Land prices and rents (apri_lpr)

National Reference Metadata in Euro SDMX Metadata Structure (ESMSAL)

Compiling agency: National Statistical Institute of Bulgaria


Eurostat metadata
Reference metadata
1. Contact
2. Metadata update
3. Statistical presentation
4. Unit of measure
5. Reference Period
6. Institutional Mandate
7. Confidentiality
8. Release policy
9. Frequency of dissemination
10. Accessibility and clarity
11. Quality management
12. Relevance
13. Accuracy
14. Timeliness and punctuality
15. Coherence and comparability
16. Cost and Burden
17. Data revision
18. Statistical processing
19. Comment
Related Metadata
Annexes (including footnotes)
 



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1. Contact Top
1.1. Contact organisation

National Statistical Institute of Bulgaria
1.2. Contact organisation unit

Agriculture and Forestry Accounts and Prices Department
1.5. Contact mail address

2, Panayot Volov Street

1038, Sofia, Bulgaria


2. Metadata update Top
2.1. Metadata last certified 14/12/2020
2.2. Metadata last posted 14/12/2020
2.3. Metadata last update 14/12/2020


3. Statistical presentation Top
3.1. Data description
  Land prices  Land rents 
Data description

The National Statistical Institute of Bulgaria has provided Eurostat with annual data on the prices of agricultural land transactions and rent payment in agriculture since 2000. The grant in 2011 aimed at the development of comparable statistical data according to the Target Methodology and envisaged to set up the improved national data collection system and to ensure data quality by introducing new tools for data collection and data checks in order to meet users' needs and access to the data.

Within the survey on the agricultural land prices and rents in agriculture, information on the following variables was collected:

• Number of transactions with agricultural land;

• Area of sold/purchased agricultural land;

• Price per unit area for sold/purchased agricultural land.

The National Statistical Institute of Bulgaria has provided Eurostat with annual data on the prices of agricultural land transactions and rent payment in agriculture since 2000. The grant in 2011 aimed at the development of comparable statistical data according to the Target Methodology and envisaged to set up the improved national data collection system and to ensure data quality by introducing new tools for data collection and data checks in order to meet users' needs and access to the data.

Within the survey on the agricultural land prices and rents in agriculture, information on the following variables was collected:

  • Number of contracts for land lease;
  • Size of rented/hired agricultural land;
  • Renting price per unit of area.
3.2. Classification system
  Land prices  Land rents 
Classification system

1. NUTS classification for territorial classification

2. Classification of observed Land use categories

3. Classification of Economic Activities in Bulgaria (NACE, Rev. 2)

4. National Register of Populated places in Bulgaria

1. NUTS classification for territorial classification

2. Classification of observed Land use categories

3. Classification of Economic Activities in Bulgaria (NACE, Rev. 2)

4. National Register of Populated places in Bulgaria
3.3. Coverage - sector
  Land prices  Land rents 
Coverage - sector

Data on the sale price of agricultural land are collected from three main groups of respondents operating on the agricultural land market:

  • Agricultural holdings, (only juridical persons), buying agricultural land for development of their economic activity (NACE 2008, code 01)
  • Land transactions companies established according to the National legislation specially to carry out operations (purchase, sale and rental) of agricultural land (NACE 2008, code 6810 and 6820)
  • Real estate agencies (limited number), buying and selling agricultural land (NACE 2008, code 6831)

Only transactions where the purpose of land for agricultural production is not changed are taken into account.

Data on the rental price of agricultural land are collected from two  groups of respondents:

  • Agricultural holdings, (only juridical persons), renting agricultural land for development of their economic activity (NACE code 01)
  • Land transactions companies established according to the National legislation specially to carry out operations (purchase, sale and rental) of agricultural land (NACE code 6810 and 6820)

Only those contracts for renting of agricultural land where its purpose for agricultural production is not changed are taken into account.
3.4. Statistical concepts and definitions

Definition of the land price values

  Land prices  Land rents 
Definition of the land price values

During the survey absolute prices of land transactions were collected. According to the instructions, the respondents had to report the price value of each land transaction in national currency. In the value of land transactions the amount of taxes paid by the buyer has to be included with exception of deductible VAT. The value of the transaction does not include the amount of cash compensations paid by the buyer to the owners of the land (if any) and the value of the buildings located on the agricultural land (if any).

