Do NOT Buy a House in Bulgaria! (6 Mistakes to AVOID When Buying a Property)
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- Опубликовано: 8 июл 2024
- Welcome back to the channel everyone!
There are SO many mistakes that can happen when buying a property in Bulgaria! Here is our guide on how to avoid the pitfalls, and dodge unnecessary fees along the way. As always, leave your questions in the comments! Are you thinking of renovating a property in Bulgaria? Let us know!
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good advice to newcomers guys, I have been here in Bulgaria now for 20 years after leaving the UK
Thank you! It means a lot from someone who has lived here so long. We have already seen so many people make huge errors when buying.
@@the_phoenixproject But how can I be and become a real legal owner of that land and what is on it - do i have the offical paper and registration for this ? and municipality ? and the water, garbage office and KNOW who is the mayor of that village ? if those houses are old and maybe not registered properly and no one is helping me to change this to my name that i may want to sell this later in the future..
@@keepcreationprocess first, contact a trusted agent to assist (there is a list in our ebook). You should always check the deeds and confirm with a lawyer that the landowner is who they say they are. A trusted agent will do everything for you and guide you through the process. UK citizens have to buy property through a Bulgarian company that an agent can set up for you and appoint you as the director/owner. It sounds scary but it's all fine! 😆
@@the_phoenixproject where is your ebook ?
@@keepcreationprocess stan.store/Thephoenixproject
As a Bulgarian, I absolutely agree with everything said here. I have noticed that foreigners come to Bulgaria after reading that everything here is very cheap and 1 hour after arriving in the center of Sofia they complain that it is super expensive. It's expensive because instead of getting to the Center with the metro for less than 1 euro you use a taxi. Research should always be done before going to another country even for a vacation let alone a serious step like buying a property.
And yes, foreign companies really cruelly use the foreigners who come to Bulgaria. Example: this year I was on a one-day trip to northwestern Bulgaria, and instead of explaining to a friend in a game where I would be, I decided to send him an article about a foreign company traveling on the same route. In the end, I was amazed because the Bulgarian company with which I traveled for 1 day offered this trip for a little less than 30 euros including all fees for visiting places, and the foreign company offered the same for 85 euros. Same starting point, same ending point, same places to visit, but almost triple the price. So I would advise all foreigners not to trust all foreign company and to research.
By the way, have you noticed how emigrants always go to the big cities in Bulgaria, but foreigners from the West go to the villages? The emigrants from Syria came from a country with a war with an inhuman way of life and when the Bulgarian government offered them whole uninhabited villages to settle they were like: "No thanks".
Thank you so much for your comment ☺️ благодаря ти много ❤️ English people that come here and complain about things drive me nuts 😂
Welcome to Bulgaria, we are really happy to have you and your little ones.
Благодаря ти много 🥹💕🙏
Really informative as retired uk citizen in Bulgaria now looking at real estate it had some good points..We have been met with kindness by the Bulgaria people and look forward to becoming part of a community after 2yrs van life
Yes the Bulgarians are a lovely bunch! I have heard lots of Brits say that they don't like Bulgarians, but it is usually the people who don't bother to learn the language (not even thank you!). So it's no wonder the Bulgarians are frosty with them 😅 Wishing you all the best! ☺️💕
Yup, I've noticed that too....people have no business/income that they can "port over" to BG and then they give up. I'm pretty fortunate that I have a (actually multiple) home-based biz that I can do from anywhere, and actually the time zone difference (from the USA) is beneficial to me. Also, I did live in Europe for about 3 months, a few years ago, and actually made more money than living in the USA, so I've tested it. PLUS, I have retirement income starting to kick in soon as a back-up!! Still, I'm nervous and want to make sure my savings/investments are padded up before relocating, and recognize that even with planning, there's a risk there. ALWAYS HAVE A PLAN B, C and even D, people for these types of big moves!
Yes, great advice!
