Buying in Bulgaria is easier that you think. Once you have found a property it usually takes you three or four weeks to finalize the purchase.

We advise you to get an independent attorney
You definitely need an attorney, because there has to be someone to look after you interests. He will be the one checking the contracts, ownership history, land use plans and all other necessary documentation.

Preliminary Contract
You can sign the preliminary contract yourself or you may assign Power of Attorney to someone to do this on your behalf.

Deposit
The deposit is payable on signing of the preliminary contract, which is usually 10%. For new construction properties (off-plan) purchases, the deposit will be usually higher (usually 30%) with future scheduled payments agreed within the contract.

Tip: In case you decide to use the services of other Bulgarian real estate agencies, we highly recommend paying the deposit only if the preliminary contract has been signed by both parties.

Important details
If you are a non Bulgarian citizen and you want to buy land, you have to set up a Bulgarian Company. This is common practice and is easy and inexpensive. It will inevitably change because of EU law and indeed this has already been adopted in the Constitution but it has not been provided for as yet in the Ownership Act. In other words, as a foreigner, you should have had the right to directly purchase land even from January 2007 (when Bulgaria became part of the EU) but in practice the rules are not yet in place.
To purchase land or property with land you need to set up a Bulgarian company. However if you are buying an apartment this is not necessary.

Completion
To complete the process of buying or signing the final deeds, you will need to have the balance of funds in Bulgaria. Do not forget to transfer the entire balance plus costs and fees.
On the final sale day you will meet with the vendor at the public notary office of the municipality in which your property is situated. One of our agents or if you prefer a registered translator will make sure you understand everything. If you cannot be in Bulgaria someone else can represent you if you have given a Power of Attorney.
When the notary authenticates all signatures the balance of fund to buy the property is due.

Registering the purchase
The notary will register the deeds with the legal registry authorities. Then with we will register the property with the tax authorities.

To learn more about the entire process of buying in Bulgaria through BLOMSTART realtors, please read our buyers’ and sellers' guide.