Real estate rental in Bulgaria

Bulgaria’s EU integration has made the country a more sought-after destination for tourists, investors and applicants for residence status (residence permit / permanent residence). People now travel here from all over Europe for holidays, and the country is also considered a platform for investment and for renting various types of property.

Types of property for rent in Bulgaria

The Bulgarian property market is full of different options available for rent. Foreigners who come to the country can choose housing for a short or long term, for holidays or for living. Commercial premises are also available and can be used for work and income. 

The main advantage of the region is attractive prices and simplified transaction terms even for non-residents (for Ukrainians, Russian citizens and EU citizens). 

Residential rental in Bulgaria 

The Bulgaria Avenue agency offers clients a wide range of services for selecting property in locations from the Northern to the Southern Black Sea coast. We fully oversee the rental process, the client’s relocation and the handover of the keys. 

The residential property stock in Bulgaria is represented by apartments and houses on the primary and secondary markets. 

1. Flats and apartments in studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom formats in new-build and secondary developments. In the resort towns of Balchik, Saint Constantine and Helena, Elenite, Sveti Vlas, Sunny Beach, Nessebar, Ravda, Pomorie and Sozopol, seasonal rental is popular (daily, weekly, monthly), while in larger cities (for example, Varna and Burgas) long-term rentals from six months are common. Most options come with good finishes, furniture and appliances and are ready for quick move-in. Apart-complexes on the sea coast with their own swimming pool, parking and round-the-clock security remain popular.

2. Houses and villas are preferred by large families with children or by those who want more space, privacy and comfort. As a rule, such property has its own plot of land and a swimming pool. In Bulgaria you can choose houses in rural areas (not far from major cities), as well as more premium properties near the sea coast.

Foreign investors increasingly opt for long-term rental of housing thanks to the simple terms, minimal requirements for the tenant and the transparency of the contract. This is a sensible solution when you are coming to the country for a long period but do not yet plan to buy a flat or house. 

Commercial property rental

Foreign entrepreneurs and freelancers are also actively considering Bulgaria for growing their business, working and increasing their income.  

Commercial premises they can rent in Bulgaria include:

• offices: from small coworking spaces for a modest team to large premises in business centres;

• retail space: you can rent shops on the ground floors of residential buildings or in shopping centres;

• warehouse premises, if you need somewhere to store goods or products.

Bulgaria Avenue offers property search services for short-term and long-term rental, full legal support, and assistance with paperwork and the transaction. We work with all types of property that may be of interest to clients. 

Cost of renting property in Bulgaria

Rental prices are not always fixed. They are influenced by many factors:

• location – for resort and tourist towns located along the coastline, the price is 2–3 times higher than in more remote settlements;

• type of market: on the primary market, flats will cost more than on the secondary market;

• season: for short-term rentals, seasonal offers are higher in price, and if you are considering affordable long-term contracts, we recommend looking for options during the off-season, from October to April.

On average, rental of housing in Bulgaria starts from €200 per month and upwards, depending on the factors listed above. 

Terms and procedure for renting

In the country, all property transactions take place at a statutory level, so proper official execution of the contract is a must!

The regulation of all rental relations has a clear mechanism, which is necessary to protect the interests of both parties to the transaction – the tenant and the landlord:

• conclusion of the contract in written form with notary certification: the document must specify the rental terms, the obligations of both parties, the method of returning the deposit and the details concerning termination;

• payment of a deposit equal to 1–2 months’ rent (if the property is undamaged, it is returned on move-out);

• inspection and documentation of the condition of the property;

• handover of keys and move-in.

In addition to the amount for the residential or commercial property, the tenant pays monthly utility bills for electricity, water, the maintenance fee and the Internet. 

Renting property in Bulgaria for Ukrainians

Can non-residents of the country rent property in Bulgaria? Yes. The process is now straightforward and does not require much time or paperwork. Ukrainians, Russian citizens and EU citizens can rent any housing or commercial property on the basis of a rental contract. There is no need to hold a Bulgarian passport or a residence permit – your international passport is enough. For long-term stays in Bulgaria, a foreigner can apply to the migration service with the rental contract in order to obtain temporary protection status.  

Tips and recommendations

If you have not had experience of renting property in another country, here are a few tips that will help you avoid unforeseen surprises and unplanned expenses:

• before moving in, be sure to record the condition of the furniture, finishes and appliances, take photographs as evidence, as well as the meter readings;

• do not hand over any money without signing the contract;

• clarify the question of the maintenance fee – whether it is included in the rent or will be a separate item of expenditure. 

If you are searching on your own, it is essential to check the landlord’s documents and the title documents for the property. 

Why is it better to contact the Bulgaria Avenue real estate agency?

Our agency is your guarantee of safety, protection of your interests and confidence that your stay in Bulgaria will be calm and comfortable. 

We offer:

• full support of the client from the outset: we search for housing, negotiate with owners and organise viewings;

• only reliable properties from our closed database;

• we draw up all contracts in accordance with current legislation and always verify the legal cleanliness and the documents for the property;

• a variety of property options to suit your desired budget;

• favourable and transparent terms of cooperation right up to the moment the keys are handed over, as well as a fixed commission for our services (50% of the monthly rental value).

If you are interested in renting property in Bulgaria, our team will gladly help you find the ideal option to match your goals and desired budget.

Leave a request and our manager will get in touch with you shortly!