I'd also recommend getting in touch with a local lawyer who is specialized on property topics. Even for me as a Bulgarian checking with him saved me from many future troubles
@@petyobenov yes, a trustworthy lawyer is worth their weight in gold.
@@petyobenov Yes, I've got one already. Great tip!
Can I ask which area you are in and which towns you are near.
sometimes Bulgarians come to our village to check on properties and if the mayor is away they talk to us about our experience (we live opposite the mayor). Usually it's three main points: 1. if the water supply is scheduled in summer, 2. how often the power cuts happen and reasons, 3. if there is any public transport and if there is no transport at all what are the ways to get to the nearest town. I guess the rest is not that important for Bulgarians because they are familiar with all possible problems, prices, weather patterns and mentality.
Yes, I know many villages with serious water shortages. Luckily we have our village spring.
Another great video! I would like to add that currently there are many Bulgarian companies that hire people for remote work (home office) so if the issue with visa/residency is resolved, in need everyone who speak English can find a job and I’m pretty sure that a real English person will be ahead on the queue for a job with English tan any Bulgarian xd at the company I’m working currently, there was a British guy working , unfortunately he quit as he find another job , but it is not impossible to find some income 🖤
Thank you! Yes, there are lots of opportunities for those that seek them ☺️💕
Thank you for the info, very interested in Bulgaria, so subscribed to see more of your channel. Good luck!
Good video, actually this might be useful even for Bulgarians, like those ones who plan to move in a rural part.
Yes, definitely! Thank you ☺️💕
Really good video, nice and brief but very informative
Thank you! Nothing worse than someone rambling on about nothing for 30 minutes instead of getting straight to the point! 😅🙈💕
Thanks so much. You have saved a lot of people some real hassle by telling us all that.
Hopefully we can save people some agro! And we have also provided two agents that we know will take care of people ❤️
Good solid advice, thank you.
Hope you all have a great Christmas
You too!! 😊🎄🎆❤️
Brilliant tips guys 👌😊
You're well organised. 🙂 I would just add to what's in your video. For instance, get a Bulgarian local lawyer when buying a property to prevent being scammed (unlikely but happens). All Bulgarians speak Russian and most young people and older ones also speak English. So you can get by a little at first while if learning Bulgarian language. Do some checks and visit a house before buying. I visited first before buying. Go to parts of Bulgaria first to find which is the place you like. You can get to all main cities by train which is not expensive or bus. As for safety, you can go on your own almost anywhere and you won't get mugged. Bulgarians are friendly.
Not all Bulgarians speak Russian. Only the old generation, even mine (gen X) is quite lost in Russian the younger ones would look you strange if you start talking Russian to them. You have a better chance to get understood in English or German than Russian.
@@huskytail Everyone above the age of 35 have studied Russian in school. Also Russian and Bulgarian are like 1st cousins ,so if you you speak slowly and you use simple expressions you will be understood to everyone. I speak fluent russian and never had problem being understood. If needed I can always use English. So no problem for me when in Bulgaria. You can learn german at the Language school in Varna. However, you'll find not many young people at all actually speak German language in Bulgaria.
Merry Christmas, have a wonderful Christmas with your family and friends. Best wishes from South Africa.❤
You too! Merry Christmas 🎁🎄⛄❤️🥰
Да много добри съвети. Поздрави 🙂❤
Благодаря ти 😊💕❤️
Just came across to your video nice content and as a bulgarian I agree with the rules for buying house! 👍🏻 ❤❤
Thank you! Благодаря ти много ❤️🙂
@@the_phoenixproject 👍🏻❤️
Nice video 👍
Thanks!
Modern Bulgarian village house build after 1960 with concreate base costs minimum 15,000 EURO. You have to add another 20,000 EURO for external and internal renovation including outside insulation, tide up roof, new windows and door, central heating, new electrical installation, furniture, etc. Extras as: PV, Genset are not included in this calculation. So, your total cost with taxes will be minimum 50,000 EURO. Do not tell me you can not find pretty well village house in Spain for this money. In Spanish rural areas houses are much cheaper.
