Buying a Property in Bulgaria

Buying a property in Bulgaria is much simpler (and generally quicker) than buying a property in most other parts of Europe. The entire process, from choosing a property to obtaining the title deeds, usually takes between six and eight weeks.

Note: Many people choose to buy properties “off-plan", which means that you reserve your house or apartment before it is built. This is frequently an excellent investment, as the value of the property usually increases significantly when it is finally ready for use.  When you buy off-plan, there may be a long time between when you choose the property and when you receive the title deeds. This is because the ownership of the house or apartment is not usually transferred to you until the authorities have certified that the property is complete and fit for use.

Houses or Land

At the moment, people who are not Bulgarian citizens can own houses but they cannot own land (including the land on which a house is built). This might sound like a tricky problem, but there is a very simple solution. All that you need to do is to set up a Bulgarian company. Your Bulgarian company can buy both the house and the plot on which it is built. As the owner of the company, you then own the house and the land. Setting up a company in Bulgaria is a very easy process and normally takes about four weeks. We can handle all the arrangements for you, using our friendly, English-speaking solicitor.

Apartments

Many Bulgarian apartments are sold on a "shared freehold" basis. This is different from the "leasehold" arrangements that are used in the UK - the main difference is that you own a share of the common areas (such as hallways, staircases, paths, gardens). There will be a company that is responsible for the upkeep of common areas, and you will have to pay an annual maintenance charge for this service.

You do not need to set up a company to buy an apartment.

Off-Plan Properties

When you purchase a property off-plan, you can expect to make a series of payments as the building work progresses. You will normally pay a small deposit to get the property taken off the market, and then pay further amounts when specific building targets have been met. We will keep you informed about the progress of the building work and remind you in advance of each payment that you will be asked to make.

You do not need to set up a company to buy an off-plan apartment.

The Steps to Your New Home

1. Browse through our web site and note down the reference numbers of any properties that interest you. At the top and bottom of each property page, you will find a link that allows you to enquire about this property. Click on this link then fill in the form to let us know what you are looking for. Even if you can't see exactly what you are looking for, please contact us. We have friends and associates all over Bulgaria and we will search high and low to find the right property for you. We are always happy to chat with you, even if you then decide that you want to buy somewhere else, or through a different company.

2. When you are ready to view some properties, we will help you to organize a trip to Bulgaria. We can help you to find flights and accommodation. If you prefer to make the travel arrangements yourself, you might wish to read the information on the page called Travelling to Bulgaria.

3. Whilst you are here, we will take you to view your selected properties and give you any help and advice that you need.

4. If you decide that you definitely want to buy somewhere in Bulgaria, it is a good idea to open a Bulgarian bank account. If you intend to buy a house or some land, we will help you to start a Bulgarian company. Most people apply to start a company before they return home, although it is not absolutely necessary to do it at this stage.

5. When you have chosen a property, we will put forward your offer. Once the price is agreed, both parties will sign a preliminary contract and you will be expected to pay a deposit. (The deposit is returnable if the vendor fails to complete the sale.)

6. Over the next few weeks, all the legal searches are performed, including checks on the current ownership and confirmation that there are no debts against the property. The lawyer will prepare the legal documents, including the new Title Deeds.

7. When all the searches are complete and the documents are prepared, you will be asked to pay the outstanding balance. You – or your legal representative - and the vendor will sign the new Deeds of Title (the Notary Act), which proves that the property now belongs to you. The change of ownership is registered with the authorities.

Although this process might sound a little daunting, it really is quite simple and straight-forward. Don't worry, we will guide you through every step and keep in regular contact with you throughout.

Find out about fees and costs involved in buying a property in Bulgaria.