Costs of Buying an Apartment in Bulgaria: Full Price, Notary, Taxes and Hidden Expenses
In short: the costs of buying an apartment in Bulgaria on top of the price are usually 3–5% of the property value (as of October 2026). The largest item is the local acquisition tax, typically 2–3% in resort municipalities, plus 0.1% for registration and a few hundred euros for the notary and translator. With SUNDAYS the buyer pays 0% agency commission, so the real closing budget sits closer to the lower end.
Below: one-off payments at closing, annual running costs and the expenses buyers tend to forget. All amounts are in euros, as Bulgaria joined the eurozone on 1 January 2026. At the end you will find two worked examples based on real Sunny Beach apartments for sale from the SUNDAYS catalog.
How much does it cost to complete an apartment purchase in Bulgaria on top of the price?
Completing an apartment purchase in Bulgaria usually costs 3–5% of the sale price. For a €55,000 studio that is roughly €1,650–2,750; for an €88,000 apartment, about €2,640–4,390. The exact amount depends on the municipality, the price in the title deed and whether you need a power of attorney, a lawyer or a currency conversion.
The main one-off costs for the buyer as of October 2026:
The reservation deposit (usually €2,000–5,000) is not an extra cost: it is credited towards the price.
What tax does a buyer pay when buying property in Bulgaria?
The tax on buying property in Bulgaria is the local acquisition tax, and the buyer pays it. Each municipality sets its own rate between 0.1% and 3%. It is calculated on the higher of two amounts: the sale price or the tax valuation. In coastal resort municipalities the rate is usually 2–3%, so check the municipality's current rate before you sign.
There is no separate tax for foreigners. Any foreigner, including a non-EU citizen, can buy an apartment in their own name as a private individual. Restrictions apply only to land: non-EU citizens usually buy a house with a plot through a Bulgarian company (EOOD).
How much does a notary cost in Bulgaria?
Notary services in Bulgaria are charged under a state tariff on a sliding scale with a cap. For most seaside apartments this means a few hundred euros, and up to about €1,500 for expensive properties, plus VAT. The notary certifies the notarial deed, the main document proving ownership.
If you do not speak Bulgarian, a sworn translator must be present at the signing, which usually costs €50–150. The deed is then entered in the Property Register, with a registration fee of 0.1% of the value. For new builds, the deed is often signed at the Act 14 stage, when the building's frame is complete.
When you pay what during the transaction:
- Reservation and deposit: usually €2,000–5,000, credited towards the price.
- Legal due diligence on the property and the developer.
- Preliminary contract and payments on schedule.
- Notarial deed: acquisition tax, notary fee, translator.
- Entry in the Property Register: 0.1% of the value.
- Transfer of utility contracts and a contract with the management company.
Want to know the total before you reserve? Request an exact budget calculation for a specific apartment, and a SUNDAYS manager will break down every payment using the right municipality's rate.
What hidden costs should you expect when you buy property in Bulgaria?
Hidden costs when you buy property in Bulgaria are payments missing from both the price and the tax table. The most common ones are:
- Furniture and appliances. If the apartment is sold unfurnished, budget for furnishing separately. For example, at the Harmony Premium complex the furniture package costs €19,900 (at the time of publication; check the current price with a manager).
- Bank fees and currency conversion. Payment is normally made by bank transfer with a clear source of funds; the bank charges a transfer fee and, if you pay from a non-euro account, a conversion fee too.
- Power of attorney. A remote purchase requires a power of attorney with an apostille or certified at a Bulgarian consulate, which means drafting and translation costs.
- Utility connection. Once the building is completed, the electricity and water contracts are transferred; new builds may have separate connection charges.
- Property insurance: optional, but worth budgeting for the first year.
- Cadastral sketch and certificates. On the resale market they sometimes have to be ordered for the deal.
Rule of thumb: ask for the full list of payments before you reserve.
How much does it cost to own an apartment in Bulgaria per year?
Annual ownership costs for an apartment in Bulgaria consist of the complex maintenance fee, property tax, garbage fee, utilities and insurance. The biggest item is the maintenance fee: in Sunny Beach it is usually €8–20 per m² per year, more in premium complexes.