We looked in Spain and couldn't find anything that would suit our budget. That's just our experience. I love Spain because I lived there a few years ago! I would have loved to have bought property here. Our house in Bulgaria only cost £7k and is a sturdy, brick-built property requiring little major renovation. I think our case is rare now though, as most properties are now in the price range you mentioned.
@@the_phoenixproject In North West Bulgaria there is houses even for 3000 euro, but in villages full with gipsy and houses are in very bad condition. 2010 I sold my house for 5000 euro. It was build 1950, 2 floors, wooden second floor, 100m2 each floor, 1.5 decar yard. It is located on 100 km from Sofia on south west, close to Macedonia. House was in good condition except roof. Any of this cheap houses need a lot of investmet if you want to live modern comfort life.
@@PerdoSanchez-st8ib Yes, I suppose that's the main difference - if you want a modernised house then you need to pay the appropriate price. I hope you have found happiness in your new home ❤️
@@PerdoSanchez-st8ib My mother in law lives in Kravoder near Vratsa, lots of gypsies but sadly lots of seemingly abandoned properties falling down and no community activities in what was the village square. Also there is a lovely river that runs through the village but there is a lot of litter dumped by the waters edge its a shame.
Hey guys, greate video you should have talked with locals and some NPO institutions. You would not even need a property company, they get a lot as well. Welcome, enjoy! :)
If you see that the property is a lot cheaper than usual you should be very careful - many of the villages are inhabited by gypsies and having those for neighbors is a terrible idea - for them crime is a way of life. In fact the situation was a lot worse but luckily most of them moved to the big EU countries, there is simply nothing left to plunder here and they don't like to work
I think this is a controversial statement (and I'm sure many Bulgarians will let you know their thoughts). I have met the gypsies in my village and they have been kind and friendly. No problems here, but I can't speak for other areas.
@@the_phoenixproject There were other foreigners who thought the same, they learned the truth the hard way. The gypsies are always kind and friendly (until they break into your house). The best strategy is to avoid any contacts and never let them in you property.
To be fair, of course not all of them are that bad, they are divided in clans - some are are OK, they are hard working and decent people, but others are crime syndicates and there is no way to know the difference. As I wrote, luckily most of them moved to big EU states to exploit their welfare systems, that is why things here seem OK, not so long ago the situation especially in the rural regions was terrible.
Cultural Differences: I'd be very interested to know what the differences are. Perhaps you could do a future video about it?
Yes, there are so many (too many to mention in this video). I'll pop it down for our next video topic! ☺️
What are the local schools like?. Its the schools that give us the biggest headache in our decision to move to BG one day. Some of the international (senior) schools in Sofia look amazing but that means living in Sofia....Did you ever meet expats whos kids (who werent Bulgarian) went through the local school system?.
Yes, we know lots of expats who have put their kids through school here and only sing their praises. Bulgaria is VERY proud of its education system, and I can't say I have seen any issues with it from talking to people. Perhaps try looking at schools in Veliko Tarnovo or Plovdiv?
i don't know about other areas but in ours the school buses are organised perfectly, the bus will come to the village even if there is only one pupil there, and also the bus takes kids home twice a day, at 13 pm and at 16 pm, depending on number of the lessons, thus kids are not stranded at school till late or could spend more time in the town if they want.
@@the_phoenixproject Awesome, great to know!
As a Bulgarian the schools are quite good, especially in smaller cities or villages. This is because there are less students in class and the discipline is better. The subjects are quite similar to what you would study in the UK, however I've noticed it's more based on remembering information, rather than project based learning. Some teachers could use older methods which are not to my liking, but the DfE here does have lots of training sessions for teachers and some really do try to be innovative. Arts, sports, music, drama can be overlooked as the general understanding is that you need to find a good paying job - e.g. doctor, lawyer, accountant, finance, etc. There are plenty of extra curricular activities like sports, folklore dances, Latin dances and the like. Parents here often use a private tutor for maths and foreign languages, but that's only if the student is really struggling. There are free consultation lessons in the schools if requested. SEND are overlooked, many teachers don't know how to deal with dyslexic, ADHD, spectrum etc. and a lot of pressure is put from other parents, who think their child is better than the one with SEND. There are very good speech therapists (called logoped) that you can see privately and they will help a lot with that.
