Purchasing Property in Bulgaria

Bulgaria is a popular destination for British Nationals looking to retire overseas or buy a holiday-home.  

Whilst  the majority of property brokers and companies are honest, we have received numerous reports of buyers being defrauded or facing protracted legal delays in completing their purchase.  The British Government does not interfere in Bulgarian legal proceedings arising from property disputes, nor do we become involved in steps to recover any capital outlay in respect of individual property deals.  

We advise that you proceed with caution and seek comprehensive advice, including legal advice from a lawyer who is experienced in property conveyancing and fully independent of anyone else involved in the transaction e.g. the estate agent, vendor and developer.  British nationals purchasing property in Bulgaria are strongly recommended to deal only with established and reputable real estate agents or with other contacts whom they know to be reliable and genuine.  It is in your interests to research all aspects of your prospective purchase thoroughly before entering in to any contracts.

The Bulgarian legal system is not the same as the UK’s and the process of achieving legal redress in Bulgaria can be very protracted in comparison.

You should take at least the same steps to protect your interests as you would do at home, and instruct an experienced, reputable lawyer who is totally independent to act on your behalf and ensure that your interests are adequately safeguarded.  Attempting to save money on professional fees by cutting corners, or by using the seller’s lawyers, is a false economy that can result in severe problems later.  

If you have already encountered difficulties in Bulgaria, you may wish to know that the Bulgarian Property Action Group (BPAG) have set up a website and are actively developing a membership of persons who have property issues in Bulgaria. The Group’s aim is to offer sound advice and share experiences, in the hope of offering possible solutions to problems encountered. Some charges may incur for these services. Should you wish to visit their website you can do so at BPAG.

Our Ambassador in Bulgaria has personally raised problems with the property sector with Bulgarian Government Ministers, including the Prime Minister.  Although we are unable to take up individual cases, the Embassy will continue to work for improvements in the regulation of this sector, including clearer and simpler remedy procedures in the event of property disputes.  Your best defence against property related legal problems is to follow the advice of an independent and experienced lawyer before you enter in to a contract.

The Embassy has recently become aware that the personal details of property owners have been made publicly available via the BulgarianTrade Register.  We are in contact with the Bulgarian government to push for urgent and appropriate protection of personal data for British Nationals who own property in Bulgaria.