Bulgaria Property Investment | How to invest in Bulgaria’s Real Estate
Invest in Bulgaria with confidence. Bulgaria offers one of the most affordable property markets in the EU, with strong rental demand, low taxes, and clear legal procedures for foreign buyers. Our English-speaking team and licensed lawyers guide you step by step, from the first shortlist to the notary signing.
Key Takeaways
Bulgaria is one of the most affordable property markets in the EU.
Foreigners can legally buy houses and apartments; land requires a company.
Typical investment budgets range from 100k € to €200 €, with village houses starting at 20k €.
Rental yields are attractive in Sofia, Plovdiv, and along the Black Sea coast.
The buying process is fast: usually 1–2 months with lawyer and notary support.
Taxes and fees are low: expect 4,5% one-time purchase costs and annual property taxes often below €200.
Annual property taxes are low, often below 200 €.
Independent legal checks make Bulgarian property investment safe for foreign buyers.
- For macroeconomic context, consult InvestBulgaria Agency.
Can foreigners invest by buying properties in Bulgaria?
Foreign investors often ask the same question: can I legally own real estate in Bulgaria? The answer is yes. The rules are simple, but you need to know the details.
Apartments and houses: foreigners can buy in their own name.
Land and plots: you must set up a Bulgarian company first. Our partner at Company-Registration.bg handle this quickly and safely.
Mortgages: technically possible but very difficult. Almost all transactions are cash purchases.
Typical fees and timeline
Buying property in Bulgaria is fast compared to many EU countries.
Lawyer due diligence: 1–2 weeks.
Preliminary contract and deposit: usually 10%.
Notary completion: 1–2 months.
Taxes and fees: around 4.5% of the purchase price (including notary and transfer tax).
We explain every step in plain English. You never sign or pay without independent legal review.
Real estate investment budgets & deal types
Every investor is different. Bulgaria offers opportunities for small budgets and large projects alike.
Houses 100,000–200,000+ €
This is the sweet spot for most foreign buyers. With this budget, you can find:
Detached houses in Sofia suburbs, Plovdiv, or Varna.
Renovated homes near the Black Sea, ideal for rentals.
Family properties with stable long-term tenant demand.
These properties combine affordability with real rental potential.
Village houses 20,000–40,000+ €
Rural Bulgaria still offers very low prices. These homes are often older and need renovation. They appeal to lifestyle buyers or investors ready to modernize and create value. Yields are limited, but entry is cheap.
300,000+ € pathway (EU residency)
For buyers interested in Bulgarian residency, the minimum threshold is 300k €. At this level, you can secure:
Large family homes or luxury apartments in Sofia.
Seaside villas with strong seasonal demand.
Development plots for future projects.
We coordinate with immigration lawyers so you understand exactly how property investment connects with residency rules.
For current residence requirements, see the Migration Directorate.Apartments, houses, or land — which to choose?
Apartments: easier to rent, less maintenance.
Houses: more space, lifestyle appeal, often better for families.
Land: potential for building or development, but requires a company.
Comparision of property type for investment purposes
| Budget Range | Property Type | Typical Areas | Investor Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| €20k–40k | Village houses | Rural villages | Lifestyle buyers, renovation projects |
| €100k–200k | Houses & apartments | Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas | Mainstream foreign investors, rental yields |
| €200k–300k | Larger houses, luxury apartments | Cities & coast | Experienced investors, long-term capital growth |
| €300k+ | Luxury villas, development land | Sofia, coast, major cities | Residency seekers, high-net-worth buyers |
Our team helps you compare options and match the right property type to your budget and goals.
Best areas to invest in Bulgaria
Bulgaria offers very different property markets depending on the location. Each area has its own price level, rental demand, and long-term potential.
Sofia and Plovdiv — strong city demand
Sofia is Bulgaria’s capital and economic hub. Property prices are higher here, but so are rental yields. Young professionals, students, and expats create stable demand for apartments.
Plovdiv, the second-largest city, is popular with investors thanks to its cultural life and fast-growing IT sector.
Best for buyers seeking capital growth and consistent tenants.
Black Sea coast — Varna, Burgas, and resort towns
The Black Sea coast is ideal for holiday rentals. Varna and Burgas combine city infrastructure with seaside lifestyle.
Smaller resort towns like Sunny Beach or Sozopol attract seasonal tourism. Prices range from affordable apartments to luxury villas.
Best for investors looking at short-term rental income and summer demand.
Countryside and villages
Village houses in rural Bulgaria remain very cheap compared to Western Europe. They often need renovation but offer large plots of land at entry prices as low as 20,000 €. This market is attractive for lifestyle buyers, small projects, or long-term land banking.
Best for buyers with modest budgets who want space and are ready to modernize.
Whether you prefer the security of city rentals, the profit of seaside tourism, or the low entry of village houses, Bulgaria offers a wide spectrum of opportunities for foreign investors.
How it works — step by step
The Bulgarian property buying process is simple once you know each stage. We handle the due diligence and guide you from first contact to notary completion.
Here is the clear process we follow with every client:
1. Discovery call or email-only
We start with a short consultation. Some clients prefer a quick call, others only want email. We adapt to your style. You share your budget, preferred locations, and timeline.
2. Curated shortlist and virtual tours
Within 48 hours (outside week-ends and holidays), we prepare a shortlist of properties that fit your needs. Photos, videos, and virtual tours help you evaluate options before visiting Bulgaria.
