How can a foreigner buy property in Bulgaria?

Buying real estate in Bulgaria for foreigners

Foreigners wishing to purchase property in Bulgaria face certain legal restrictions, especially when it comes to land ownership. Despite the existing challenges, there are legal ways to arrange the purchase of an apartment without serious obstacles.

It should be noted that under Bulgarian law, non-residents are not allowed to own land, which also affects the ability to purchase private homes. This means that while visitors to the country can become owners of a building, issues related to the land require entering into a lease with the state. Most often, real estate is not offered separately from the land plots.

The possibility of bypassing restrictions

Nevertheless, there is a way to overcome the limitation by setting up a company in Bulgaria. As a legal entity, such a firm has the ability to register land in its name. This approach allows many retirees to successfully purchase summer houses and cottages in picturesque villages in Bulgaria, where real estate prices remain quite affordable.

Current offers in the real estate market

If you are interested in purchasing real estate in Bulgaria, it is worth carefully examining the current offers. For example, there are several attractive options:

• House in Saint Vlas- Price: €299,995. This three-story building has a total area of 309 m² and includes 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, as well as furniture and a private pool. It is located in the Incaraki area, just 600 meters from the beach. The first level of the house consists of a hallway, kitchen, living/dining room, bathroom, and laundry room. The second floor features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and three terraces with stunning sea views.
• House in Sredets- Price: €23,000. This offers a two-story building with an area of 192 m². The first floor includes a shop and a winery, while the second floor features an entrance hall, kitchen, cozy living room with a fireplace, and three bedrooms. The plot measures 1,768 m², providing opportunities for further development.
• House in Varna- The price is €35,000. This two-level building includes both residential and utility spaces, including bedrooms and all necessary amenities. Please note that the house requires renovation, which gives you the opportunity to create a space to your liking.
• House in Ravda- The price is €203,000. This two-story building is located in the gated elite complex "Elitonia VIP Villas" and offers 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and terraces. The fact that the beach is only 300 meters away makes this offer particularly attractive.
• House in Obzor- The price is €99,900. This building, with an area of 380 m², has enormous potential and will be a great place to live among picturesque mountains, as well as allowing you to enjoy a view of the sea.

Conclusion

Thus, despite the existing limitations, the opportunities for real estate investment in Bulgaria are quite broad for those who want to settle their lives on this beautiful coast. The option to lease land or register it through a company significantly simplifies the process of entering the Bulgarian real estate market.

Real estate for a guest house

The property, with a total area of 1200 square meters and a separate building of 45 square meters, presents a fantastic opportunity for building a guesthouse. The first level features a spacious living room that seamlessly transitions into the kitchen area, creating ideal conditions for comfortable living.

Two-story house in Varna

In the Bulgarian city of Varna, a two-story house is for sale, offering a magnificent view of the sea and priced at289,000 eurosIts total area is179 square metersincluding five bedrooms, three bathrooms, and many other amenities. This house, built in 2023, is located in the "Izgrev" area and is ready for occupancy, except for the final facade finishing.

On the first floor, there are:

• cozy living room,
• a modernly equipped kitchen,
• offices and hallway.

Cottage by the Black Sea

There is also an opportunity to purchase a new cottage on the Black Sea coast in the village of Sinemorets for294,515 eurosThe area of this house is equal to200 square metersIt is located in the Sinemorets Village complex, offering five rooms and three bathrooms. This cottage is designed in a modern style and is fully equipped with everything necessary for comfortable living.

Advantages of a cottage:

• spacious windows with a breathtaking view of the sea and mountains,
• balconies for enjoying fresh air.

House in the village of Brodilovo

There is also a house for sale in the village of Brodilovo with an area of120 square meters, the price of which is86,000 eurosIt includes:

• two bedrooms,
• two children's rooms,
• the dining room and kitchen.

In this house, the roof has been updated, the walls have been insulated, the plumbing and electrical wiring have been replaced, and high-quality PVC windows have been installed. The interior space has been completely renovated.

House in Goritsa

In the picturesque village of Goritsa, a two-story house is offered for sale.155 square metersfor a total of179,000 eurosA plot of land with an area of500 square metersprovides ample parking space. This property includes:

• four rooms,
• three bathrooms,
• two terraces.

Goritsa is famous for its clean mountain air and beautiful natural landscapes, as it is located at the foot of the majestic Stara Planina mountain.

House in the Gyulevets area

In the Gulevets area, a house has been put up for sale after major renovations, with an area of86 square metersfor88,000 euroslocated 15 kilometers from the sea near Burgas. This single-story building includes:

• porch,
• hallway,
• two comfortable bedrooms,
• dining room and bathroom with toilet.

In addition, the house comes with a separate laundry room and a summer kitchen, making it an excellent choice for those who want to live in peace while enjoying nature.

