New requirements for new-builds put up for public discussion in Bulgaria

It doesn’t matter whether you dream of living in Bulgaria permanently or plan to come here on holiday. What matters is that your flat is comfortable and of good quality. With these facts in mind, construction industry public organisations are preparing a discussion of new requirements for the construction of residential and commercial real estate in Bulgaria. Bulgaria Avenue specialists follow these initiatives closely and are ready to provide a brief overview of every new project. 

The requirements that will be submitted for public discussion in the near future concern parking arrangements, ramps for prams and wheelchairs, electric-car charging points and the design of balconies. 

The adoption of the new requirements will make them mandatory in the construction of new residential buildings and public facilities. They will not be applied to projects that are already under construction or have already been approved.

Parking

One of the sorest points of residential construction in Bulgaria is parking. In major cities, and in summer at all the resorts, parking a car is often problematic. 

Over the past few years parking spaces have been arranged on the basement levels of buildings, and this is a fairly good solution. However, developers make them so narrow and small that many car owners have difficulty parking their vehicles.

The new requirements include a minimum size for a parking space. Its length must be at least 5.5 m, its height at least 2.4 m and its width at least 2.75 m. This will make it possible to park a car, even one as wide as a Volvo, and calmly open the doors and get out without performing acrobatic feats. 

Another innovation is the option to arrange two-storey parking. In most new developments in Varna and Burgas such a garage would occupy the basement and ground-floor levels.

New requirements also apply to the organisation of parking. Now in residential buildings that contain premises for shops and offices and where more than 10 cars can be parked, every fifth parking space must be intended for an electric car. It will differ by having charging equipment installed.

The requirement to install charging devices will also apply to commercial and retail buildings.

Balcony design

The next sore subject of modern new-builds in Bulgaria is balconies. Every residential building can boast enormous loggias and small, narrow little balconies suitable only for standing flowers on or stepping out to drink a cup of coffee – while standing, at that.

The new requirement for balconies in residential construction in Bulgaria concerns the dimensions of loggias and balconies. Their width and length must be no less than 1.5 m. This will make it possible not only to find a place to relax, but also to make convenient use of the space inside the flat. 

Ramps for prams and wheelchairs

Increasing attention is being paid in Bulgaria to the problems of people with special needs and of families with small children. 

At present the introduction of a requirement to fit heated ramps used for prams and wheelchairs is being discussed. Heating will be installed in the metro, in residential buildings and in above-ground and underground pedestrian crossings. In winter, when ramps become coated in ice due to moisture, it will be much safer to use them.

Other news about new-builds in Bulgaria

All these requirements, if they are adopted, will have to be taken into account in the design and approval of commercial and residential new-builds in Varna, Burgas, Sveti Vlas, Byala and in all the large and small resorts.

The innovations are likely to lead to some increase in property prices in residential buildings and gated complexes in Sveti Vlas, Nessebar or at the Saint Constantine and Helena resort. At the same time, however, they are unlikely to halt or slow the growth in the number of new-builds being commissioned.

The pace set by construction companies in housebuilding can only please potential buyers of Bulgarian real estate. 

Thus, from January to September 2021 more than 4 million square metres of housing were commissioned in Bulgaria in total. This is almost 49% higher than in 2020.

In Varna residential buildings with a total area of 300 thousand square metres were built. The most popular locations for new development are the city centre and the Briz and Vazrazhdane districts.

In Burgas the pace of construction lags slightly behind – more than 180 thousand square metres of housing were commissioned in 9 months. The leader in new development was the Izgrev district. More than 52 thousand square metres of studios, two-room and three-room flats have been built there. 

Second and third places in Burgas are held by Meden Rudnik and the seaside district of Sarafovo. While in Meden Rudnik the popularity of flats is linked to low prices, real estate in Sarafovo attracts buyers with its prestige, its proximity to the sea and its special atmosphere.
The new requirements seem entirely logical and are aimed at making life in Bulgaria more comfortable for all residents. It will be a particular pleasure for Bulgaria Avenue if they all allow you to live in this country, enjoying its remarkable culture, nature, delicious cuisine and new acquaintances.

In our catalogue you will always find current offers for the sale of real estate in new-builds and on the secondary market in Bulgaria. We try to update our database regularly and carefully select offers for quality and affordable studios, budget two-room flats, luxury apartments, houses and townhouses in Varna, Burgas and at all the Black Sea resorts.