According to the market price concept, the price of agricultural land (arable land, permanent grassland) is the price received/paid by the holder in free trade without deduction of taxes or levies and without the inclusion of subsidies. In practice, this means the actual price agreed upon by the transactors. Any taxes that the seller may have to subsequently pay as a result of selling the land, such as capital gains tax, would not be deducted from the price.

Within the survey data on absolute prices of the agricultural land transactions is collected. There is no need respondents to calculate average prices in cases of several transactions made. In this case they fill-in the most frequently contracted price when they buy/sale agricultural land within the area of corresponding populated place.

During the survey absolute prices of rental payment were collected. According to the instructions the respondents had to report the value of rental payment at prices of current year. In the value of the rental payment they also have to include all payments in kind valued at the prices of the current year with exception of the value of buildings or dwellings located on leased land, and all other costs related to other assets, except for land (ongoing maintenance costs of buildings, buildings insurance, depreciation of buildings and etc.).

Rents correspond to payments made to the owner of land in return for him making assets available to another physical person/legal person/legal entity. In practice, this means the actual rent price agreed upon by the transactors including the value of related levies/taxes and including payments in kind, valuated at the current year price. No distinction is made taking into consideration the duration of the renting contract/agreement and the time for contracting. Therefore, all rents for land (even if the land is rented for more than one year) should be taken into account for the calculation of average rent.
The costs of transferring ownership (therefore lawyer's fees, registration taxes and real estate) are excluded from collected selling/purchase price of agricultural land? Yes Not applicable. 
The value of deductible VAT is excluded from the price of agricultural land? Yes Yes
The entitlements related to the land are excluded from the collected selling/purchase/renting price of agricultural land? Yes Yes
The value of any buildings or dwellings situated on it and any other expenses related to other assets except the agricultural land (current maintenance expenditure on buildings, buildings insurance, depreciation of buildings, rents paid for the professional use of non-residential buildings etc.) are excluded from the price of agricultural land? Yes Yes
The value of any monetary compensation received by farmers for the sales/acquisition of the Utilized Agricultural Area is excluded from the collected selling/purchase price of agricultural land? Yes Not applicable. 
The value of any inheritances transfers related to the sold/purchased land is excluded from the collected selling/purchase price of agricultural land? Yes Not applicable. 
If you have replied NO to any of the above questions explain the reason why. 


EU Target Methodology

  Land prices  Land rents 
Does the data collection observe the land categories as specified in the EU Target Methodology?  No No
If not, please describe the differences. 

According to the agricultural Census 2010 the irrigable land represented 2.5% of the total UAA in Bulgaria and thus in compliance with the Target Methodology the breakdown of the average price of land transactions by two subcategories of arable land (the irrigable and non-irrigable) was not carried out.

According to the agricultural Census 2010 the irrigable land represented 2.5% of the total UAA in Bulgaria and thus in compliance with the Target Methodology the breakdown of the average price of land transactions by two subcategories of arable land (the irrigable and non-irrigable) was not carried out.


Other UAA categories

  Land prices  Land rents 
Does the price information provided to Eurostat include information on other UAA categories?  Yes Yes
If yes, specify which categories. 

Orchards and vineyard.

Orchards and vineyard.
3.5. Statistical unit
  Land prices  Land rents 
Reporting unit 

Data on the sale price of agricultural land are collected from three main groups of respondents operating on the agricultural land market:

  • Agricultural holdings, (only juridical persons), buying agricultural land for development of their economic activity (NACE code 01)
  • Land transactions companies established according to the National legislation specially to carry out operations (purchase, sale and rental) of agricultural land (NACE code 6810 and 6820)
  • Real estate agencies (limited number)buying and selling agricultural land (NACE code 6831).

Only those agricultural land transactions where its purpose for agricultural production is not changed are taken into account.

Data on the rental price of agricultural land are collected from two groups of respondents:

  • Agricultural holdings, (only juridical persons), renting agricultural land for development of their economic activity (NACE code 01)
  • Land transactions companies established according to the National legislation specially established to carry out operations (purchase, sale and rental) of agricultural land (NACE code 6810 and 6820).

