WARNIG
Don’t expect the notary to speak any language other than Bulgarian or to explain the intricacies of Bulgarian property law, for which you will need to engage a lawyer.
Conveyancing includes the following:
- verifying the identity of the vendor(s) and buyer(s);
- checking that there aren’t any restrictions on the transfer of ownership, e.g. any outstanding debts or a mortgage greater than the selling price;
- establishing the terms of the contract.
A notary checks only planned developments directly affecting a property, such as a road running through the garden, and not those that may affect its value, such as the building of a power plant or waste handling facility nearby.
WARNING
A notary public won’t necessarily protect or act in your interests, and you should engage a lawyer to ensure that everything is carried out to your satisfaction.
Obviously a new motorway that disturbs the peace of your home would be something of a disaster; on the other hand, upgraded roads or a motorway junction within a few kilometres may improve the value of your home. It’s therefore essential to check local development plans.
Unfortunately, there’s no single office or government department that provides this information, although you (or your lawyer) may be able to contact the relevant public works department and check building projects planned for the area. You could also ask local residents if they know of anything planned that may adversely affect a property.
The main problem is usually unsympathetic or poorly planned development in resort areas along the coast, where your sea view may suddenly become a view of an apartment block. If you do buy an apartment with a ‘sea view’, make sure it’s zoned as a ‘front line’ property (usually along the beach or cliff front). Front line property cannot be built in front of.
WARNING
Even if you make all necessary checks, zoning regulations may change or the municipal council may decide to build a new road or waste processing facility that will be ‘of benefit’ to the community!
This article is an extract from Buying a Home in Bulgaria
from Survival Books.