As the tax valuation is usually well below market price, property tax and garbage fee for a typical studio usually total a few dozen euros a year. If you plan to rent the apartment out, factor in tax on rental income: 10% after a standard 10% deduction, with an annual return filed with the National Revenue Agency (NRA).
Final budget: two examples with apartments from the catalog
These are estimates, not exact quotes. Prices are "from" prices at the time of publication; check the current price with a manager. Floor areas are illustrative. Check the acquisition tax rate with the municipality on the date of the deal.
Example 1: a studio at J'ador Blanc for €54,994
A studio at the J'ador Blanc residential complex in Sunny Beach: under construction, turnkey finish.
- Price: €54,994.
- Acquisition tax at 2–3%: about €1,100–1,650.
- Notary, 0.1% registration (about €55) and translator: roughly €400–1,000.
- Total closing costs within the 3–5% range: about €1,650–2,750.
- First year of ownership with an illustrative 35 m²: maintenance fee €280–700, property tax and garbage fee up to €100, about €380–800 in total.
Example 2: a one-bedroom apartment at Sunny View Central for €87,888
A one-bedroom apartment at the Sunny View Central complex in Sunny Beach: under construction, turnkey finish.
- Price: €87,888.
- Acquisition tax at 2–3%: about €1,760–2,640.
- Notary, 0.1% registration (about €88) and translator: roughly €450–1,100.
- Total closing costs within the 3–5% range: about €2,640–4,390.
- First year of ownership with an illustrative 55 m²: maintenance fee €440–1,100, property tax and garbage fee up to €150, about €590–1,250 in total.
Utilities, insurance and furniture are not included: they depend on how you use the apartment.
How can you reduce the costs of buying an apartment in Bulgaria?
You can lower the final budget through two items: the agency commission and the way you pay for the apartment.
- SUNDAYS charges the buyer 0% commission, which removes a whole cost line.
- Installments for up to 10 years with a first payment from 10%: "10% and the keys to the apartment are yours". For the J'ador Blanc studio, 10% is about €5,500; for the Sunny View Central apartment, about €8,790. You can read more about installment plans with crypto payments in a separate article.
- Flexible payment: cash, bank transfer, bank card or cryptocurrency.
- Remote purchase. The contract can be signed remotely with just your international passport, or you can join a SUNDAYS investment tour with flights, transfer and hotel arranged.
- Price per m² comparison. To understand what life on the coast costs after the purchase, read our overview of prices and seaside living.
Ready to work out your own budget? Browse the full SUNDAYS catalog, pick 2–3 apartments and send them to a manager; we will prepare a calculation for each. Sunny Beach office phone: +359 879 654 389.
Frequently asked questions
How much does buying an apartment in Bulgaria cost on top of the price?
One-off closing costs are usually 3–5% of the apartment price as of October 2026. For a €54,994 studio that is about €1,650–2,750. With SUNDAYS there is no agency commission for the buyer, so the total is usually closer to the lower end.
Who pays the tax when buying property in Bulgaria?
The buyer pays the local acquisition tax. The municipality sets the rate between 0.1% and 3%, usually 2–3% in resort areas. It is calculated on the higher of the sale price or the tax valuation.
How much does a notary cost in Bulgaria?
The notary fee follows a state tariff with a sliding scale and a cap. It is usually a few hundred euros and up to about €1,500 for expensive properties, plus VAT. If you do not speak Bulgarian, add a sworn translator at €50–150.
Is there an agency commission when buying through SUNDAYS?
No, SUNDAYS charges the buyer 0% commission. You pay only the apartment price plus state and local fees. This lowers your total closing costs.
How much does it cost to maintain a studio in Sunny Beach per year?
The main payment is the maintenance fee, usually €8–20 per m² per year and more in premium complexes. Property tax and the garbage fee for a typical studio together usually come to a few dozen euros a year. For a 35 m² studio that is roughly €380–800 a year, excluding utilities.
Can the purchase costs be spread over time?
Yes. SUNDAYS offers installments for up to 10 years with a first payment from 10%. You can pay in cash, by bank transfer, by bank card or in cryptocurrency.
