What its like to rent in Bulgaria

I thought it would be helpful to anyone not currently living here to put a post about renting in Bulgaria. After living here for some time I've discovered some interesting things.

1) There are definitely different prices for locals and foreigners (not a small difference, more like 4 times the price) Surprised

2) Multiple agents will list the same property on their websites and leave cheaper already rented properties to gain your interest. Then when you call they say "its rented"

3) The charge for finding you an flat is 50% of the rental fee

4) They will often have never seen the flat their about to show you and will usually have incorrect information about its contents, size, etc. (But your still expected to pay them for wasting your time).

5) having a place to park your car doesn't always mean a garage or assigned place, make sure your specific about this or you will be parking on the sidewalk IF your lucky to find a spot.

6) Many owners will appear to speak English during the flat visit, but will turn out not to understand you once your rent. Surprised

7) Try to find someone who will take care of your bills for you (some landlords will do this) otherwise it will be a mess each month until your up to speed.

8) Most landlords are not pet friendly here

Having said that, you can find some nice places here if you look hard. It's good to have a local friend call from the newspaper and the local Bulgarian listings... I saw some interesting properties this way off the beaten new bldg path. Good Luck to all Exclamation

I have Just sold some apartments to an English guy who is starting up a rental agency. He is charging the same price to rent to any nationality, Bulgarian or otherwise. His apartments are going to be luxurious finished. He is just starting out, but if anyone wants to E Mail him at stephen.rowell@uniquepropertyinvestments.co.uk‏
I am sure he will give you more info.

Once a sceptic always a sceptic eh? He wants to corner the market and to do so you cannot put out- rageous prices to people. If you think that 250-300 Euro per month is robbery then I would to know where you can get cheaper for the same type of Apartments. I know I am renting at present!!! I am only trying to help another ex pat, I have nothing to gain, I believe people have a mind of their own, so hey, let us let them decide eh?

I could have used that a couple of weeks ago. I was looking to pay 400-500 Euro a month, did not specify size of the place and was having an impossible time to find.

Not everyone is concerned with 100% luxury really... functionality was more important then new furniture or a new building. But even if it was luxury, doesn't mean its work 600-900 Euro a month! Or that you should pay 50% of that to someone who doesn't even do any work.

I think luxury is important, especially if you are looking long term! There was a write up in one of the papers saying how people are looking for better ameneties, ie a kitchen that works, a toilet that flushes etc etc. I hit lucky and I am paying 200 Euros for a really nice apartment in Plovdiv. I know this is not the case as you stated for others. Thats why I think this guy ( If he sticks to what he says ) will do well, he is also supplying his own maint people which is a blessing ( Especially if something goes wrong at 2am ) . It is a new concept so we will have to see.

250-300 euro is (at least in sofia) NOT what is generally advertised as "luxury furnished"
if indeed he manages to provide that (and make a profit), that would be great.

250 euro is not impossible to find - even through an agent - if you're not adament about it being dead centre.
i've found - through an agent - an appartment for some greek friends last year for 480 leva; one bedroom, large livingroom with kitchen-box, bathroom, in a brand-new block. but not in the centre of sofia.
a friend found an appartment a few months ago for less than that, but even less centrally located Smile

another friend lives in lozentz, in a large, two-bedroom appartment, right behind ndk for about 500 euro.
last 2 cases were found without agents, through networks of family, friends and acquintances. the way much in this country works....

Now I see the difference sorry. I am in Plovdiv, which obviously is not as expensive as Sofia. No wonder we disagreed the price differences are pretty vast at the moment.

And by comparison an apartment of this size would be 600-?? Euro a month depending on the level of luxury involved... but for that size you will not find below 600 as an Expat.

Sofia is seriously more expensive in general... unless you hunt and peck to find those little local bargains, which helps to speak Bulgarian.

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September 03 2010