Only those contracts for renting of agricultural land where its purpose for agricultural production is not changed are taken into account.
Observation unit 

The observation unit is the price of 1 decar of agricultural land purchased. In order to meet the requirements of the Eurostat Common Methodology, prices are then recalculated in BGN per hectare.

The observation unit is the price of 1 decar of agricultural land rented. In order to meet the requirements of the Eurostat Common Methodology, prices are then recalculated in BGN per hectare.
3.6. Statistical population
  Land prices  Land rents 
Does any kind of physical, economical or other threshold apply for data collection on land prices and rents? 

The statistical population for the agricultural holdings and real estate agencies is defined on the base of information of the reported value for acquisition of fixed assets (land is presented as a separate item). The source of data is the Annual Activity Report of Non-financial Enterprises, collected by the Business Statistics.

For the Land transactions companies the statistical population is defined on the base of information on the value of changes in the fixed assets during the calendar year (land is presented as a separate item). The source of information is the Consolidated Annual Activity Report of Specialized Investment Firms, collected by the Business Statistcs.

Within the survey only those units were included that exceeded 100 thousand BGN (NC units) of selection criteria (in value terms).

The statistical population of the agricultural holdings is defined on the base of information collected within the Annual Report of Agricultural holdings, where data on rental payments made were reported by the respondents.

For the Land transactions companies the statistical population is defined on the base of information on reported value of changes in the fixed assets during the calendar year in the Annual Report of Consolidated Annual Activity Report of Specialized Investment Firms, collected by the Business Statistics.

Within the survey only those units were included that exceeded 100 thousand BGN (NC units) of selection criteria.
3.7. Reference area
  Land prices  Land rents 
Reference area

Within the survey only those regions were included in which respondents can meet the preliminary set threshold (defined in value terms). At least five to six regions are excluded from the scope of the survey each year, by this reason.

Within the survey only those regions were included in which respondents can meet the preliminary set threshold (defined in value terms). At least five to six regions are excluded from the scope of the survey each year, by this reason.
3.8. Coverage - Time
  Land prices Land rents
Time coverage 

Comparable at EU level time series were available from 2010 onwards.

The data from 2010 onwards meet the requirements of the Eurostat Common Methodology.

Comparable at EU level time series were available from 2010 onwards.

The data from 2010 onwards meet the requirements of the Eurostat Common Methodology.
When was the first survey/data collection on land prices and rents in line with common Target Methodology organised? 

In 2011, in the framework of the grant action.

In 2011, in the framework of the grant action.
3.9. Base period

Not applicable.


4. Unit of measure Top
  Land prices  Land rents 
Is the price provided in national currency?  Yes Yes
Is the data on area provided in hectares?  Yes Yes


5. Reference Period Top
  Land prices Land rents
Is the reference period used for rental price the calendar year?  Not applicable.  Yes
If not, specify the reference period used Not applicable. 

Same as for the land transactions.


6. Institutional Mandate Top
6.1. Institutional Mandate - legal acts and other agreements
  Land prices Land rents
Legal acts and other agreements 
  • Common EU Methodology on Agricultural Land prices and rents
  • ESS-net agreement between Eurostat and members states
  • National Law on Statistics
  • National Statistical Programme
  • Common EU Methodology on Agricultural Land prices and rents
  • ESS-net agreement between Eurostat and members states
  • National Law on Statistics
  • National Statistical Programme
6.2. Institutional Mandate - data sharing

Data from the survey are included in Agreements for data exchange and strategic partnership between the National Statistical Institute and other bodies.

Data from Member States are provided to Eurostat by Gentlemen's agreement.


7. Confidentiality Top
7.1. Confidentiality - policy
7.2. Confidentiality - data treatment
  Land prices Land rents
Confidentiality - data treatment 

Individual data shall not be published, observing art. 25 of the Law on Statistics. The dissemination of individual data is made only under Art. 26 of the Law on Statistics.

Problems with the confidentiality of data arise at lower geographical levels, where in some cases there are very limited number of land transactions or renting of agricultural land. In this case, the data is aggregated at the higher geographic level.