3. Lawyer due diligence
An independent lawyer checks ownership, debts, building status, and land registry. This protects you from hidden risks. You only proceed if everything is clear.
Checks cover the Property Register and parcel boundaries in the Bulgarian Cadastre.
4. Preliminary contract and deposit
Once you choose a property, a preliminary contract is signed. A deposit, usually 10%, secures the deal while the lawyer prepares final documents.
5. Notary completion and keys
The purchase is finalized at the notary office. You pay the remaining balance, sign the deed, and receive your keys. The property is then officially registered in your name (or company if land).
Completion is carried out by a registered notary listed by the Notary Chamber of Bulgaria.
6. Aftercare and property management
After completion, we continue to assist you. Many investors ask for rental management, utility setup, or maintenance support. We make sure you are not left alone once the purchase is done.
With this clear roadmap, foreign investors can invest in Bulgaria step by step, safely and without stress.
Legal, taxes & paperwork
Foreign buyers often worry about Bulgarian laws and bureaucracy. The process is clear once you know the rules, and we guide you step by step with trusted lawyers and notaries.
Broker licensing in Bulgaria
Unlike some countries, Bulgaria has no official “licensed broker” registry. Many websites pretend to be regulated. We prefer transparency: we work under company contracts and always include independent legal checks.
Lawyer and notary roles
Lawyer: performs due diligence, drafts contracts, and explains tax implications.
Notary: validates the sale, registers the deed, and confirms legal ownership.
Together they guarantee that your property purchase is valid and secure.
Purchase costs and taxes
When you invest in Bulgaria, you should plan for 4,5% extra on top of the property price.
This covers:
Transfer tax (2–3%).
Notary fees and registration.
Lawyer’s services.
Company setup for land purchases
Foreigners must open a Bulgarian company to buy land or plots. Our partner at Company-Registration.bg handle the full registration. The process takes about 1–2 weeks and includes tax registration. Once created, the company can also hold other assets.
The company is incorporated and published in the Commercial Register (Registry Agency) before any land purchase.With clear contracts, independent lawyers, and proper registration, Bulgarian property investment is safe and predictable for foreign buyers.
Remote-first: get offers before you fly
Most investors want to see real options before they come to Bulgaria. We make that easy.
Share your budget, preferred areas, and property type.
We prepare a curated shortlist within 48 hours.
You receive photos, floorplans, and virtual tours.
When you arrive, you only visit the most relevant properties.
This saves time, avoids frustration, and helps you make a confident decision when you are on the ground.
Post-purchase management & rentals
Our support does not stop at the notary. Many foreign buyers need help after the purchase.
Setting up utilities and local services.
Arranging cleaning, repairs, or renovations.
Finding tenants and managing rentals.
Collecting rent and handling legal paperwork.
This service is optional, but most investors appreciate having a trusted local partner. It makes Bulgarian property investment simple even if you live abroad.
Why choose BulgarIMOT?
When you invest in Bulgaria, you need a partner who is clear, reliable, and fast. We work with foreign buyers every week and understand your concerns.
Expert in helping foreigners since 2017
Helping foreigners for any kind of real estate needs in Bulgaria has become our niche. Since 2017, we’ve been growing and assisting hundreds and hundreds of individuals just like you, ready to take the next step in their investment.
English-speaking, no-pressure communication
We answer in clear English. Some clients prefer email only, others like calls or WhatsApp. We adapt to your style and never push.
Due diligence and transparency
Every deal is reviewed by an independent lawyer. Contracts are explained line by line. Fees and taxes are shared upfront, so there are no surprises.
Coverage across Bulgaria
We work everywhere in Bulgaria: in Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas, and many rural areas. Whether you want to buy a city apartment, a coastal villa, or a village house, we cover the whole real estate market of Bulgaria.
Fast response and curated offers
You receive a shortlist of properties within 48 hours of your request. Each offer matches your budget and goals. This saves you time and builds trust before you visit.
Testimonials and recent deals
Foreign clients from Germany, the UK, and France have already bought with us. They highlight our speed, honesty, and aftercare. A selection of their real estate testimonials is available on request.
Our goal is simple: to make Bulgarian property investment safe, fast, and rewarding for every foreign buyer.
Invest in Bulgaria with a clear plan
Contact us today. Tell us your budget, property type, and preferred areas. Within 48 hours you will receive a shortlist of properties that match your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions about how to invest in Bulgaria
Can foreigners buy property in Bulgaria?
Yes. Foreigners can buy apartments and houses in their own name. To buy land or plots, you must open a Bulgarian company. Our partner lawyers handle this process quickly and safely.
Is financing available for foreign buyers?
Mortgages for foreigners in Bulgaria are rare and difficult to secure. Most investors purchase with cash. This makes transactions faster and safer.
What taxes and fees should I expect?
You should plan 4.5% on top of the property price. This includes transfer tax, notary fees, and lawyer services. Annual property taxes are very low, often below 200 € per year for a standard home.
How long does the buying process take?
Most purchases take one to two months. The steps include lawyer due diligence, a preliminary contract with deposit, and completion at the notary.
Is there a licensed broker registry in Bulgaria?
No. Bulgaria does not have a state licensing system for real estate brokers. We build trust through transparent contracts, independent legal checks, and references from past foreign clients.
