Why buy in Bulgaria?

Bulgaria represents excellent value for money. In the last 3 years property values near Varna have increased on average by 4 times. In the last 18 months property near the town centre have doubled. Even so the values are still low compared to the rest of Europe. You can still buy a villa property 10 mins from the centre for under 120,000 Euros with a sea view or even build your own for 80,000 euros. With the recent EU ascention, local improvements and general awareness of Varna, property values are forcast to keep rising more in line with the rest of Europe.

Bulgaria has a strong cultural history which is clearly evident in day to day life. Most people you will meet are relaxed and pleasant, a quality generally lost in the 'modern' commercial world.

Airlines now offer regular and resonalbly priced scheduled flights from Manchester, London, Edinburgh, Belfast, Leeds, Glasgow and Newcastle.

How to buy or build in Bulgaria

The law in Bulgaria is pretty straight forward, a price is agreed, a 10% deposit is made and a preliminary contract signed. Presently a foreign investor can only buy land through a Bulgarian Ltd company. This takes approx, two weeks and a returnable of 2,500 Euros to set up. If you need to return to the UK, we can make a power of attourney to complete on your behalf. The completion date is set for usually 4 weeks after the preliminary contract date. While you are here you can open a bank account and arrange for the remaining funds to be transferrred before the completion date.

Important things to have checked:

Is the land regulated, is there water and electricity close by, is there already a building on the plot (easier to get planning permission). How long does planning permission take (2 to 8 months depending on who you use). If buying a apartment, is it in the area you want, is there a rental market, are the maintenace costs reasonable, do you really want an apartment (you could have a villa built for less).

Keep in mind that Bulgaria is a strong country with fair laws, and processes should go through the proper channels. Although it is much more affordable to live in than many other European countries, prices have gone up in the last few years.

Is my money safe?

As in 'How to buy in Bulgaria' the law is pretty strict. To ensure your purchase is safe: Make sure you are happy with the purchase / build price, is it in line with other plot prices in the area. If you have any doubts over what someone is telling you, check with other sources. If you like come back and sign the final contract in person. If you are having building work done, ask for weekly updates, with photos, by email. Check the builders quality, we only use good quality, reliable builders. Payment stages for building work are usually 60% deposit (generally for materials urchase), then 20% half way through the work and 20% on completion.

Can I build my own villa?

You can build your own villa no problem, and it can be cheaper than buying and renovating in some cases. You need to make sure the land you buy is regulated and planning permission is available. If you buy the land with us, and this is your intention, we will only show land with this potential.

Planning permission takes approx 6 months, although this can be arranged sooner in some cases. Building can take approx 3-4 months. You can choose your plans, layout and finish quality.

How long have you been in business?

I have been succesfully investing in bulgaria for over 3 years now. . I live here because I find the country refreshing and alive. My main investments were advised by my business collegue, who worked for the largest estate agency in Bulgaria. I have become involved in this business due to the amount of stories of misfortune I have heard at first hand from those buying and building. Originally the parents of a friend asked me for help and advice on buying in Bulgaria, since then I have been able to help quite few who have come to me by word of mouth.