German retirees are relocating to the village of Lozen, Bulgaria, to combat the rising cost of living in Germany, with some saving roughly 300 euros per month despite inflation in the Balkans. This trend is facilitated by the “Pensioner Happiness” community, a network of renovated homes specifically leased to German seniors, as reported by Dnes.
Kristiane Hofer trades Karlsruhe for Lozen
Kristiane Hofer, a retiree from Karlsruhe, moved to Lozen with nine cats after finding her monthly pension insufficient for life in Germany. According to a documentary by the private broadcaster RTL, cited by Deutsche Welle, Hofer’s pension increased from 570 euros to 800 euros over two years, but remained inadequate. After paying utilities and fixed costs in Germany, she was left with only 300 euros for monthly expenses.
To fund the move, Hofer took out a 10,000 euro loan, which she intends to repay by selling her inherited property in Germany. Despite never having flown on a plane or visited Bulgaria previously, Hofer coordinated her move through other German retirees already living in the village.
Jordan Milanov builds a German enclave in Bulgaria
The community in Lozen was established by Yordan Milanov, who lived and worked in Germany for 20 years before returning to his native village in 2022. Milanov buys abandoned houses, renovates them, and leases them to German retirees. He currently manages a group of 20 residents, serving as their translator and facilitator for bureaucratic tasks, health issues, and psychological support.
Rental prices for these homes range between 595 and 690 euros per month, plus utilities. Hofer’s specific rental is 690 euros for a 65-square-meter house with a 1,400-square-meter yard.
Cost of living comparison in Lozen
While Bulgaria offers a milder climate and lower overall costs, RTL reports that prices in the country have risen. During a shopping trip to Strazhitsa, located 15 km from Lozen, Hofer found that supermarket prices were comparable to those in Germany. One specific grocery bill totaled 56 euros, which was 5 euros less than an equivalent purchase in Germany.
| Expense Category | Germany (Estimated) | Bulgaria (Lozen) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Expenses | 1,500 euros | 1,190 euros |
| Monthly Savings | – | 300 euros |
Residents help others overcome infrastructure gaps in Lozen
Lozen lacks a hospital, public transportation, and immediate access to the sea. It is located in central Bulgaria, approximately one hour by car from the city of Veliko Tarnovo. While these infrastructure gaps are a hurdle for new arrivals, established residents like Nikol and Dominik use their own vehicles to provide transportation for others in the community.
Milanov warns against spending all available assets to relocate, noting that 20% to 30% of those who join “Pensioner Happiness” eventually leave Bulgaria to return to Germany.
Common questions about retiring in Lozen
Is the healthcare system reliable for retirees?
Residents of the German community in Lozen, including Nikol and Dominik, have expressed satisfaction with the Bulgarian healthcare system, according to the RTL report.
How do retirees handle the language barrier?
Yordan Milanov provides translation services and administrative assistance to the 20 German retirees living in his renovated properties to help them handle local bureaucracy.
Where do residents buy groceries if the village is isolated?
Residents travel to the town of Strazhitsa, located 15 kilometers from Lozen, to access supermarkets and essential supplies.
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