Cozy house in Orizare

In conclusion, in the village of Orizare, you can purchase a cozy two-story house with a total area of104 square metersfor139,000 eurosOn the first floor, there is a bright and spacious living room with a kitchen equipped with all the necessary appliances and a comfortable sofa, as well as a large glazed veranda. This space is perfect for relaxation and socializing with loved ones.

On the second floor are located:

• two cozy bedrooms,
• bathroom.

This property makes this place very attractive for permanent living.

Real Estate in Bulgaria: Attractive Options

Real estate in Bulgaria, especially in picturesque corners like Kosti, Livada, Byala, and Bansko, attracts interest from both locals and foreign investors. The market offers a variety of houses suitable for both permanent residence and subsequent rental. In this article, we will take a closer look at several enticing options.

Two-story house in the village of Kosti

The first object is a two-story house located in the village of Kosti, situated in the mountains near the coast. This house has a total area of120 square metersIt impresses with its convenient location in the center of the village, offering beautiful views of the local church and the surrounding natural landscapes. The first floor and the attic provide the necessary space for comfortable living and relaxation.

House in Sarafovo

The next option is a property called"138,000 € in Sarafovo", which is located in the very center of Burgas. Here we are dealing with a house with an area of134 square meters, along with a plot of land measuring188 square metersThis is an exceptionally attractive place for both living and seasonal vacations, as the nearest beaches are just a few kilometers away. Experienced real estate agents will help you navigate all stages of the transaction.

Two-story house in Livada

We also found an interesting offer in Livada, where you can purchase a two-story house with an area of162 square metersfor a total of118,000 €This residential property is located on a well-maintained plot of land in1000 square metersAdditionally, there are amenities on the premises, such as

• private well,
• sauna,
• swimming pool.

This makes it the perfect place for family gatherings and relaxation during the summer months.

House in Biała

Next, we are looking at a house in Biała that is for sale.247,000 €, with a total area of270 square metersThis is a great offer for those who want to live within walking distance of the sea, as the distance to the beach is only1000 metersThe high quality of the finishes and complete furnishings make this house particularly attractive for both permanent living and future rental.

House in Bansko

Another interesting site is located in Bansko, in the picturesque village of Banya, just five kilometers from the famous resort.179,000 €you will get a spacious living space in150 square meters...located in a peaceful setting. It's the perfect place for nature lovers and thermal springs enthusiasts, as there are mineral springs nearby.

House in Balchik

Completing our review is an offer from Balchik, known for its breathtaking sea views. Here is a house with an area of150 square metersfor sale for€133,000This property is offered with developed infrastructure, and its area and layout create comfortable conditions for accommodating a family or organizing events. This offer guarantees magnificent views and plenty of sunlight in the rooms.

Conclusions

All of the aforementioned properties represent unique opportunities for living in Bulgaria. The variety of options allows you to choose the exact home that meets your requirements—whether it's a cozy place for permanent residence or the perfect spot for a short-term getaway on the coast. Investing in Bulgarian real estate will not only be a successful financial move but also a pleasant moment in your life.

Varna, one of the highest gems of Bulgaria, continues to attract the attention of investors and those looking to purchase real estate. It has now been revealed that an investor named Stefanov has decided to invest an amount of 670,000 euros in the purchase of a large four-story house with an area of 640 m², located in the picturesque area of Dolna Traka. This offer is available through the real estateagency "Atlanta."

Amenities and features of the house

This house has many amenities that can satisfy even the most demanding requirements. On the first floor, which has an area of 206 m², you will find:

• Bright room
• Convenient cafeteria
• Winter garden

The bathroom is also equipped with a diesel boiler and a spacious 200-liter water heater. Additionally, there is another room on this level for a boiler with electrical equipment and several storage rooms that provide extra space for storing items.

Other offers from the "Atlanta" agency

The "Atlanta" agency also offers a wide selection of other real estate properties. For example,country house for 250,000 eurosThe townhouse, located in Ravda, has a total area of 190 m² and a land plot of 204 m². This modern townhouse is perfect for both permanent living and summer vacations. Its convenient location on a quiet street, just a few minutes' walk from the beach and the city center, makes it particularly attractive. The south-facing windows provide plenty of sunlight, which is highly valued by the locals.

New two-story house

In addition, a new two-story house with an area of 192 m² is for sale in Varna. This building, constructed in 2023, is located in the Sveti Nikola area. On the first floor, there is:

• Bedroom with access to the English courtyard
• A cozy living room with a hallway
• Two bathrooms

The second floor has additional bedrooms, making this home ideal for comfortable living for the whole family.