As a Bulgarian, I'm not sure what is happening last 4 years. Prices are going up, contruction is booming in big cities, maybe that's why also construction materials are going up. I'm not sure how a person can buy a property without personally checking it, that's not something you get in the mail. If someone does, I would say they deserve to get scammed. I would suggest to always go to a town/city in the area you plan to buy property and ask the locals about the places you are looking for a property. Agents always tend to say it's good, but they care only for the % bonus they get from the sale. Translator and lawyer are a must! Don't expect any documents you get to be in English! I would say at least 50% of people under 35 will have knowledge for English/German/French/Spanish, especially in the more touristy areas. About water and electricity in villages is because of neglected infrastructure, it's getting better overall, especially near the big cities and towns, but it still has a long way to go.
i bought a house with large plot in border with greece. i have online business and ive heard that posting items in another country is a problem. any issues with this!?
I think in countries like Bulgaria, there will be issues with sending/receiving things for another few years 😆 DHL and Ekont are very good here and things come on time. We have only had good experiences so far, but I know others have struggled.
Welcome to Bulgaria. Actually all your advises are universal - valid for any property buy/relocation anywhere.
Unfortunately you are right - currently there is a problems with the business and job opportunities in the province (colonial administration policies). Hopefully that will be fixed ...soon enough.
Already watched couple of your vids and you seem very nice young people so I hope you'll root in here.
Wish you all the best in all your endeavors.
Yes, you are right! Thank you for your kind comments 😊🙏💕
thanks for all the advice! I assume the tip about visas is for non-EU residents?
Yes it is! EU residents can come and go as they please!
@@the_phoenixproject thanks
Legal is 3 months as a tourist and 6 months if you have your own home. Within Europe they are creative to tie you to a country and each country has its own rules. Making yourself a state slave is popular nowadays, despite the fact that pensions are not sufficient and there they are. The care is terrible in your hometown and not always better (certainly not in Greece or southern Italy). Always look for a specialist who studied in Germany and is the most specialized. Other countries obviously have good ones too, but just find them if you need them...
what is the village of palamartsa like for infrastructure shops Internet etc ?xx
Honestly, all I've heard is bad things about Palamartsa 😞 It has a LARGE community of English people and it sounds like there is a fair bit of drama that goes on there. I could be wrong (and you should always take a look yourself to see if it is for you) but I personally would avoid it because I have heard negative things.
There are couple of small food shops in Palamartsa, the internet is fine and there is only one bus going to Popovo in the morning. Many different nationalities live there with quite a number of expats. Everyone knows everyone's business, so I would avoid it if I were you.
@@visnamacpherson5109 It's a shame because the parts I've seen are lovely and the people I met there are nice. Unfortunately, I have heard negative things, too.
@the_phoenixproject what areas are nice in your experience of living there ?
How can we contact you please about checking out a property in your neighbourhood. thank you ? We bought your online book and read it and would like reach out to you , if that would be possible?
phoenixoffgridproject@gmail.com ❤️
Very nice video. How long is a British driving licence valid for in the UK? Is it just one year? Thanks!
I think about ten years, possibly more!
@the_phoenixproject 😂😂😂😅 I meant how long is a British driving licence valid for in Bulgaria? Is it just one year before having to either get an international driving licence or a Bulgarian one?
@@benburnett1435 I think it's 12 months, yes!
Let's be onest these mistakes you can make absolutely everywhere. BTW I give almost the same professional advices for people who just renting in London
Yes it's good universal advice for buying houses! ❤️
Thanks for the information. Do you know / have you been to Gorna Orachowica town (near Veliko Tarnowo)? Is it a good place?
