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Buying an apartment in a Bulgarian development before completion can offer staged payments and, in some projects, a lower initial price. It also carries construction, contractual and financing risks, and any claimed discount should be checked against comparable completed properties.
For a completed property, the payment timetable is set out in the contract and often culminates in the notarised deed. For a property under construction, payments are usually linked to agreed milestones. The exact structure varies by developer and project.
Payment schedule
There is no single standard schedule. A reservation fee or initial instalment may be due when the preliminary agreement is signed, with later payments linked to construction milestones such as Act 14, and the final balance due at the stage specified in the contract or on completion. Each amount, milestone and refund condition should be written clearly.
Stages of buying a property under construction
- The preliminary agreement After choosing a property, the buyer may sign a reservation or preliminary agreement with the developer. It should identify the unit, price, payment schedule, completion obligations, penalties and exit rights. Before signing, an independent lawyer should check the developer's title, building permit, approved plans and authority to sell.
- The final sale and purchase deed The notarised deed is signed at the milestone agreed by the parties, often near completion or after the relevant completion documents are issued. Ownership should be confirmed through entry in Bulgaria's Property Register; BULSTAT is a separate register and is not the ownership register.
When a unit is bought at an early stage, the legal structure may involve preliminary, construction or right-to-build agreements. The required documents depend on the project. An independent Bulgarian lawyer should confirm exactly what is being acquired and what happens if construction is delayed or not completed.
Documents to request from the seller or developer
The document package depends on the property and construction stage, but commonly includes:
If you are considering property from a developer in Bulgaria, we can help you compare projects and coordinate the purchase process. You should still use an independent lawyer to verify the developer, documents and contract before paying.