Understanding real estate areas in Bulgaria

It should be noted that in Bulgaria, the area of real estate is divided into two categories:built-upandgeneralThe built-up area refers to the dimensions recorded in the documents, which include the internal dimensions of the rooms and the walls, both internal and external. The total area includes the built-up area as well as shares of common spaces, such as staircases and hallways. When purchasing an apartment with a specified area of 80 m², it is important to consider an additional 15% for the total area, which can reduce your usable living space to 68 m².

Finishing and furnishing of apartments

In the resorts of Bulgaria, builders are offering apartments that come fully finished and furnished. There are two main types of finishes:

• Before the tap:includes basic internal work and leaves the option to finish the housing arrangement on your own.
• Turnkey:guarantees that the apartment is fully ready for living and contains all the necessary elements.

Trends in the real estate market in Bulgaria

Given all these circumstances, Bulgaria is becoming increasingly attractive for those looking to invest in real estate.

Apartment finishing in Bulgaria

This article highlights the key aspects of finishing residential spaces in Bulgaria. The finishing process includes important tasks such as plastering walls, as wallpaper is not an optimal option due to moisture and temperature fluctuations, which quickly reduce its lifespan. Additionally, flooring is laid, water supply systems are installed, and entrance doors are mounted. Typically, interior doors and plumbing fixtures are not installed by default in new apartments.

Buying real estate in major cities

In large cities like Sofia, Plovdiv, Burgas, and Varna, there are many offers for apartment sales, which are most often purchased by local residents. At the same time, many developers offer their clients a full renovation service for an additional fee. This renovation can include not only painting walls and laying flooring but also installing electrical outlets, switches, as well as organizing lighting and connecting cable TV and the internet. Clients can choose finishing materials, allowing for the creation of unique interiors.

Apartments at resorts

In popular resorts and ski areas, almost all apartments are rented out with turnkey finishing. As an additional service, some developers offer the installation of kitchen furniture and partial furnishing of apartments, which allows for the creation of stylish and modern living spaces.

Features of numbering and designating apartments

• Lack of numbering on the doors:In the southwestern part of the country, apartments can only be designated in official documents, while there is no such numbering on the doors.
• Nameplates with surnames:To avoid confusion, owners often place nameplates by the intercoms or doorbells.
• Orientation of the apartments:Owners report the location of their apartments, for example, "second floor, right apartment" or "fifth floor, left apartment."

House numbering

As for house numbering in Bulgaria, it may seem somewhat unusual to foreigners. The numbers can be arranged from right to left or organized in a chaotic manner. In Sofia, there are streets that are designated solely by numbers, and their numbers often do not follow a sequential order.

Confusion with addresses at resorts

Confusion with addresses often arises at resorts as well. Typically, hotel addresses are indicated only as cadastral numbers of the plots, which can be confusing.

Number of floors and features of floor numbering

It's important to note that in Bulgaria, floors are labeled differently than in Russia. The first floor here is referred to as the ground floor, which can lead to misunderstandings about the location of an apartment. If you are told about an apartment on the "sixth floor," it will actually be on the seventh. Consequently, the buttons in elevators may be numbered taking the ground floor into account.

Thus, when indicating floors for guests and couriers, it would be appropriate to clarify: "sixth floor, press the seventh button in the elevator."

Result

Therefore, when purchasing real estate in Bulgaria, it is important to consider the unique features in apartment numbering, building heights, and finishes, which may differ from the familiar standards in other countries. Understanding these nuances is essential for comfortable living and preventing misunderstandings, especially for those encountering the Bulgarian real estate market for the first time.

The first floor in Bulgaria: attractive opportunities

Despite the fact that the first floor often has a less appealing reputation in Russia, the situation is quite different in Bulgaria, especially in resort areas and small towns. People who buy ground-level apartments create cozy front gardens and barbecue areas, making these apartments quite popular.

Commercial use of ground floors

In large cities, commercial establishments such as shops, offices, and cafes are usually located on the ground floor. Many people share their experiences of buying apartments on the first floor at reasonable prices, comparable to the prices of air conditioners. These apartments often come with additional storage space, which provides significant benefits to the owners.

Storage rooms

These storage spaces are most often located in basements known as "maza" or in attics referred to as "tavansko." The area of such rooms ranges from 2 to 15 square meters, and they are securely locked. Owners can quickly and conveniently access them without leaving their apartment, using a staircase or an elevator.

Heating and air conditioning

However, it is worth noting that unlike some countries in Europe, such as Greece, Bulgaria does not have central heating. As a result,Air conditioners are becoming indispensable.About 90% of the local population uses them, although there are alternatives like underfloor heating or electric fireplaces; air conditioners, however, remain the most popular devices.

Gas heating

In large cities in Bulgaria, there is also the option of heating spaces using gas. However, the cost of utilities during the winter period is similar to the expenses for operating air conditioners. The process of installing gas equipment, mounting radiators, and their adjustment can significantly exceed the costs of installing an inverter air conditioner.

