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Buying a property by the sea? What you need to know
The steps to the notary, the purchase costs, what to check and how to buy from abroad. If you are looking for something specific, describe it in the form – we will write to you as soon as a suitable property comes up.
See our listingsHow the purchase works
- Selection and viewingsWe show you properties that match your budget and goals – in person, or on video if you are abroad.
- Checking the propertyOwnership, encumbrances, Act 16, cadastre data and debts to the complex.
- Deposit and preliminary contractWe agree the price, the deposit and the deadline for the deal. The deposit is usually about 10% of the price.
- Notary deedSigning before a notary and registering the property in your name. The price is paid by bank transfer.
- HandoverKeys, transfer of the electricity and water accounts and contact with the complex manager.
Purchase costs
On top of the property price the buyer pays:
- Notary feeUnder the state tariff, plus 20% VAT.
- Registration fee0.1% of the price.
- Local taxFrom 0.1% to 3% depending on the municipality. In Nessebar it is 3%.
The costs are calculated on the higher of the agreed price and the tax assessment. Work them out in advance with our notary fees calculator.
A property in a complex also has an annual maintenance fee. Ask how much it is and what it covers before you decide. More in the article A property without a maintenance fee – is cheap actually expensive?
What to check before buying
- OwnershipWho the owner is and whether there are co-owners.
- EncumbrancesMortgages, seizures and other restrictions.
- Act 16For a new building – whether it has a permit for use.
- Maintenance feeHow much it is, what it covers and whether there are unpaid debts.
- CadastreWhether the area and the data match the documents.
When you buy through us, we check these things before you pay a deposit.
Buying from abroad?
EU citizens can buy apartments, houses and land in their own name. Non-EU citizens can buy an apartment, and land through a Bulgarian company.
Viewings can be done on video and the deal with a power of attorney, without travelling. We speak Bulgarian, English and Russian. If you need a mortgage, HomeOption is a credit intermediary and compares the banks’ offers.
Where to look
- Sunny BeachThe largest resort – many complexes and the widest choice.
- NessebarA town with year-round life, the Old Town and residential districts.
- Sveti VlasQuieter, with a marina and many properties with a sea view.
- RavdaA quiet village with new buildings, often without a maintenance fee.