Choose your own Bulgarian property lawyer early and agree the order of checks, signatures and payments in writing.
1. Set a budget and choose the right property type
Start with what you want the home to do. An apartment for short stays, a village house to renovate and a property intended for permanent use each raise different questions. Include legal fees, travel, currency transfer costs and the work you would need before you could use it. Ask a lawyer to check the intended buyer and type of ownership early.
2. View and verify the property
Ask for the listing reference, exact entrance, cadastral identifiers and a current description of what is included. If you are viewing remotely, request a continuous walk-through from the road into the home and a separate survey where condition matters. Keep written records of what the seller has agreed to include.
3. Understand the reservation and preliminary contract
Have your lawyer read the terms before you send money. Confirm what the payment does, who holds it, when it is credited, and what happens if the searches reveal a problem or the seller cannot complete. The preliminary contract should identify the assets, parties, price, dates, conditions and the consequences of missing a deadline.
4. Agree completion and the handover
Ask your lawyer to coordinate with the notary and provide a dated statement of funds, fees and who receives each payment. Confirm the plan for attending in person or using an accepted power of attorney. Independently verify bank details, then agree when possession, keys, meter readings and documents will be handed over.
Keep copies of the executed deed and registration evidence, and make a separate list of any local declarations, insurance and utility changes to arrange. Confirm who handles each item and when you should expect confirmation.