Why and How to Choose Property in Bulgaria

Why You Should Choose Bulgaria

When we read about Bulgaria in the news we often wonder if the journalists have ever visited the country, or even know what continent it is in. It is often portrayed as a dark and dismal place where organised crime is rife and winters are cold and harsh. The truth is that Bulgaria is a peaceful and stable country with a wonderful climate and an extremely low crime rate. We relocated to Bulgaria from the UK several years ago and we have never regretted it.

Jackie Sitting by Our Outbuildings

So what can Bulgaria offer you? Let's start with the weather, which is a major reason why many people come to Bulgaria. Summers in Bulgaria are long, with clear blue skies and many hours of bright sunshine. Along the coast it can be warm and sunny well into November.

In the east we usually have only about two weeks of really cold weather each year, which occurs during January or February. The snowfall is short and very soon the sun breaks through to shine on the crisp, white snow. Bulgaria is astoundingly beautiful in the snow - the fields glitter in the sunshine and the trees look as if they are coated with white icing and studded with sparkling diamonds. In the mountain regions the winters are longer, but the days are still bright and the snow is excellent for winter sports.

The cost of living in Bulgaria is very low compared to most European countries. This makes it a very attractive place for cost-conscious purchasers. In countries such as the United Kingdom, many people struggle to survive on a small income (for example a military pension, a widow's pension or a senior citizen's pension) when they could be living in comfort in Bulgaria on the same amount of money.

One of the best things about Bulgaria is the neighbourliness. In many countries, particularly in the Western world, people have lost the ability to socialise with their neighbours. Although people might wish each other "Good morning" they often hardly know each other - even if they live next door. In Bulgaria there is still a strong community spirit. Everybody in the village knows everybody else. They pop into each other's houses and invite each other over to sample their home-made wines and Rakia (the national drink). The villagers get together to celebrate on feast days; eating, drinking and dancing in the village hall.

Bulgarians are Always Happy to Share Their Rakia

Bulgarian villages have been suffering a decline in recent years. Most of the young adults have moved to the cities where there are more jobs and more entertainment facilities. The influx of families from other countries is bringing new life to these villages. New shops are opening, village churches are being renovated and the local bars are being extended and transformed into restaurants where the whole family can sit and enjoy a meal. The villagers are friendly and welcoming. As a new resident in the village, you will be treated like a celebrity. Everybody will want to hear all about your home country and to ask your opinion on Bulgaria.

Visas and Residence Permits

If you are an EU citizen you do not need a visa to visit Bulgaria. If you are from a non-EU country you probably do. Also, if you are an EU citizen you can live permanently in Bulgaria without a residence permit. If you are from a non-EU country you will almost certainly need one. Residence permits are granted according to strict rules. However, two of the ways for a non-EU citizen to receive a residence permit are:

• If you receive a pension and you have sufficient funds to subsist in Bulgaria, or
• If you invest at least 500,000 US$ in Bulgaria. For example you could buy a home for yourself and buy some apartments that will bring you a rental income.

Read more about Visas and Residence Permits.

Start Your Research from Your Armchair

Most people start their research on the Internet. This is an ideal place to start, as you can find a large amount of information about Bulgaria without leaving your chair. Conduct a lot of searches, using many different phrases. Search for tourist information, properties for sale, English-speaking estate agents, information about property law and taxation, as well as topics such as sports, education, health care, airports and public transport. If you are intending to bring your pets with you, find out about pet transport, veterinary care in Bulgaria and regulations regarding the importation of animals into Bulgaria. We suggest that you start by reading our pages on Preparing for Relocation and Schools and Universities in Bulgaria.

Bulgaria is a country of contrasts, so you might find it difficult to choose the best location. There are high mountains with stunning scenery - pine forests, mountain streams and waterfalls and shimmering lakes. There are gentle, rolling hills with lush green grass and fields full of brightly-coloured flowers. There are huge cliffs where nature has torn the face from the rock and has left rugged designs and amazing shapes. At the coast, there are miles of soft, pale sand where you can stroll alongside the clear blue sea and dip your toes in the calm and tranquil waters. There is virtually no tide on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, so there is no need to worry about getting stranded on the rocks!