Could you recommend a good honest lawer who can assist with migration documentation? I have an EU passport as well. Thanks
Again, it depends on your opinions and expectations. You'd have to visit it to decide whether it was a "good place" 😅 My opinion might be very different to yours! It's best to visit and see for yourself before you commit to buying ☺️
Hi. I'm planning to move to Bulgaria. Which town are you in if I may ask. Thanks
The Veliko Tarnovo region ❤️
Welcome to Veliko Turnovo 😊
Благодаря ти много ❤️💕☺️
Hi I'm from Bulgaria but 8 years now I'm working in England Uk
Здрасти! ☺️
My sound is fine
So is mine. I swear it's the same troll every week 😂
❤❤❤
❤️❤️❤️
🎉🎉🎉
❤️❤️❤️
Where is the prime location? Thanks
It depends on your needs and desires! We prefer village living but others may desire a busy city lifestyle and to be close to shops etc
Where do you live in Bulgaria ? I've got a house in Ravnovo near Veliko Tarnovo
We are near Strazitsa!
@@the_phoenixproject Not too far away then, I bought my house with Ves too , hopefully will cross paths with you one day ,love watching your vids
i found your FB page, but can't leave a message. I do want to know the FB groups to join. I am US citizen, my husband was from Poland, and is also a US citizen now for about 10years, but said he can still be part of the EU if we decide to move to Bulgaria. He said it is lovely there. I am just starting my research on how to even do this, your video is inspiring. Where to start???
We have an ebook which you may find useful. I'll drop the link here for you: stan.store/Thephoenixproject/p/get-the-ebook-now-57fx9
@@the_phoenixproject gosh...thank you soooo much...!
Looks like you moved to a remote location. How do you solve the problem with good schools and education for your soon-to-be school kids?
Reason why I left Bulgaria is the poor education system up to 12th grade.
We home educate.
@@the_phoenixproject brave. Good luck with learning Bulgarian language and the Bulgarian school materials in parallel. 👍🏻👌🏻
Are they still welcoming to Digital Nomads?
I'm a remote worker and I certainly feel welcome! 🤗
@@the_phoenixproject Thank you.
I don’t understand why not to buy a house in Bulgaria?
I mean, it's just an inflammatory title 😅 But we are saying don't buy a property here and make these mistakes. So many people are unhappy because they bought a house out here and didn't do their research etc.
@@the_phoenixproject I was researching for houses in Bulgaria a lot during covid. As someone from a landlocked country (CZ) I don't understand why would anyone move to a southern European country and choose a location far from the sea even if Bulgaria has a continental weather with cold winters..
@@leoprg5330 everyone has different desires. This country and location is perfect for us, but it's not for everyone ❤️
@@leoprg5330 because the landside can be nice too, and more cheap to buy a house.
I can go anywhere.
The biggest issue is finding a way to earn money.
There are many ways! I'll do a video on it soon!
@@the_phoenixproject Thanks.🙏🏻
It's my biggest issue...and also a fear I guess that hold me back.
try starting a farm ;)
I would love to. I want alpacas 😅
"... or that you speak Bulgarian." I laughed hard at the recommendation... Because even if you achieve +C2 level of fluency, like I have, most people will not speck BG with you. Only those people who know ZERO English will. It's not worth learning IMHO.
I speak Bulgarian a lot in my everyday life, so I have to disagree with you there.
@@the_phoenixproject I speak Bulgarian about 70-80% of the time and think in Bulgarian when I'm being a good boy. However, I often have to encourage Bulgarians to use their language with me since they prefer practicing their English. I can't blame them, as I do the same with them. I’m at a +C2 level and have studied for over 2 hours daily for more than 5 years, so I can hold my own.
Despite years of study and real-world usage, I don’t think learning Bulgarian was worth it unless you live in a village. In the village it is mandatory, and I use BG 100% of the time there. Additionally, you might find this interesting: I have a private RUclips channel where I’ve made 600 videos speaking Bulgarian. It used to be public and was a great way to practice sentence construction and story telling. I noticed someone on your channel trying this approach, it’s very effective.
