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5 Tips For Buying Off-Plan
In August
2004 I entered into a disastrous agreement to purchase an off-plan
apartment in
Bansko, Bulgaria. I encountered numerous problems such as the sales
literature
being misleading, facilities not being included as thought, no real
views from
my balcony, late completion and so on. Eventually after around a year
of heated
correspondence with the developer and a court action with the agent, I
did get
the majority of my money back. Below you will find my top 5 tips for
ensuring an
off-plan purchase proceeds as smoothly as possible.
1.
DO
NOT RELY ON SALES LITERATURE ALONE – There
is no substitute
for traveling to the proposed development site yourself, taking a good
look
around the area and seeing what other developments are on offer. You
may just
find that the development you thought was only 30m from the beach is
more like
300m, or the stunning ocean views are actually little more than a
glimpse of the
sea through the surrounding high rises. Do not simply believe
everything you
read on the agent’s website and in the glossy brochures or
sales packs.
2.
DEAL
DIRECTLY WITH THE DEVELOPER – If
you can, contact the
developer directly and by pass the agent. This way you can be assured
of more
accurate and often more timely answers to queries but more importantly
if you
can negotiate a sale with the developer, you will save yourself a few
thousand
on commission usually charged by the agent.
3.
INSTRUCT
A LAWYER BEFORE YOU SIGN ANYTHING –
Even if you are
sure you have found the perfect off-plan apartment and are keen to get
things
moving and secure the property, do NOT sign anything until you have had
your own
lawyer go over the contract with a fine tooth comb. Make sure the
contract is
clear and unequivocal on points such as completion date and what
completion
means, what is included in purchase price, when installments are due
and so on.
Ensure there is no room for confusion on your part of the developers or
agent’s part.
4.
GET
EVERYTHING IN WRITING –
While this may be easier said than
done, try and ensure anything agreed outside the contract is put down
in writing
and signed by both parties. If changes are made to the layout of your
apartment
or when payments are due, make sure such agreements are in black and
white and
signed so the developer cannot back out of agreed changes.
5.
MAKE
REGULAR INSPECTION TRIPS –
Do ensure you make time and
budget for regular inspection trips to check on progress. You should,
if
possible, ensure you go and inspect the apartment before each and every
installment
is due and particularly before the final payment is due. Ensure you are
happy
with the standard of the work and quality of the finish before you hand
over
payment.
For more
tips and advice on buying property in Bulgaria get yourself a copy of
My
Bulgarian Property Nightmare: A
Cautionary Tale for Would-be Investors. This
ebook is full of
useful tips straight from a Brit whose first Bulgarian property
experience
turned into a nightmare. It allows you to see what can go wrong and
avoid the
pitfalls as I share the benefit of my experience. In this true account
you'll
learn what can go wrong, what to do if it does and why Bulgaria is
still a great
choice for people keen to invest, holiday or live there.
TheTravelBug
Website - Bulgarian Advice and
Property For Sale
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