Buying property in Bulgaria

@Pumarosa200

Bulgaria Direct are highly regarded, and plenty of Brits have purchased from them... some outright, but many through their pay-monthly option. I'm happy to recommend them, based on their long track-record, and their feedback here.

The reservation deposit can be pretty small (a few hundred perhaps), but you can pay more if you want smaller monthly payments. This is to mark the property reserved, and stop marketing/viewings of it. While it's small, it's non-refundable, so you need to be sure that you want this property. Good houses/offers tend to go pretty quickly, so it's unlikely you have months to make your mind up (often only days). That means, unless you're already in Bulgaria, you probably don't have time to arrange flights and a viewing, so you have to decide based on the photos/description in their listings.

Sending your ID is also normal, as they need to do a reservation contract (to correspond with your deposit), and start preparing the paperwork.

The formal sale/transfer in Bulgaria is handled by a notary. You don't need a separate attorney, unless you want them to do extra checks of the property / paperwork, and this will be an extra cost (a grand upwards, depending on the price of the property).

If you're going for pay-monthly, this is a form of rent-to-own contract between you and Bulgaria Direct (as they own the property). If you don't keep up your monthly payments, then you'd lose the property (and they'd keep your payments to date). When you've paid the agreed amount, then Bulgaria Direct will arrange the notary in order to do the formal transfer to you as the new owner.

As far as I'm aware, they're a reliable, trustworthy bunch of folks. And if you're on a tight budget then pay-monthly is a good way to get more property. They specialize in village houses and have mostly Brit buyers (via Ebay or RightMove). They generally need renovation, so be prepared for some DIY and some extra costs.

What Gwyn said!

I bought from Bulgaria Direct using pay monthly with no problems. Everything was done legally and the process was straightforward, from paying the deposit and signing the contact to the final transfer of ownership.They need to see evidence of a buyer's ID to draw up the contract (under Bulgarian law), which sets out the rights and responsibilities on both sides. The same ID is needed for the legal transfer of ownership with the notary once the house is paid off, so it's to the buyer's benefit to make sure that information is correct on the contract. And asking for a deposit to secure the property is pretty much normal practice anywhere. No seller will withdraw a property from the market or refuse other offers unless they have a firm commitment from a buyer. Most agents ask for a holding deposit. It's usually paid via direct bank transfer.

Bulgaria Direct generally buy the properties they sell so legally own them. I believe very occasionally they might handle the legal and financial aspects of the sale for other property owners, but it's not their usual way of doing business. If you ask, they'll probably send you a copy of the paperwork proving their ownership. I didn't need to use a lawyer, plus my property is in a different area (the notary transfer of ownership happens in the region the house is in, not necessarily VT where the Bulgaria Direct office is), so I can't help with a recommendation for a lawyer. If you want to use one, you may be able to find an English-speaking lawyer via the gov.uk website. I think there's a list there under the travel section for Bulgaria.

One thing I would say - do you know what to expect from Bulgarian village houses? If unrenovated, they can be more basic than most of us imagine, especially properties in the lower price range. Unless otherwise stated or shown in the listing, a leaky roof, no indoor plumbing or only a cold tap to a scullery, earth floors in at least some of the rooms under the lino and rugs, ancient electrics, and the need for plenty of renovation work are strong possibilities. Of course, you might be considering a more renovated property, but even so, be prepared for surprises. It's not something to go into without something of a spirit of adventure!

Despite all that, I'm very happy with the property I bought. It is worth what I paid, we're looking forward to living in it once we qualify for our long-stay visa, and the support from Bulgaria Direct throughout the purchase process and after has been wonderful.

Thank you so much for your input much appreciated

@gwynj

Thank you so much

@Pumarosa200

I hope it all works out well for you. We've found Bulgaria a wonderful adventure!