½ûÂþÌìÌÃ

Hi Mark!

Welcome to ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ!
Hope other members will be able to help you out.

Regards
Armand

Hi Mark,
It is very difficult to generalize and harder still as I don't know your requirement.
A friend of mine bought a property, did it up and then let it out to friends of family hoping that he may use it later in life himself. It appears to work for him
Then another has a not so happy story to tell.
No property regardless of the country should in my opinion be left empty for long periods, it is just asking for trouble.
Lingo, is a another consideration of course. Any small problem is enhanced by the potential language difficulty.
Simply because Bulgaria is cheap to buy property does not mean it is advisable to do so, unless you live here as I do!
If you need any more just let me know

it is very difficult to generalize, it's true
I live in Bulgaria for two years
the first year was a nightmare, and now it's easier because I know the language, the people and they know me
in my absence in my house, no one stole
but robbed me when I slept in the house .....
Now I wants to sell one house, because I have two
but i wanna stay in Bulgaria, will not leave
for the creative people,  life in this country is good
with the gypsies i never didn`t have such a big problem, the biggest problem I had with Bulgarians

Hi On the topic of buying a property in BG we are also close to taking the plunge.  We are looking at rural properties, maybe one that has had some renovation work already done, or maybe we will find a good house & renovate from scratch.  What advice can forum members give me what pitfalls should I be aware of.  I don't want to get ripped off (I don't think I will because I seem to have found someone really nice to help me who deals in this area).  I presume looking for something 'Freehold' is a good start.  But other things legal wise & lawyer stuff I could do with some help.  Plus any-one who can advise what to watch out for scam wise or that 'may come back to bite me' would be greatly appreciated

hi :-)
if the house is painted, plastered, and looks nice from the outside but is old, you realy don`t know what you have ... better to buy a house where you can repair yourself

a house  doesn`t have make-up !!!!!!! ..... because you know what you're buying
if you see all the flaws and faults in the house is better than to buy it when everything is hidden and after a short time to cry...

have a nice day
monika

Hi Monika

Sound advice - will bear that in mind.  I have seen one house I like and it states it was built 1970, do you think that may have 'nightmares' waiting to surface?

annanirvanna,
My advice would be to first chose an area you like the look and feel of. Then find an agent that speak your lingo. It does not mean you need to essentially fully trust them but speaking the same language may help matters.when it comes to property don't be too proud to ask a second opinion. If need be fork out a little extra to take along a builder if you are not sure. Better safe then sorry. Check out the legal paper work. I know some great English speaking lawyers that are on your side not theirs, whoever they are. Remember again, spending a bit more up front may save your grieve later.
Finally, this wonderful cottage in the middle of no-where may be idyllic but if you are there stuck all on your own in the middle of winter then it may not be so picturesque. So, look at your object of desire more then once not just when the sun shines!
Good luck in your endeavors!
And once you are settled lets have a house warming!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Beahor  thanks all taken on board.  May take you up on the lawyer offer.  Flying to BG 29th to do recce and will be thoroughly checking the region out.  Believe the house I have a particular interest in is near to a village and there are expats about.

Yes - if I get to move over a housewarming - BBQ is definitely on the cards and you're invited. 

So now it's fly, view, check - check again - decide and go for it (I hope.  If not it's plan B)

At least I am getting away from the 'sandpit' here - it's getting gradually very dodgy and a very unattractive place to live now.

Well, good luck and let me know how you get on. I myself will be away for 2 weeks in December but by all means post and I will offer my 2 bits.
And yes too, any help I may be able to offer I will do gladly

Thanks a lot beahor - enjoy your 2 weeks away & may Santa send you loads of goodies 

Hi Prixters - glad to hear you are settled & enjoying BG life.  I am still considering what to do.  Do we stay in the sandpit - or do we move to BG or North Cyprus.  All got too much for me just before Christmas so the final decision is currently 'on ice' while I sort myuself out.  If I need help I may take you up on your very kind offer.  Hope your new life goes from strength to strength

Hi, best advice is come over for a week or two, get to see different parts of the country to see which area feels right for you.

The coastal area which is a tourist destination, the mountains and ski resorts, also a tourist destination, in the big city Sofia or smaller centres, or out in the vast central countryside where life is quiet and slow paced.

Next issue is finding a suitable house! Depends on what you are looking for...number of bedrooms...size of plot...how much work you are prepared to do on it to get it the way you want it.

Don't believe all the horror stories about gypsies etc, there are bad people in the UK and there are bad people in BG...however it just takes a bit of experience, listening to people who have been here a while and you will avoid many of the potential pitfalls.

If you want more direct advice on do's and don'ts contact me on class4action@gmail.com and I'll do my best to give you a steer.

John

Hi Paxman - thanks for the contact info & offer of support.  I did come over at the end of November and was impressed with the region nr Yambol (which I likes a lot), even found a lovely house.  But 'bottled out' at the last minute due to the language problems and worry about utilising my savings.   Hubby has work offer at the moment in our 'sandpit' of where we live at present but once that dries up I will be seriously looking again at BG.  Thanks again and I wish you well.

Dear Mark ,

I am Bulgarian . I fou need information about living in Bulgaria you can always mail me   axinia.milanova@yahoo.com
Important : dont buy a house over here if you have not see it by yourself !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                               Sincerely yours