Krasno Selo, Borovo, Buxton and Hipodruma, Sofia: a three-room flat in an established neighbourhood – how the sub-districts differ, the metro and parking

Krasno Selo, Borovo, Buxton and Hipodruma are among the areas Sofia families look at when they want an established neighbourhood – schools and kindergartens, shops, markets, greenery – without paying the prices of the centre or Lozenets. The most sought-after home here is the three-room flat (two bedrooms plus a living room). According to Imoteka data quoted in our H1 report, the average three-room deal in Sofia has now passed €250,000 (indicative). So it pays to know exactly what you are paying for.

The four sub-districts: how they differ

Hipodruma – more densely built, with blocks mainly from the 1960s–1980s and many residential buildings from recent decades. Close to the centre and Bulgaria Boulevard. The metro is a real plus for many addresses.

Krasno Selo – around Tsar Boris III Boulevard and Krasno Selo metro station. A mix of brick and EPK blocks, panel and newer buildings. Good shopping and transport – the metro and the tram along Tsar Boris III.

Borovo – greener and calmer, with 1970s–1980s blocks and new buildings. For much of the area the metro is not within walking distance; you rely on surface transport and the car.

Buxton – along Bratya Buxton Boulevard, with lower-rise housing, houses and new residential buildings close to Vitosha. Further from the metro and more car-dependent. At the edge of the district begins the last unfinished section of the ring road – if you buy there, check whether the property is affected.

The metro: which addresses gain

Line M3 runs through the area with Krasno Selo station (at Tsar Boris III Boulevard and Zhitnitsa Street) and Bulgaria Blvd station (at the junction of Bulgaria Boulevard and Akad. Ivan Geshov Boulevard). Both opened in 2020. The biggest advantage goes to addresses 5–10 minutes' walk from a station. In Borovo and Buxton the metro remains far away for many addresses – do not pay a "metro premium" until you have measured the distance.

The three-room flats you will find

• In an older block (1960s–1980s) – usually a separate kitchen, two bedrooms and a living room, often with district heating. Check the building type – brick, EPK or panel – and the state of the common areas. We cover the differences in detail in our guide to older blocks.
• In a 2000s building – a larger living room with a kitchenette, often with a parking space or garage, but higher maintenance costs.
• In a new build – better insulation and layouts; check the construction stage and the deadline for Act 16.

A practical tip: with three-room flats in older blocks, compare the usable area of the rooms, not just the total area including the share of common parts. Two flats with the same listed size can differ by a whole room.

Parking

This is the weak point of established neighbourhoods. In the older parts there are hardly any garages, and the spaces in front of the block are shared. If the car matters to you:

• look for a flat with its own garage or parking space, or the option to buy one nearby;
• check whether the street is in a paid-parking zone and what the rules for residents are;
• with a new build, find out whether the space is a separate property unit or a right of use – the difference is explained in our guide to garages and parking spaces.

Who these areas suit

• Families with children – for the schools, kindergartens and calm surroundings.
• Buyers trading up from a two-room to a three-room flat who want to stay in a familiar area.
• Investors – three-room flats near the metro let easily to families and flat-sharers.

What to check at the viewing

1. The walking time to the metro and to school.
2. The floor and orientation – ground and top floors, sunlight, boulevard noise.
3. The state of the block – roof, lift, façade, insulation.
4. The flat's services – the electrical panel, pipes, windows.
5. The documents – do the area and layout match the notarial deed and the cadastral diagram?

There is a full checklist in our viewing guide.

In short

• Hipodruma and Krasno Selo – more metro and a more urban feel; Borovo and Buxton – more greenery, but more driving.
• Krasno Selo and Bulgaria Blvd metro stations add value to nearby addresses.
• Parking is the most common compromise – sort it out before you buy.
• Compare three-room flats on usable area, floor and the building's condition, not just on price.

If you are looking for a three-room flat in Krasno Selo, Borovo, Buxton or Hipodruma, call us or come into the office. We will show you the differences between the sub-districts on the ground and compare specific options with you. You can also browse our current properties for sale.

This information is general and does not replace individual advice. Verified as of October 2026.