Viewing Trips & Availability

If you wish to arrange a viewing trip, then prior to your visit I will try and get a good idea of what you are looking for and make a list of properties matching your requirements. Depending on the properties and time you have to view, I will arrange an itinerary for your visit.

You will be asked to cover petrol costs of viewing at a rate of 0.40 BGN per kilometre. Please note viewing trips can involve driving a fair distance, sometimes 200 to 300km so petrol costs can be up to 120 BGN for a days viewing if looking at several properties in different villages and different areas. We usually aim to start viewings at around 9.00am to 10.00am and often do not finish until around 6pm. But will of course stop for breaks as and when you want for coffee, beer, ice cream, lunch etc and often finish a day with a trip to a good restaurant.

Please check I am free to show you around on your proposed dates of travel. I prefer to only have one client here at once so they get my full, undivided attention. Please also try and give me at least a week's notice of your intention to visit and a good idea of what you are looking for in way of property.

IMPORTANT: You should aim to visit for at least 3 days, including one working day so that you are able to sort out any paperwork for the setting up of your company while you are here.

'All In One Service'

I have decided to start offering an 'all in one' viewing trip and property purchasing package. A few other companies do this and while I appreciate many clients want to be flexible, make all their own arrangements etc, there are others who would prefer to pay a one set fee and know everything is sorted for them from airport transfers to accommodation, Bulgarian company formation, property sourcing, viewings, paperwork check for selected property and preliminary contract and through to completion of purchase. Included in this package is the following:

• Property Sourcing (Stara Zagora region, Chirpan area, Inland from Burgas, Topolograd area) - Let me know your requirements by email and I will set about sourcing property for you to match your requirements. Minimum of 5 houses, more likely around 7 to 10 houses.

• Once you confirm your flights I will sort out transfers from the airport to your accommodation. This can be by private driver (additional cost depending on airport), coach details or I can arrange car hire for you (coach transport and car hire costs not included). If travelling by coach I will meet you at the station in Stara Zagora and take you to your accommodation.

• Accommodation for up to 2 in renovated village property in separate guest annex for 5 nights. Large bedroom with open fireplace and tea and coffee facilities, large shower room and entrance hall, plus outside patio area with BBQ and garden. If more than 2 people, a further 4 can be accommodated in main house a additional rates (see below).

• Transport to viewings with petrol costs covered up to a maximum of 500 km. Usually 2 to 3 days viewings (with one longer day if you wish to view around Topolovgrad / inland from Burgas) but depends on number of properties matching your requirements. You will require one (working day) free for company set up and then you should have some spare time to relax and see Stara Zagora or go to the outdoor pool or mineral spa resort.

• Bulgarian company formation - to purchase land in Bulgaria you require a company. This package includes the setting up of your company, translation of all documents into English and registering your company with the Trade Registry and opening your company bank account (2,570 Euros capital required in addition to do this but once opened, this is your money to put towards your purchase).

• Should you decide on a property you like, an independent lawyer will check through the notary deed and paperwork to ensure everything is OK and there are no problems with ownership, title, debts etc.

• In order for your company registration and property purchase to complete once you are back home you will need to give Power of Attorney to someone to complete the registration of your company in the Trade Registry and sign the preliminary contract for your purchase (once 10% deposit received) and then complete the deal later on. The package includes arranging the Power of Attorney and for the local agent to represent you.

• Free after sales advice and information with regard to renovations, purchasing furniture etc.

COST: 1,500 Euros

This fee is required prior to your visit and I will require at least 2 weeks notice to source appropriate property and to receive the funds to my account here in Bulgaria. Please check availability below.

Not Included:

• Actual cost of transfers from airport. Example of these costs are 18 levs or 10 Euros for coach from Sofia or Burgas, plus maybe a further 10 Euros for taxi from airport to coach station. Alternatively I can arrange (availability depending) for someone to meet you at the airport and take you to the coach station or a hotel in Sofia for the night if required. I can also arrange car hire from various airports and this is usually around 20 Euros a day for a small decent car.

• Accommodation is for 2 people only (either 2 single beds or double bed). For a larger party (upto 6), then there will be an additional charge of 200 Euros. This then includes full guest house with 2 bedrooms, lounge with DVD player and double sofa bed, kitchen with cooker, toaster, kettle etc and additional guest annex for 2. All bedding provided. However, for viewings, it is really only possible to take 2 people as sometimes the house owner has to come along in the car. But if your family want to come or friends for a short break at the same time then please let me know you would like to book whole guest house.

• Second visits to properties you are interested in but can be arranged if petrol covered.

• Local taxes for purchase - notary fees, government tax etc - usually around 4% of purchase price.

• Once your property purchase is complete, you have to register the change of ownership at the Municipality tax office through a signed declaration within 2 months of the deal. The cost of this depends on the municipality you decide to purchase in.

Clients who have used the All In One Package:

"I first came across Rachel's website in April 2008, and I was considering the idea of purchasing a small property to renovate in Bulgaria. After reading about all her experiences and advice, I instantly knew that i would want to go through the process with her. We exchanged some emails and she answered all my questions thoroughly and precisely. Soon after, we arranged my viewing trip and I went to Stara Zagora to view some properties in the surrounding villages and everything had been meticulously arranged. I was driven to her newly renovated guest house which was beautiful, modern and very comfortable in a quiet village with views of mountains; and then promptly invited to a BBQ at her house with her local friends! It was also great to meet other british and hear about all their experiences. The next day we went and registered my company, then the 2nd day we started viewing properties. One particularly hot day we all went to the local swimming pool which was great fun. In the 5 days I got to know a lot about Bulgaria and the Bulgarian way of life, she showed me around the local towns, we met other British couples and friends who have already lived there for some time and bought through her. Rachel is a great travelling companion, and very easy to get along with, honest, reliable, helpful and kind person. I really recommend the viewing trip to all. "

Jesse

"I found Rachel’s website one day by accident when was looking for properties for sale in Bulgaria. I had seen many other websites before but was terrified by all those horrible stories about Estate Agents charging too much, cheating their clients, being not honest and overcharging. When it comes to buying any property abroad there is always that kind of worry: “How do I know that I am charged fairly and are not simply used by the agent?” Buying abroad also involves language and culture barrier that may cost you a lot. Additionally different law system in each country means that at some point you have to trust someone!

I had read Rachel’s story and it convinced me to give it a go as I assumed that a person with that sort of experience would be more friendly and helpful. I have to admit I did worry about Rachel’s service a little bit to the last minute as probably everyone would as this is a human thing just to worry…but there was absolutely no need!

From the very beginning Rachel kept a great communication with me, mainly by emails and Skype. She kept me updated with potential offers, possibilities and information about Bulgarian buying system. Finally in June 2008 I sent my husband to Bulgaria to finalise the transaction and meet with Rachel. Unfortunately I was unable to travel as was heavy pregnant that time. Rachel organised airport transfers and accommodation for my husband and organised all viewing trips they planned. We decided to use Rachel’s “package” that included all that plus legal service and setting up the company. All went pretty well and we decided on our purchase. After my husband’s come back we kept a great communication with Rachel regarding progress on our transaction.

I can certainly recommend Rachel’s service to anyone who is concerned about being overcharged or treated unfairly in buying abroad process. If you are looking for a fair deal and being kept update with your buying process please do not hesitate to use The Travel Bug. All prices and commission are reasonable and communicated to you in advance and there are no hidden extras that some Agents add to your bill during buying process. You know what you are paying and for what from the very beginning."

Honorata and Piotr
 

AVAILABILITY