purchasing a property

@rhyscarpenter there are a number of things to watch out for...

1.   Never buy off plan.  The builders may never complete the property and you could lose your money.

2.   Make sure that the price you are paying for the property is correct and written on the transfer deeds and documents.  It is common practice in Bulgaria for a lesser amount to be written, so that's the owner pays less tax.  This is NOT in your favour, as it can cause big problems when you go to sell the property!

3.  Hire a government registered translator, to translate all documents, especially when sitting at the notary, when you're about to sign documents.

4.  The solicitor should check the status of the property, in respect to who owns it.  I've come across partners trying to sell a property, without the other partner's permission!

The solicitor should ensure all relevant documents pertaining to the property are handed over to him/her for inspection.

5.  Make sure the property is legally built, with the proper planning consents!  If not, you could land yourself in trouble and may find you're landed with an order to demolish part or all of the property!

6.  NEVER part with money until...

     You have seen the property in person at least twice.  Many properties are not what the seller or agent makes them out to be!

      You have read and or, had translated the entire exchange contract.

      You are happy with what is included in the property for the price paid - make sure it is all written in the inventory.

      Unless your happy to pay cash and absolutely certain everything is in order, only pay via bank transfer.

Hope this helps. 

I've bought five properties - two apartments, two garages and a parking space. In the process of looking for those who properties, we rejected a number of others, due to irregularities.

@rhyscarpenter

Hello, I have just bought a property around Pernik, because I need to be close to Sofia for work.

I would say all the point above are correct and add a couple.

• Don't trust even your lawyer. I was told the property have over 2000sqm of land (2200 precisely) just to find out, at the notary, that the property is two divide into two parcels and the overall is roughly 1900sqm...At that point you either start an arguments with the agent and the notary or walk away. I was not happy to lose 300sqm but there were other points in favor. However, the lawyer checked the legality of everything, but didnt bother to compare the pre-agreement. Nothing you can do for the land if in the legal documents that's what there is, but at the least I could have negotiate a better deal. So, get a lawyer and a translator at the same same and check what the lawyer tells you with the transcripts from the documents.
• Check around your area if there is any reputable builder or company upfront. you wont be able to do an inspection in the property, but builders are extremely lacking skills in Bulgaria and if you want to do some major renovation make sure you have an architect as many building were builds but the owner and the construction standards are not good;. Beside, they have the despicable habit to use poor quality concrete for everything and no concept of finishes.