribe here:
www.youtube.com/@freshstartsticks

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🌍 Official Website & Project Links:
Homepage → https://www.freshstartsticks.com/
Watch the Journey →
Support the build → https://www.freshstartsticks.com/donate
Property services →
Press & Media →
Blog →
Contact →

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Explore renovation blogs, cost of living guides and sustainable living insights

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📝 FEATURED BLOG GUIDES

Cost of Living in Bulgaria → https://www.freshstartsticks.com/post/cost-of-living-in-bulgaria
Rural Living in Bulgaria → https://www.freshstartsticks.com/post/rural-living-in-bulgaria-our-honest-experience
Buying Property in Bulgaria
Home Renovation in Bulgaria: What You Should Know

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🤍 SUPPORT THE CHANNEL
Your support helps us continue renovating and documenting this journey.
https://www.freshstartsticks.com/donate

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📲 FOLLOW US
Instagram: instagram.com/FreshStartSticks
Facebook: facebook.com/FreshStartSticks
TikTok: tiktok.com/FreshStartSticks

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🎵 MUSIC
Song list: Morning Mist
If you enjoyed our music selection and would like access to it, you can find it here:
https://share.epidemicsound.com/rrpbsk
(Affiliate link)

DISCLAIMER ⚖️
Some links maybe affiliate links. We may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you), which helps support FRESH START STICKS and future videos. Thanks for your support.

© Fresh Start Sticks 2026. All rights reserved.
Unauthorised use or reproduction is strictly prohibited.

🔍 HASHTAGS
#LifeAbroad #FreshStart #Bulgaria #Documentary #RenovationLife #FamilyLifeAbroad #BlackFamily #RuralLiving #VelikoTarnovo #HomeRenovation