 

Individual data shall not be published, observing art. 25 of the Law on Statistics. The dissemination of individual data is made only under Art. 26 of the Law on Statistics.

Problems with the confidentiality of data arise at lower geographical levels and for some of geographical  regions where the renting of agricultural land is very limited. In this case, the data is aggregated at the higher geographic level.


8. Release policy Top
8.1. Release calendar

The schedule for dissemination of statistical information from the Survey on agricultural land prices and rents is published in the Release Calendar which is presenting the results of the statistical surveys carried out by the National Statistical Institute.
8.2. Release calendar access

The Release Calendar is available on the NSI website: https://www.nsi.bg/en/node/488
8.3. Release policy - user access

Data were published in compliance with the Chapter 5 of the Law on Statistics and European Statistics Code of Practice, considering professional independence and with aim of impartiality and transparency, where all users are treated equal.

https://www.nsi.bg/en/content/11615/agricultural-land-market-and-rent


9. Frequency of dissemination Top

Annual.


10. Accessibility and clarity Top
10.1. Dissemination format - News release

Press release is regularly published on the website of the National Statistical Institute in June, year n+1 in Bulgarian and English together with data dissemination.
10.2. Dissemination format - Publications

Data are regularly published on the website of the National Statistical Institute in June, year n+1 in Bulgarian and English in the domain Statistical data/Agriculture and Forestry/Agriculture.

Data are also available for user in web based Information System Infostat.

https://www.nsi.bg/en/content/11615/agricultural-land-market-and-rent
10.3. Dissemination format - online database

The information is online available through Information System INFOSTAT and can be accessed at NSI website.
10.4. Dissemination format - microdata access

Not applicable.
10.5. Dissemination format - other

Not applicable.
10.6. Documentation on methodology

The Metadata concerning Agricultural Land Prices and Rents Statistics are published in SDMX format on the NSI website, in chapter Metadata and Methodology. Before their first publication metadata were validated by the experts from the “General Methodology and Analysis of Statistical Surveys” Department.

The Common EU Methodology is also published at same link, both in Bulgarian and in English.

The Metadata and Common Methodology can be accessed at:

http://www.nsi.bg/en/content/11615/agricultural-land-market-and-rent?qt-statistical_domain_en=2#qt-statistical_domain_en.
10.7. Quality management - documentation

The process of quality management includes:

  • Availability of updated metadata on the NSI website.
  • Published Methodology on the NSI website.

National Quality Report is not available. 


11. Quality management Top
11.1. Quality assurance

The methods and procedures for the calculation of data are periodically described and their compliance with the Eurostat Common Methodology is documented. 

During the meetings of the Agricultural Accounts and Prices Working Group, questions of methodological nature are discussed and examples of data development good practices are presented.

Comparative analysis with data from previous periods and other sources of information is made.
11.2. Quality management - assessment

The assessment of the quality of the data is done through an analysis of the representativeness of the collected information.

This is done by measuring the achieved scope of the survey and comparing the survey data with data from other statistical domains: Annual Business Statistics - for investments in the acquisition of agricultural land (in value terms) and from Agricultural Statsistics - for covarage of rented area.

Comparisons are also made between the price of agricultural land transactions in two consecutive years at lowest regional level.

In case of established data deviations  (+; - 25%), they are subject to subsequent communication with the respondents.

The extreme (too low or too high) prices are usually excluded from the calculation of average prices.


12. Relevance Top
12.1. Relevance - User Needs
  Land prices Land rents
Are the data on land prices and rents collected for national purposes (by NSI or any other national administration) in your country? 

The main user of data is the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry. Data are also provided to the business and to citizens.

The national user's needs were taking into account by providing the information on three more land use categories and by land productivity categories.

At later stage data collection on this land categories was discontinued by reasons of problems with data confidentiality.

For national purposes data on the prices of land transactions for arable land were splited between two type of respondents - between juridical persons and physical persons and between juridical persons only.

The prices of sales of arable land between juridical persons were conciderable highier because of the large size and better quality of sold/purchased agricultural land.

The main user of data is the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry. Data are also provided to the business and to citizens.

