Garage in Bulgaria — is it worth buying

When purchasing property in Bulgaria, you need to define your purpose: are you planning to holiday here, arriving on vacation by car and needing an apartment with a parking space, or have you decided to relocate permanently.

Is it worth buying a parking space or garage at a Bulgarian resort

Practically every apartment complex has a designated open-air parking area for owners and guests, so there is really no need to purchase a parking space separately.

The situation with garages is similar. Complexes offer underground garages for rent or sale for an additional fee. 

Bulgaria Avenue's advice: do not buy parking spaces or underground garages at the resort.

It is easy to buy a parking space in Sunny Beach, Sveti Vlas, Ravda or Aheloy, but selling it is much harder — practically impossible.

Is it worth buying a parking space or garage in the city

In major cities such as Varna, Burgas, Plovdiv and Sofia, parking has always been difficult, especially in the centre. The Bulgarian government decided to make life easier for the population and designated blue and green parking zones in the most frequented areas.

The Blue and Green Zones are separate paid parking areas in the central parts of the city.

In every city, the Blue and Green Zones have their own operating hours and prices. Payment is made via SMS. The information sign shows the number to which you need to send an SMS with your car's registration number. Every hour a reminder arrives — you can extend your parking time. Note that there are time limits on how long you are allowed to park.

Blue Zone in Sofia: 

Maximum parking duration up to 2 (two) hours;
Price 2 leva/hour, number to send the SMS to: 1302
Working days from 08.30 to 19.30;
- Saturday from 08.30 to 18.00.

Green Zone in Sofia:

Maximum parking duration up to 4 (four) hours;
Price 1 lev/hour, send an SMS to 1303
Working days from 08.30 to 19.30.

Blue Zone in Plovdiv:

Price 2 leva/hour, send an SMS to 1332
Working days, including Saturday, from 08.30 to 17.30.

Green Zone in Plovdiv:

In the Green Zone, parking is only permitted for residents.

Blue Zone in Varna:

Maximum parking duration up to 3 (three) hours;
Price 1 lev/hour, send an SMS to 1352
Weekdays from 09.00 to 19.00.

Blue Zone in Burgas:

Price 1 lev/hour, send an SMS to 1356
Weekdays from 09.00 to 19.00.

It is important to know that if you do not pay for parking in the Blue or Green Zone, or if you overstay, wheel clamps are fitted to the car's wheels. To release the car from the clamps, you need to send another SMS or call the number shown on the information sign.

The city hall has made it possible for residents of a particular Green or Blue Zone district to buy an annual pass starting from 50 leva.

If you have an electric car, you do not need to pay for parking. Before you can enjoy this benefit, you need to submit an application to the city hall.

Many residents of major cities prefer to buy or rent a parking space. Parking spaces can be purchased from the developer or from a private individual, with little difference in price. In the city centre, the cost of an above-ground space is around €15,000, and an underground one from €20,000 upwards. The advantage is comfort — even with a pass, it is not always easy to find a space.

The answer to the question "is it worth buying" depends on the location of your property. If the flat/apartment is located on a street that is always crowded with cars, it is definitely worth buying an above-ground or underground garage. You will save time and nerves, the car will always be safe, and you will not need to worry about "accidental" scratches. 

Parking in the yard can be safe only in areas where there is no dense development.
If, however, you are considering renting a parking space, that is also a great idea — you do not need to invest an additional sum, and if you pay for a long period, you may be able to negotiate an additional discount.

Bulgaria Avenue will be happy to advise you on whether it is worth buying a parking space or perhaps better to rent one. Get in touch — we are always glad to help.