When buying a property you usually have to sign a reservation contract or a preliminary contract. When you sign this contract you are likely to be asked to pay a small deposit. This is usually 10% of the price of the property and it is negotiable with the vendor.

In the case of a new property, bought ‘off plan’, there then usually follow a series of stage payments as the construction process progresses. These payments are sent from the developer and are fully negotiable especially when buying more than one properties/apartments.

Once the property has been finished (or, in the case of a resale property, as soon as everyone is ready to proceed) the Final Contract / Deed of Sale is signed (Notary Act in Bulgarian). This is the document transferring the right to ownership to you.

You then pay your various fees and taxes and this is then registered at the Land Registry.