Where is Bulgaria?
Bulgaria
is located in Eastern Europe, on the coast of the Black
Sea. To the North it borders Romania and to the South
Turkey, with Greece also being a neighbour. The coast
is the area that is currently undergoing regeneration,
having been allowed to fall into neglect following many
years of communist rule.
What
is the weather like?
Bulgaria
has 'proper' seasons, like Britain. From around April
to October the temperature averages 25ºC, with
a more gentle, even temperature than countries like
Spain. Mid-summer, most days will see temperatures
over 30ºC.
How do you get there?
During
the summer months, you can fly direct to the coast,
either Varna to the North of the region, or Bourgas
to the South, on scheduled charter flights. Balkan
Air are the national carriers, with Thomas Cook and
others running regular flights. Outside summer months,
you can get flights to Sofia and then get an internal
hop across to the coast. Some people prefer to drive
from Sofia to the coast, which takes about 6 hours.
Do
you need a Visa?
Not
if you hold a full UK passport. This MUST have at
least three months left to run. Various exemptions
apply for other countries - if in doubt, please contact
us BEFORE booking your flight.
How
do you buy?
Normally,
you will be expected to pay a holding deposit to secure
both your property and it's price. The payment schedule
would typically be 25% payable one month after reservation,
a further 25% payable three months after reservation
and the balance when the property is complete.
What
guarantees are there?
There is no uniform guarantee procedure in Bulgaria,
instead relying on the architect, who is authorized
by the local authorities, to specify and inspect during
the build. Scanlock's own built houses carry a 10-year
structural guarantee.
Is
it true I have to register with the Police?
You
must register with the police authorities within 48
hours of arriving in Bulgaria. This is said to be so
that you can be traced in the event of an accident or
similar. If you fly with an organized tour operator
they will usually arrange this on your behalf and likewise,
if you organize your own flights, but stay in a 'proper'
hotel, they will also take care of this for you. Other
than the above, you have to visit a police station with
your passport, fill in a simple form and pay a fee (in
the order of 80 pence). You can be fined upon leaving
the country if you have not filled in the appropriate
form. What
are the Economic prospects?
The
Government is supporting the introduction of foreign
money to improve the economy. Bulgaria has two main
industries - agriculture and tourism. Tourism is growing
rapidly. Furthermore, on many stretches of the coast,
you can see signs indicating that EU money is being
spent on improving the infra-structure, with, for
example, €4.2 million being spent improving roads
around Varna and area. This is particularly interesting
as Bulgaria isn't scheduled for EU membership until
January 2007.
Would
we own the land?
Non-Bulgarians
are prohibited from owning land (not houses, just
the land) in Bulgaria, although this is expected to
change well before their anticipated EU joining date
of January 2007. What happens instead is that you
set up a limited company of which you are the sole
director and shareholder, which owns the land, whilst
you own the property in your personal capacity.
What is driving like?
Bulgaria drives on the right, in left hand
drive cars. When renting a car you will be given a
folder containing all the cars documents, such as
insurance, MOT and Road Fund Licence equivalents.
THIS MUST BE CARRIED WHEN DRIVING THE CAR. Police
have the right to stop you and to ask to inspect these
documents. You can be fined if you are not carrying
them.
What
is the currency?
The
unit of currency is the Lev (plural Leva). This is
tied to the Euro, and is currently (July '04) around
2.9 Leva to the Pound Sterling. Euros can be used
in some places for payment, but credit and debit cards
are not widely accepted. ATM's (hole in the wall)
machines are available in most resorts and in Varna
itself.
What
about dining out?
Eating
out is an inexpensive experience outside the resorts.
A family of four can eat well for less than £20
including drink and a glass of beer costs around 40
pence. Prices are generally higher in the resorts.
What
is the main village?
The
village in which most of our villas are situated is
Dolni Bliznac, part of Bliznaci, and is located about
23 km south of Varna. Immediately adjacent to the
village is the main road leading down to the mini-resort
of Kamchia, which is popular with locals, but not
overdeveloped like many resorts.
You
can see the Logonza nature reserve from the upper
storey of most of our villas and just beyond that,
about 2 miles from the village, is the beautiful Black
Sea. The village has one restaurant/bar and a smaller
bar, tagged on to the side of a house. There are three
small shops in the village, which are fine to cater
for most things you will need on a vacation.
Prices
compared to ours?
Prices in the village and Kamchia are much more reasonable
than the main tourist resorts.
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