site.btaYoung Bulgarians Prefer Investing in Capital Markets Over Real Estate for Building Long-Term Wealth, Survey Finds

Many young Bulgarians are choosing capital markets — such as stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) - over real estate when it comes to building long-term wealth, according to a pan-European survey commissioned by the global financial technology company Revolut, the company reported. 

The findings are based on aggregated data from users of Revolut’s investment services between January and July this year, alongside a survey conducted in June by the Dynata research company. The representative sample included 1,000 respondents aged 18 and over in each of 20 countries, including Bulgaria.

In Bulgaria, real estate remains the top choice for 39% of respondents. However, younger generations show a strong preference for capital markets: 43% of those aged 18–34 selected stocks and ETFs as their preferred investment option. Investing in real estate is the most popular option among women in Bulgaria (45%), compared with just over a third (34%) for men. 

Across Europe, 37% of respondents aged 18–24 said they see stocks and ETFs as the best way to build long-term wealth — ahead of property, which was preferred by only 30% of Generation Z (those born in the late 1990s and early 2000s). This age group is also the least likely to trust real estate as a long-term investment,  according to the survey. In contrast, property remains dominant among people aged 45–64, with around a third identifying it as their most important asset for wealth building. 

The report highlights that Bulgaria’s younger generation plays a key role in capital market participation: 51% of all Revolut investors in the country are aged 18–34. Generation Z investors in Bulgaria also show a stronger preference for diversification, with ETFs making up 13% of their portfolios — the highest share among all age groups on the platform. 

When it comes to recurring investments, the 18–34 age group shows the strongest trust in the United States, with ETFs tracking the S&P 500 index being the most popular investment plan among younger users.

Although the gender gap in investing persists, it is more pronounced among younger generations. Women make up 31% of Revolut investors in the 18–34 age group, compared to 29% in the 35–44 bracket.

“There is a clear shift in how younger generations approach wealth,” said Rolandas Juteika, head of wealth and trading at Revolut. “They’re not waiting to buy their first home to start building a financial future — they’re starting earlier, investing smaller amounts, and using tools that were once only available to professional investors. This trend is a direct result of greater financial literacy and the growing accessibility of modern investment platforms.”