Another fun fact: I’m married to a Bulgarian woman, but she has never tried to help me with the language; ever. And most other Bulgarians are the same.
@@yanbu000 yes, you are right. It is absolutely essential living in the village, as we do. I have also experienced Bulgarians speaking only in English to me when I speak Bulgarian in the city. Our nearest towns are the same as the village though! Both Popovo and Strazitsa are mostly only Bulgarian speakers with a VERY small amount of English. I'm very happy for these opportunities and I'm sure you are too.
You must feel so fantastic being at an advanced level. I feel very frustrated with my A1/A2 level at the moment and hopefully will be B1 with more daily practice.
Всичко хубаво 🥰
@@the_phoenixproject 👍👍👍
I would suggest not to buy a house online.
It is not so expensive to spend a week in the area and research not only the property but the whole area.
Best advice! 💯👏
Bulgaria is very safe compare to western europe. The real trap with OLD houses is(read careful) Documents of owners!!! Some old houses are builded by people years years ago and they never go to make a house register in their name. Then they past away and they kids have the legacy these houses and they sell for very cheap with some "documents" without clearlity. And many more confused things with legacy separation between the kids.. but is not like every second house on that may be a few. Ou and if you want to know people READ THEIR HISTORY! Everything is there 500 years with ottoman occupation and 50 years socialism and will be clear for you why the culture is different and the food and mentality and everything between Turk Russians and Europe.. mix between that.
Съгласна съм! I agree! 👍💯 I am learning history through Bulgarian folk songs and music. My teacher tells me a lot and I hope to learn more traditions and culture from my neighbours and Bulgarian friends ❤️
Kill back ground music
I like it 😁
Do you guys not need to work
We do work. Who said we didn't?
Sorry I must have missed you saying that you guys do. What do you both do?
@@danhancock422 I'm a freelance copywriter and Anthony is a builder/handyman.
Sorry I must have totally missed you guys saying it
@@danhancock422 I don't think we did, to be honest! Perhaps I should have said! I want to do a video on job opportunities for expats in Bulgaria soon to show that it is possible.
Is it safe to retire for a single woman
In the right areas of course!
Where would you suggest please ?
@@londonbabe2467 Popovo area near Veliko Tarnovo is lovely. Take a look at Bulgarian Property Experts website and take a look at their houses for sale. Nice expat community and safe villages.
@@the_phoenixproject Thank you very much 👍
How easy is it for living there permanently ? Is the language hard to master ? It looks beautiful 😻 and I’d love to stay
Please, do not come to Bulgaria. Here you could be get hurt in car accident or be eaten by stray dogs. For same money you can find house in Spain.
Eaten by stray dogs 😂😂😂 You absolutely CANNOT find houses for the same price in Spain. And it is much harder for non-EU citizens to obtain a visa in Spain. Bulgaria is fantastic, but it is important for prospective buyers to know the pitfalls of buying property here.
@@the_phoenixproject Check this news: A pack of dogs killed a woman in the town of Dolna Oryahovitsa and tell me is it funny?
I can barely hear you! Try with a new microphone, please!
Just turn it up, it's not that bad 😆
Its hard to take my eyes off the hairy caterpillar eyebrows ,slowly walking along
........its a shame ...... a pretty young lady ..........
Whaaaaaat?! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 I'm glad my eyebrows keep you watching though!!
The sound was ok for me. I didn't even have the volume at 100% maybe 80%.🎚
Thanks for going over these things.
We were thinking of Portugal but since the have changed / eliminated the NHR (Non Habitual Resident) program, it doesn't make sense tax wise.
Does Bulgaria have any tax programs for incentiving foreigners to migrate there?
Thank you! No tax programmes that I am aware of... But you could check out this website for details on visas. We obtained a trade representative visa to get residency through Ideal Homes.
www.mfa.bg/en/services-travel/consular-services/travel-bulgaria/visa-bulgaria