Real estate in Sofia: apartments and houses for sale and rent

Quick answers

Can a foreigner buy real estate in Bulgaria?

Yes, a foreigner can buy real estate in Bulgaria. Foreign individuals and foreign companies, including non-EU nationals, may own buildings and apartments and hold limited real rights over real estate, separately from the land. Non-EU foreigners cannot acquire land except under a ratified international treaty or by statutory inheritance, so a house with land or a plot may require a Bulgarian company structure. Consult a lawyer to confirm the ownership route before any commitment. Source: Bulgarian Property Act, Article 29 and Constitution of Bulgaria, Article 22 (Bulgarian texts).

What is the cost of living in Sofia, Bulgaria?

The estimated cost of living in Sofia for one person is 764 € per month excluding rent, according to Numbeo. Add the rent for your chosen district and property type when planning your budget.

Can you get residency in Bulgaria by buying property?

Buying property in Bulgaria may support a residence application in some cases, especially for larger investments, but requirements depend on the buyer’s nationality, investment amount, payment structure and legal basis. Property purchase alone does not give an automatic right of residence. Non-EU nationals who intend to stay beyond the short-stay limit of 90 days in any 180-day period and obtain a residence permit generally need a national long-stay visa (type D). An immigration lawyer should confirm whether a purchase can support a residence application. Source: Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act (Bulgarian text), Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa guidance, practice of Pavlen Avramov, partner agent.

How to buy a house in Bulgaria?

Buying a house in Bulgaria involves a reservation deposit, a preliminary agreement with a 10 to 20% deposit, and a final notary deed. In the practice of Pavlen Avramov, the buyer should check the seller’s ownership deed, the certificate of encumbrances and the cadastral sketch before signing. For non-EU buyers, a house with land may require a Bulgarian company structure, to be checked with a lawyer. The buyer pays a commission of 3% of the purchase price, due when the preliminary agreement is signed. Source: Practice of Pavlen Avramov, partner agent.