Bulgaria's Calm Sea and Soft Sand

A home high in the mountains might seem like an idyllic retreat. But be aware that the temperature in the mountains can be much lower than the temperatures at sea level. In the winter some of the mountain villages can become isolated for several weeks, until the snow ploughs come to clear the roads. Many of the mountain resorts are almost empty during the summer months - this might seem like heaven to you if you hate crowds, but it might also mean that the village shop will be closed for the season and you will have a long drive to town for the shops.

When you compare the prices of properties in different parts of Bulgaria, it is obvious that some areas are more expensive than others. There can be several reasons for this. Properties that are within a short distance from an international airport tend to attract higher prices. Properties in tourist areas (such as coastal resorts, ski resorts and areas of historical and cultural interest) can be relatively expensive because they are in demand for holiday homes. Often, the cheapest properties are in areas where the infrastructure is still very poor and it is difficult to travel without a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Although the extremely low prices might seem attractive, you should consider whether you want to live in a small, isolated community where very few people speak English. Sometimes, it can be worth increasing your budget by just a small amount, so that you can afford something in a more desirable area.

How to Choose Your Estate Agent

Don't make the mistake of trying to go directly to a property owner. Even if you can find a vendor who speaks English, can you be sure that the person owns the property outright? Due to inheritance laws in Bulgaria, some properties can be owned by several brothers and sisters, and they might not all be on speaking terms with each other! To buy a property in Bulgaria you need a reliable and professional real estate agent. You will need an agent who speaks English. But do not assume that, because an estate agent comes from your home country, he or she is going to be more truthful than another estate agent. Some of the most unscrupulous estate agents and builders have come from the UK, Ireland and other English-speaking countries. There are good and bad agents in every country.

So how do you decide which agent to trust? Contact several estate agencies. Start by sending them an e-mail to introduce yourself and to tell them you are thinking of relocating to Bulgaria. See how long it takes them to reply. You will be amazed at how many agents just don't even have the courtesy to write back.

The written replies can tell you a lot about the people who sent them. Ask yourself:

• Is the reply personalised or is it a standard e-mail that the agent sends to all the clients?
• Is it written by somebody who has a good understanding of the English language? (If not, there are likely to be problems with communication when you come over to meet them and misunderstandings when you explain your requirements.)
• Does the agent seem interested in finding out exactly what you want, or is he or she more interested in a quick sale?
• Does the agent seem to be knowledgeable and helpful?

Does Your Agent Understand You?

Ask each agent to give you a full list of the costs involved in a purchase. In particular, find out about all legal charges and agency fees. Estate agents have to eat, so they have to receive commission on their sales. In Bulgaria it is customary for the commission to be shared between the seller and the buyer. Not all agencies are prepared to display their fees on their web site. Read about our Fees and Costs.

If you are happy with the replies, send the agents some more information about yourself and ask them to phone you. Tell them the best times to phone you, bearing in mind that there could be a considerable time difference between your location and Bulgaria. When you talk to the agents you will quickly decide which ones you feel comfortable about and which ones make you feel ill-at-ease. If possible, narrow your choice down to just one or two agents. In Bulgaria, agencies often collaborate with each other so, even if the agent that you like most doesn't have your favourite property on his books, he can probably still handle the purchase for you.

See, Select and Buy the Property

Before you travel to Bulgaria to buy a property, you will probably spend some time exchanging e-mails with your chosen estate agent, and probably have regular chats on the phone or the internet. You will probably compile a list of properties that you would like to see. If possible, get some advice from the agent about the best time to view the properties. The agent can help you to find the most convenient flights, comfortable but low-priced accommodation, and a reliable car rental company. A good agent will also schedule time for you to see some of the areas surrounding the properties, and to visit a lawyer and a notary. Read about our Viewing Trips to Bulgaria.

When you visit the properties, do not be afraid to voice your opinions to the agent. Your time in Bulgaria is limited, and you should not waste time walking around properties that you have already decided are unsuitable. But please remember that many village houses will need renovation and that many villagers live in poverty. Try to look beyond the rusty old beds, broken wash basins or lack of an inside toilet. All these things can be remedied and old houses can be easily transformed into beautiful homes. More important is the overall structure of the house and its "ambiance". If the house can become the type of home that you want, and the location is good, use your imagination to picture the property when it is renovated and the garden is neat and tidy.

Whether you are buying a house, an apartment, a plot of land or a business venture, a good estate agent will lead you through the process step by step. In Bulgaria there is always lots of paperwork, but your agent and lawyer will explain everything and make sure that the purchase goes smoothly. Read more about the buying process in Bulgaria.

Further information

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