ABOUT BULGARIA: Legal Matters

Foreigners are permitted to by buildings in Bulgaria but not the freehold of the land on which they stand. However, limited companies, even if owned by foreigners are allowed to own land. You will therefore need to set up a limited company in order to complete the purchase of a house. This does not apply to apartments. Our solicitor will do this for you (at Orpheus’s expense if you purchae one of the properties owned by us).

House purchases in Bulgaria are in the hands of state notaries (equivalent to a French notaire or a conveyancer in England). Exceptionally, a solicitor is used when the purchase is more complicated for some reason as they have a wider remit and a better appreciation of all other legal requirements. They are also more expensive. Orpheus always advises you to use a solicitor rather than a notary.

You are advised to keep your passport with you at all times. Bulgarian citizens are required to carry their identity cards and to produce them on demand. You will not be allowed to enter border areas, such as much of the Strandzha Mountains where some of our properties are, without a valid passport.

When buying a property in Bulgaria you need to ask the following questions:

Does the vendor have legal title to the property?
Does he have the documents to prove it?
Are there any others with title to the property?
Is the land in a recognised building zone (the’regulatsia’)?
Is building specifically forbidden (eg. within 200m of the sea)?
Is planning permission required?
How do I get it?
Does the property have electricity, water and drainage?
Does the property have an internal toilet, staircase and a bathroom?
Has it been surveyed?