Staying away from scams while buying apartment in Bulgaria

fastangbedoga New member

Member since Yesterday 13:18:35

fastangbedogaNew memberYesterday 13:18:39

Hello

I am in the process of buying an apartment in Bulgaria.

I found a place I like and want to buy, and agency say I need to pay €1000 deposit so they will take the listing off the market and start the process of me buying it - okay, sounds logical and common anywhere.

However, when I asked what forms of payment they are accepting for this, they replied theyonly accept Cash for the deposit

After being in Bulgaria for more than a month and seing that while cash is indeed very common, the country is just as credit card friendly as western Europe, I FIND IT VERY SUSPICIOUS THAT THEY WILL ONLY ACCEPT CASH FOR THE DEPOSIT

So my question is, does my suspicion is justified? Or is it just how things go around here?

P. S

Do you think that a buyer should find a local lawyer for the buying process that will look through all documents and stuff before signing or transfering funds?

Or is it unnecessary?

Thank you very much

janemulberry ViP

Member since 23 January 2021

janemulberryViPYesterday 16:10:29

1941

I think a bank transfer would be more usual than physical cash. That's how I paid the deposit for my house and what I see most sellers requesting. A bank transfer at least gives you proof that a payment was made and to who.

No one is likely to accept a credit card payment for something like this, at least, not anywhere in Europe or the UK. It's too easy to reverse a credit card payment.

JimJ ViP

Member since 07 December 2015

JimJViPYesterday 17:15:27

1445

Definitely get a lawyer, especially if you're not familiar with the process here. I've been buying and selling property in and around Sofia for 20 years, I speak the language and I'm married to a Bulgarian; nonetheless, I always use my lawyer to ensure that there's nothing untoward with the paperwork or the contract. I should add that I had to kiss many frogs before I found my current lawyer-prince...😎

Paying a deposit is okay in principle but make sure there's a contract with it and that you fully understand what's in it; only a Bulgarian-language contract is enforcible here, so don't rely on what you might be told is a 100% accurate translation. Don't fall for any BS about a lower price on the contract and the rest under the table to "save paying tax" - it's illegal and could easily get you into all sorts of trouble.