Ask your Bulgarian and UK advisers about the same ownership structure, use of the property and dates.
At purchase
- Keep the deed, completion statement, contract and proof of payments.
- Record the amounts and currencies actually transferred, plus the dates, exchange rates and charges.
- Keep itemised invoices for legal, notary and registration costs, with any tax shown.
- Record whether you acquired personally, jointly or through a company.
If you let or use it yourself
Keep a schedule of rental income, booking charges, management fees and owner stays. Separate operating costs from work that improves the property. HMRC’s foreign income guidance includes overseas rental income. Your circumstances determine whether and how you need to report it in the UK.
Ask a Bulgarian adviser about local taxes and any requirements for the way you plan to let. If a company owns the home, bring its records as well as your personal records and ask about the treatment of personal use and any payments you receive from it.
Before selling or changing ownership
Ask about obligations in both countries before agreeing a sale or transferring ownership to someone else. Bring the original cost file, records of improvements and intended sale dates. The UK–Bulgaria treaty and HMRC’s guidance on overseas property are starting points for that conversation.
If you paid tax abroad, retain proof of assessment and payment. An adviser can check whether relief is available and which documents are needed to support a claim.