The national user's needs were taking into account by providing the information on three more land use categories and by land productivity categories.

At later stage data collection on this land use and productivity categories was discontinued by reasons of problems with data confidentiality.
Are there any differences between the current EU Target Methodology and the national methodology?  No No
If yes, please describe the differences. 

There were not differences between EU Target Methodology and national methodology.

There were not differences between EU Target Methodology and national methodology.
12.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction

The survey of users satisfaction is not conducted.
12.3. Completeness

All required data sets, including data at regional level were provided to Eurostat. Data on irrigated and non-irrigated land are not compiled as far the percentage of two land categories is below the percentage of total agricultural land, required in the Common Methodology.


13. Accuracy Top
13.1. Accuracy - overall

The accuracy of data is achieved by ensuring a satisfactory range in the selection of respondents,development of reliable statistical tools, including IT environment for data collection, data control and data editing and methodological instructions for survey implementation.

Sales of permanent grassland is rather rare in Bulgaria.

Permanent grassland areas are  predominantly owned by the municipalities and used for livestock grazing without any payment (in the vast majority of cases).

Therefore, significant changes may be reported from a year to another, usually reflecting small numbers of transactions or small areas.
13.2. Sampling error

Not applicable.
13.3. Non-sampling error

Only non-response rate is calculated.


14. Timeliness and punctuality Top
14.1. Timeliness
  Land prices Land rents
Timeliness 

Data on agricultural land prices and the rents in agriculture are published according to the release calendar.

Data on agricultural land prices and the rents in agriculture are published according to the release calendar.
When were data first released to the public? 

24.04.2017

22.04.2017
14.2. Punctuality

No delays have been made with regard to deadlines for sending Eurostat data and for publication in the Calendar for submission of the results of statistical surveys conducted by the NSI.


15. Coherence and comparability Top
15.1. Comparability - geographical
  Land prices Land rents
Comparability - geographical (regional) 

The data are geographically comparable for the entire period for which they are available.

The data are geographically comparable for the entire period for which they are available.
15.2. Comparability - over time
  Land prices Land rents
Comparability - over time 

Data are comparable from 2010 onwards.

Data are comparable from 2010 onwards.
15.3. Coherence - cross domain

Comparison is made with data reported in Annual Business Statistics by comparing the value of the costs of acquisition of tangible fixed assets (in particular agricultural land) and the value of sold/purchased agricultural land, estimated within the Survey on agricultural land prices and rents.

Comparisons were made also with Farm Structure Survey (Agricultural Census) data by comparing estimated area during the structural surveys at regional and national level with data on rented/hired agricutural land for the observed land use categories.

The coherence with other statistical domains is not investigated

Consistency with other statistical domains has not been studied.
15.4. Coherence - internal

The internal coherence of data is ensured by using the same definitions, classifications, and methods of observation.


16. Cost and Burden Top

The budget (financial resources) needed for the implementation of survey is published in the National Statistical Program on the NSI website.

In order to reduce the burden on respondents, an electronic off-line questionnaire containing logical controls is used.

As the main measure of the workload of respondents, the time needed to complete the statistical forms is used.

Each questionnaire includes a section that respondents need to complete.

The time required to complete the form also includes time needed for data preparation.

On the basis of this information, the response burden can be considered relatively high.


17. Data revision Top
17.1. Data revision - policy

According to the established policy, data revisions are made when the methodology, the classifications or definitions used are changed.
17.2. Data revision - practice

No data revisions have been made up to now.


18. Statistical processing Top
18.1. Source data
  Land prices Land rents
Source data 

Direct observation trough implementation of statistical survey - electronic questionnaire.

Direct observation trough implementation of statistical survey - electronic questionnaire.
18.2. Frequency of data collection
  Land prices Land rents
Are the data collected on the regular, annual, basis?  Yes Yes
If yes, since when? If not, what is the frequency of data collection? 

The National Statistical Institute of Bulgaria has provided Eurostat with annual data on the prices of agricultural land transactions since 2000.