Insulation of housing

There are also more complex methods of insulating real estate, especially during the cold season, such as facade renovation. This process involves insulating the outer walls of a building and is typically applied to old block and panel houses. In contrast, new buildings are constructed with modern technologies in mind, allowing for insulation to be integrated directly into the construction process.

Building restrictions in Burgas

It is also important to note that in Burgas, all construction work is prohibited during the summer to avoid distracting tourists. From May 15 to September 15, authorities impose restrictions on any construction and installation work in coastal resort towns and villages, thereby creating comfortable conditions for vacationers. These regulations are closely monitored by local authorities, and violations are subject to fines.

Bathrooms in the apartments

As forbathroomsIn apartments, they are quite a rare occurrence. Most residents find that a fully equipped bathroom is lacking, which should also be taken into account when choosing an apartment in Bulgaria. Purchasing property in this country requires special attention to detail to avoid unpleasant surprises.

The bathroom in Bulgarian apartments

A typical bathroom in Bulgarian apartments is a tiled space where a toilet and sink are usually located. In most cases, the shower is built into the wall, and there is a small drain in the floor for water runoff. Such shower designs can be seen not only in the homes of locals but also in hotel rooms.

Bulgarians prefer showers over baths for quite logical reasons related to resource optimization. For example, in many homes, hot water is heated using boilers. Filling a bathtub requires a significant amount of water and enormous energy costs, which is why residents prefer to use shower cabins.

Wet room installation

In addition, in most multi-room apartments, you can find what is known as a wet room. Usually, this space includes:

• boiler;
• washing machine;
• cabinets for storing household cleaning supplies and various utensils.

In some cases, apartment owners prefer to repurpose such rooms, creating additional bathrooms or storage areas.

Apartment layouts

Speaking of layouts, it's worth noting that they change depending on the age of the building. One-bedroom apartments in modern new builds are most often studios, where the kitchen and living area are combined into one space. In contrast, older one-bedroom apartments typically have separate kitchens and bedrooms.

The same is true for two-bedroom apartments. In new buildings, the popular layout combines a bedroom and kitchen with a living room, while in houses built before the 90s, you can find a layout with a kitchen and two separate rooms.

Changes in the layout during construction

At the construction stage, potential buyers can discuss changes to the layout. This means that the developer is willing to modify the apartment's interior according to the client's wishes.

• move the wall;
• remove the partition.

Naturally, such changes should not affect the load-bearing structures of the building.

Balconies in Bulgarian apartments

When it comes to balconies, it's almost impossible to find an apartment in Bulgaria without one. Almost all apartments come with balconies, which are often significantly larger than the small balconies commonly found in France. In some cases, they can even be full-fledged terraces.

Property owners often use their balconies as relaxation areas, furnishing them with rattan furniture, tables, and chairs. This allows them to spend time with family or host guests outdoors, creating a cozy atmosphere.

Relaxing on the balconies

In warm weather, many residents even prefer to sleep on their balconies, despite the lack of glazing. To create comfort during rainy weather and protection from sunlight, canopies, curtains, and blinds are usually installed. This creates a cozy environment for outdoor relaxation at any time of the day.

In addition, many residents decorate their balconies with plants, adding greenery and creating a pleasant atmosphere.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I want to emphasize that despite the strict laws limiting land purchases by foreigners in Bulgaria, there are several alternative options for those wishing to become property owners in this beautiful country. The ability to purchase an apartment without restrictions is a significant privilege that should be taken into account.

The function of leasing land under constructed buildings certainly presents some challenges, but opening a law firm in Bulgaria opens up new horizons. It not only allows one to bypass legal restrictions but also provides more confidence and convenience in the purchasing process. I have personally witnessed many retirees rejoice at finding affordable cottages in quiet villages, where they can not only enjoy comfort but also explore new horizons in life.

Diversity of housing

Furthermore, I would like to draw attention to the variety of housing available on the market. As seen from numerous examples, ranging from modern homes with panoramic sea views to cozy cottages, everyone will find something to their liking. The individual approach to each client by real estate agents also plays an important role in this process.

It's important to consider

• No restrictions on purchasing apartments:Foreigners can easily purchase apartments in Bulgaria.
• Possibility of land rental:This is a solution for those who want to buy a house.
• Opening a business:allows to bypass legislative restrictions on land purchase.
• Variety of offers:from modern houses to traditional cottages.

In conclusion, if you are considering buying property in Bulgaria, rest assured that your dreams of living in this unique country can become a reality. Starting a business and wisely utilizing the legislation may be the key that opens the doors to your new home. Don't miss the chance to take advantage of all the benefits that this wonderful corner of Europe has to offer!