Hello,
Apologies in advance for the long post.
Like many on this forum my husband and I are thinking of buying in Bulgaria and will be visiting for roughly 5 weeks in the next few months. We're from the UK.
We've read quite a few forums and guides about buying there but have a fair amount of conflicting or unclear information. We're hoping the expats here might be able to clarify a few things for us?
1. Location – with regards to climate, it seems that most of Bulgaria has good summers, but we're keen to avoid too-harsh a winter. Also we don't want to be too remote - so within distance of restaurants and local amenities etc. And somewhere that doesn't become a ‘ghost town' off-season. Also good internet is essential. We were thinking about the Black Sea Coast – maybe near Varna.
2. We're not sure whether to buy something already refurbished or to buy a shell (for want of a better word) and do this later. I ask because there are two potential plans:
a. Buy a property to do up later
b. Buy a property ready-to-go and rent it out
How difficult or expensive is it to renovate a property in Bulgaria? Also, ideally we'd like a pool but not sure if we should target a property with this already present on if this is straightforward to add later – in terms of installing and getting permissions etc. We won't be there full time to start with – but are thinking about retiring there eventually.
3. We've read that theft and security can be a problem in some areas – if we buy somewhere that is in good condition, will it be a problem if left unattended / empty? If so is security expensive to arrange?
4. Would renting out the property be easy to arrange?
5. Any recommendations for property agents and notaries etc. I've read that getting trustworthy ones can be problematic.
6. Anything else we should be aware of or take into account?
Thank you in advance for any information offered!