The National Statistical Institute of Bulgaria has provided Eurostat with annual data on the prices of rent payment in agriculture since 2000.
18.3. Data collection
  Land prices Land rents
Primary data collection method 

The data are collected via an electronic offline questionnaire, which is sent to the respondent by e-mail. The questionnaire is also available on the NSI's website, where it can be downloaded from the respondent or experts from the Regional Statistical Offices, for subsequent filling in the required information. After filling in the data by the respondent, the questionnaire is returned by e-mail to an address of the Regional Statistical Office, in the territory in which it operates. Each Regional Statistical Office is responsible for collecting information from respondents on its territory. Experts at the Regional Offices are required to review the completeness and correctness of information received from respondents. Errors discovered are communicated to the respondents and are required to send correct information from them.

The data are collected via an electronic offline questionnaire, which is sent to the respondent by e-mail. The questionnaire is also available on the NSI's website, where it can be downloaded from the respondent or experts from the Regional Statistical Offices, for subsequent filling in the required information. After filling in the data by the respondent, the questionnaire is returned by e-mail to an address of the Regional Statistical Office, in the territory in which it operates. Each Regional Statistical Office is responsible for collecting information from respondents on its territory. Experts at the Regional Offices are required to review the completeness and correctness of information received from respondents. Errors discovered are communicated to the respondents and are required to send correct information from them.
18.4. Data validation
  Land prices Land rents
Data validation 

The validation of data is done by means of specially developed software. The software contains logical and mathematical requirements for data correctness, data completeness and data comparability. For all deviations in the data, the software generates reports that should be reviewed and refined with the respondents for further improvement. The validation of the data is done at two levels: at the regional level - in RSOs and at national - by the NSI experts.

The validation of data is done by means of specially developed software. The software contains logical and mathematical requirements for data correctness, data completeness and data comparability. For all deviations in the data, the software generates reports that should be reviewed and refined with the respondents for further improvement. The validation of the data is done at two levels: at the regional level - in RSOs and at national - by the NSI experts.
18.5. Data compilation
  Land prices Land rents
Data compilation process 

Data processing is done by using software specifically developed for this purpose. The development of the software is in accordance with Terms of reference written by the responsible experts for conducting the statistical survey. The data processing is done at two levels - regional - at RSOs and national - at NSI.
At the regional level, the process involves data checking, data editing, data validation and establishment of a regional database. At national level the process includes data validation, establishment of a national database, generation of standard tables at national level and comparative analysis with previous years.

Data processing is done by using software specifically developed for this purpose. The development of the software is in accordance with Terms of reference written by the responsible experts for conducting the statistical survey. The data processing is done at two levels - regional - at RSOs and national - at NSI.
At the regional level, the process involves data checking, data editing, data validation and establishment of a regional database. At national level the process includes data validation, establishment of a national database, generation of standard tables at national level and comparative analysis with previous years.
Is the aggregation at country level carried out in accordance with the EU Target Methodology?  Yes Yes
How the aggregation at country level is carried out? 

The average prices at municipality level (LAU1) are calculated as non-weighted aritmethic mean value from the all registered land transactions for the respective land use category. At district level (NUTS3) the prices are calculated as average mean value weighted by the total size of area of the respective land use category collected within the last Agricultural Census. At next geographical levels - statistical region (NUTS2), two statistical zones (NUTS1) and at national level (NUTS0) the average prices are calculated as average mean value weighted by the total size of area of the respective land use category collected during the Farm Structure Surveys/Agricultural Census, according to the numerical example, annexed to the Common EU Methodology.

The average prices at municipality level (LAU1) are calculated as non-weighted aritmethic mean value from the all registered land transactions for the respective land use category. At district level (NUTS3) the prices are calculated as average mean value weighted by the total size of rented area of the respective land use category collected within the last Agricultural Census. At next geographical levels - statistical region (NUTS2), two statistical zones (NUTS1) and at national level (NUTS0) the average prices are calculated as average mean value weighted by the total size of rented area of the respective land use category collected during the Farm Structure Surveys/Agricultural Census, according to the numerical example, annexed to the Common EU Methodology.
18.6. Adjustment
  Land prices Land rents
Adjustment

Not applicable.

Not applicable.


19. Comment Top

No further comments.


Related metadata Top


Annexes Top