1/ Please can you clarify the point regarding owning property in Bulgaria. Do I need to have a company in place to purchase it?
Bulgarian law states that as a non Bulgarian national you cannot own land in your own right. Therefore, “yes” you would need to have a company set up (we offer this service to our clients). However, if you are looking to buy an apartment, there is no requirement for this, and you may own the property in your own right!
2/ I am finding the prospect of buying abroad daunting, and am unsure where best to start?
You are not alone in having concerns; we have met this hundreds of times before. We recommend, if you are able, to first visit us in the UK. Clients are then given just as much time as is required to educate them on the Bulgarian market. We find that after visiting us, clients then look forward to visiting Bulgaria filled with excitement, not anxiety!
3/ Prices from as little as £5000 for a freehold property! Now one just has to question this, what’s the catch?
There is no catch, and in truth, the only thing which should be of concern here, is to reserve yourself what is basically the last cheap piece of Europe to be sold. And in such a beautiful part of it too.
4/ As with other countries, my concern is how accepting are the Bulgarians of us buying their properties?
The answer here is “very”. The reason it seems is simple. The British, as well as other nationalities who are buying in Bulgaria, are bringing wealth and prosperity to a previously underfunded nation. Trust me when I tell you that you will be welcomed like one of their own!
5/ OK, so the houses are incredibly cheap. What about the cost of living in Bulgaria? Few people seem to address this point when going on holiday, or moreover, buying a holiday home. Bulgaria has ranked as the cheapest European holiday destination. Also taking all other associated costs into account, for example day-to-day living, it can be said that your pound will be worth approx six times as much in Bulgaria. From a pint of beer costing 50p to your annual property council Tax bill being around £20.
6/ I am interested to know about the food, please can you give me a general idea what to expect?
Answering this question is going to have my mouth water for sure. The Bulgarian cuisine is very similar to that of our own. However, it is my view and that of countless others I know, that the quality is much better. The whole of Bulgaria is one great big market garden. The use of chemicals in farming is rare, and you really can taste the difference. Order chicken breast and it will be moist, touch a tomato and your finger with smell.......................
7/ I have spoken to other companies, and I’m confused, Agents in the North talk ill of the South and vice versa. What areas of the country does your company cover?
All of it! In essence, if there is an area which we don’t cover, there is generally good reason. So, from a coastal apartment through to a mountain ski lodge, investment, holiday home, or permanent residence, we have it covered!
8/ Do the Bulgarians have a grasp of the English language?
Yes. Since the end of communist rule back in 1989 the Bulgarians have had English taught in their schools. You will therefore find most of the younger generation being able to communicate, many fluently!
9/ What is the average cost of travel to Bulgaria, and how long is the flight?
The cost of travel does vary greatly. For example, now that some of the budget airlines have moved into the market, flights can be bought from just £34 return. For such good fares you will need to book well in advance. The flight time is just over 3 hours from the UK
10/ What is the weather like in Bulgaria ?
The Bulgarian weather is of great appeal to many. The seasons are the same as our own, but they are very defined, unlike here in the UK. In the Spring, it is generally very mild and sunny. The Summer too can generally be relied upon, with long hot dry days for often weeks at a time. The Autumn, as with the Spring, is often mild, but temperatures do drop quite a lot at night. The Bulgarian Winters can see very low temperatures, and they also have predictable snow falls. In essence, many Brits are moving to Bulgaria giving the weather as one of the top reasons for doing so.
Cost of living?
|
Bread |
1 kg |
£ 0.52 |
|
Apples |
1 kg |
£ 0.50 |
|
Rice |
1 kg |
£ 0.64 |
|
Potatoes |
1 kg |
£ 0.20 |
|
Chicken breast |
1 kg |
£ 1.72 |
|
Onions |
1 kg |
£ 0.30 |
|
Milk |
1 ltr |
£ 0.46 |
|
Sausages |
1 kg |
£ 1.60 |
|
10 eggs |
|
£ 0.46 |
|
Chocolate bar |
100g |
£ 0.30 |
|
Butter |
250g |
£ 0.70 |
|
Soap |
1 bar |
£ 0.20 |
|
Olive oil |
3 ltr |
£ 3.45 |
|
Beer |
0.5ltr |
£ 0.35 |
|
Mineral water |
1.5ltr |
£ 0.17 |
|
|
|
|
|
Coca cola |
2ltr |
£ 0.60 |
|
|
|
|
|
Wine |
75cl |
£ 1.76 |
|
Water |
Per year |
£ 26 |
|
Instant coffee |
250g |
£ 2.50 |
|
Gas |
Per year |
£ 72 |
|
Meal out with wine |
|
£ 5.00 |
|
Electricity |
Per year |
£ 143 |
|
Newspaper |
|
£ 0.25 |
|
City bus fare |
One way |
£ 0.15 |
|