Cost of moving

Just to bang on the old drum yet again: there are NO "estate agents" in Bulgaria, they're all property brokers at best (and crooks at worst).  There's no regulation and essentially no comeback if you're misled or simply lied to, especially since you're unlikely to get any contentious information in writing.  That said, some brokers are reputable, but only because they choose to be and there's no guarantee that they won't make a different choice whenever it suits them.

Some charge fees from both the buyer and seller, others will choose one or the other. Always get a written contract from the broker whether you're a buyer or seller, but you'll often be offered a "no contract" deal, which is shorthand for "no VAT".  If you're a buyer don't accept any "declared price plus money under the table" deals; they're illegal and can come back to bite you in the future if you get caned for CGT.

As a non-EU citizen you'll need to buy any property with land via a Bulgarian company (or buy an existing company with a property asset); be aware that it's quick and painless to form (or buy) a company, but you can come unstuck in the future if you don't handle things properly. Put simply, if/when you sell the property (in the name of the company), you can simply transfer the proceeds into your personal bank account and then ignore the company's existence thereafter. Since there are no returns required for an inactive company once a Declaration of Non-Activity has been filed, you're in the clear.

If you particularly want to tie up the loose ends, you can submit an application for voluntary strike-off or simplified liquidation, via your lawyer, once the company has no assets but there's no real need.

Jules, what's your plan to buy more houses or to sell the ones you previously bought?

@Jules999

Hi,

I purchased my first property in Bulgaria over 25 years ago and have since bought several more. Based on my experience, if you're looking to sell, my advice would be to carefully consider current market conditions. Property prices in Bulgaria have risen significantly over the years, and in many cases, the value is driven more by the land than the buildings themselves.

I would recommend advertising through Rightmove in the UK, as they feature overseas properties from many different countries. Using a well-established platform can provide greater transparency, help you understand the process more clearly, and reduce the likelihood of unexpected issues.

There are also a number of reputable English-speaking estate agents operating in Bulgaria, so it's worth taking the time to explore your options and compare services.

Other than that, I wish you the very best of luck with the sale and with all your future endeavours.

@Zooldrool

To sell the one we are currently in, and move into the other that we bought quite some time ago.

@Janearnasalam

What are the names of the reputable agents in BG?