1	How do I purchase a property in Bulgaria?

2	Where can I fly to and from?

3	Do I need a Visa?

4	Can I own property as a foreigner in Bulgaria?

5	Do I do it alone or can I get help?

6	What do I do first?

7	Do I need a Solicitor?

8	What costs are involved with purchasing a property?

9	Can I sell a property easily?

10	Is there capital gains tax or government tax like stamp duty?

11	What is the local feeling towards foreigners owing property?

12	Can I purchase all the things for doing up a property locally in Bulgaria?

13	Is there any VAT or hidden costs when buying anything?

14	Will I need a car?

15	What are the services - gas/water/electric/phone/sewage like?

16	Can I rent my property when I am not there and who would manage it?

17	How safe is the country and can you I insurance for properties?

18	If I fall ill what can I expect?

1	How do I purchase a property in Bulgaria?
	Please read our beginners guide to give you some starting hints and tips.

2	Where can I fly to and from?
	You can fly from the UK to Varna direct it takes about 3 hrs and flights now run all year round with Bulgaria Air and Malev Britishairways are also now flying in from March to Sept.  See our links page for more details and bookings.

3	Do I need a Visa?
	If you are a UK or EEC passport holder then entry is simple and no Visa is required as Bulgaria has been a member of the EEC since Jan 2007.

4	Can I own property as a foreigner in Bulgaria?
	Yes, in most cases your local estate agent dealing with your enquiry, will help and assist you with the necessary paperwork and government legislation. Please note it is normal business practice to have to pay up to 20% of purchase price at the time of agreeing the sale. This means you would need access to funds to cover this requirement, as bank transfers can take up to one week.

5	Do I do it alone or can I get help?
	We suggest you listen to advice given at all times. You do not necessarily have to take it, but when you first start out do listen to others who had experience.

6	What do I do first?
	We have written an initial document giving what we feel is a set of starting conventions to read and take onboard. Please ask for it to be sent to you.

7	Do I need a Solicitor?
	You will need an advocate/notary and we do recommend you take legal advice. It is their legal obligation to make sure all documents are correctly issued and correct.

8	What costs are involved with purchasing a property?
	In general, 3% commission is payable to the estate agents 2 % to the Government for purchase tax and 1/2% to the Notary dealing with the sale.

9	Can I sell a property easily?
	Yes, there are many estate agents available locally or you can pick up the phone or email us We will be delighted to take on your commission.

10	Is there capital gains tax or government tax like stamp duty?
	At present if you buy and sell your property before you have had it for 5 years you will have to pay a capital gains tax. This is aimed at trying to curb the speculators; information on the % can be obtained by contacting our staff.

11	What is the local feeling towards foreigners owing property?
	The Bulgarian people are very happy to see people bringing wealth and foreign investment to their communities. Obviously it is important to try and be friendly and fit in with the local community and as we are now all in the EEC the Bulgarians have relaxed many of the ex regulations with regard to Visa and police controls.

12	Can I purchase all the things for doing up a property locally in Bulgaria?
	Yes, it is possible to get hold of most things in Bulgaria, however be ready to change your ideas on property materials and take on board the beauty of local tiles and white washed walls.

13	Is there any VAT or hidden costs when buying anything?
	VAT as a government charge is applicable on most items as in the UK.

14	Will I need a car?
	For short stays and in town you can easily get by using local taxis, hire cars or local buses. In rural locations a car is of obvious benifit and you can either hire one or buy one and keep it at your property. our staff will be able to help out with this.

15	What are the services - gas/water/electric/phone/sewage like?
	Services are good in the towns and cities, you will need to take advice about apartments in the city. As you get into the rural districts the services start to drop off. You will find electricity and water nearly everywhere but gas and sewers are usually bottle gas and cess pits ouside of the larger rural towns.

16	Can I rent my property when I am not there and who would manage it?
	Rental of property is possible through many agencies. We will of course be only to pleased to manage your property for you should you wish. Please contact our staff for more information.

17	How safe is the country and can you I insurance for properties?
	Bulgaria has a standard crime rate like Western European society. Please be aware that most of the people are poor so do not flout your money around. Also it is important to blend and fit in with the community for all the right reasons. As with any investment we recommend that you take out insurance for your property Please enquire for a suitable agency that can assist you.

18	If I fall ill what can I expect?
	At all times make sure you are covered by good health and accident insurance; you can get policies from the UK that will cover you in the event of an emergency. You can easily get local help for simple ailments and pharmacies will assist you in dispensing advice and potions where appropriate. The E11 reciprocal agreement is in force with Bulgaria so you can visit their doctors if you have the correct form from the UK officially stamped. Please visit your local post office in the UK to pick one up, complete it and then get it stamped at the counter.