If you want to go to Bulgaria or remain there for a long time, the first thing you need to do is find a place to live. Bulgaria has a lot of different types of housing in cities, towns, and rural locations, so you can find a place to live whether you’re moving for employment, school, retirement, or vacation. The procedure may be rather simple, particularly now that there are more internet platforms and real estate agents that help both locals and foreigners.
The rental market and popular areas
The rental market in Bulgaria is busy and varied, particularly in big cities like Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, and Burgas. Sofia, the capital, has the most rental properties. These range from contemporary flats in the city centre to historic structures and homes in the suburbs. Plovdiv is a cultural and historical centre with a growing population of expats. Varna and Burgas are coastal cities that provide a combination of city life and being close to the sea.
The rent for a property depends on where it is, how big it is, and how well it is kept. In the centre of Sofia, a one-bedroom apartment may cost between €400 and €700 a month. In smaller towns, you can find identical apartments for as little as €200. Furnished flats are widespread, however some rentals, particularly in small neighbourhoods, may not have any furniture or just have a few pieces.
Looking for accommodation
The most frequent approach to find a place to stay in Bulgaria is via online websites. Imot.bg, OLX.bg, and Property.bg are some of the websites that provide listings in both Bulgarian and English. Users may sort by price, size, kind, and location. Facebook and other social media groups are also popular for short- and long-term rentals. Sometimes, they let you talk directly to landlords, which saves you money on agency costs.
Real estate companies are easy to find if you want expert guidance. They can help you with every step of the renting procedure, from looking at properties to signing the lease. Agency costs normally run from half a month’s rent to a full month’s rent. However, the extra convenience and language help may be worth the expense, particularly for those who are new to the area and don’t know how things work.
Legal and contractual considerations
When you rent in Bulgaria, you usually have to sign a formal lease agreement. This should clearly state the monthly rent price, deposit amount, how long you may remain, who is responsible for paying the utility bills, and how to end the lease. You may typically negotiate the conditions of a lease, particularly if you plan to remain for a long time. Most landlords want a deposit that is equivalent to one or two months’ rent. If the property is not damaged, the deposit will be returned at the conclusion of the lease.
Before making any payments, be sure that the legal owner of the property signs the contract and understands all of its provisions. If you don’t speak Bulgarian well, it’s best to have someone who can explain the specifics of the contract translate or evaluate it for you.
Costs of living and utilities
Unless otherwise stated, rent does not normally include utilities like power, water, heating, and the internet. The cost of utilities changes with the seasons. For example, heating expenses are greater in the winter, particularly for flats that use electric or central heating systems. Utility bills for a one-bedroom flat usually cost between €80 and €150 a month.
Most of the time, internet services in Bulgaria are dependable and cheap. Several companies provide high-speed plans. Many rental flats already have internet connections, and depending on the agreement, renters may keep the service under their name or the landlord’s name.
Options for the short term and the long term
If you need a place to stay for a short time, Bulgaria has a lot of decent short-term rentals on sites like Airbnb and Booking.com. These are great for tourists or new people who want to take their time getting to know the neighbourhoods before signing a lengthier lease. Most cities also include hostels, guesthouses, and serviced flats that may be rented for short stays.
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