I quite often get asked, ''where is Part 2'' and the answer is, there isn't a dedicated Part-2 as any video I make that has anything to do with my Village Life gets added to this Playlist. I am not an Estate Agent and don't make any money from providing free advice more than what I already have done. There are plenty of Social Media EXPAT in Bulgaria Pages where you can get some real 'A Bloke Down the Pub Told Me, So It Must Be True' type advice. However, if you want my advice then, by me a Beer or two and I'll do my best for you. Thank you for your patience and understanding. paypal.me/VeteransBeer?locale.x=en_US
A tip from a bulgarian here if you want a cheap house at the end of some god forbidden village don't look online but go there with a native speaking bulgarian and do your research you can probably find a house with a biig yard for less than 6k leva (about 3k euro)
That's exactly how I found my first property, but didn't take a Bulgarian as we relied on communicating in Russian. It's fine as long as all of the selling family members are in Bulgaria to sign away their rights to the property, but if they're overseas then it can be a long wait - 2 years or more for my neighbouring property as one of the owners was somewhere in Canada and they had to wait for him to return to finalise the deal.
Hi, mate, you seem to have a good grasp on the language. I'm particularly impressed by the correct pronunciation of various cities and stuff. I'm a native Bulgarian and I wish you best of luck with any undertaking in this country. Cheers
@@RobertsBulgaria Cyrillic is a written system and is not a language. The Mongols also write in Cyrillic, but you certainly don't understand anything the Mongols speak. The Cyrillic alphabet was created in Bulgaria for the Bulgarian language and you understand Bulgarian, because the Russian language is a dialect of the Bulgarian language.
Thanks for the kind words. I did film some other aspects, but wasn't overly happy with the results so didn't publish. Will revise, film and upload more in this playlist in due course. Good time to see properties for they really look like now during winter when we have our first snow and in total contrast to what they look like in summer.
@@kgbcomrade1 Hi, I had to watch the video again to remember what I said. Okay, my opinion is this; a) don't live more than 30 minutes drive from a Town. b) don't live more than 1.5 - 2 hours from a major city and/or airport. Why, living up on a remote mountain location might be fine if you're completely self sufficient, self reliant and far younger than I am. These remote locations can be completely cut off during winter and if you have an accident, it is hit or miss whether or not an Ambulance could reach you. Next, some of us buy properties requiring renovation (sometimes serious work), if you do not have your own form of transport, (Flatbed, Tipper, Large Van etc.) then, you will get stung on transport costs for building materials. Next, I can survive on what my local town supplies some 15-20 minutes drive away, it has a local Hospital that has an Ambulance service, but for anything more serious such as big chain supermarkets, better medical care both Doctor (English speaking) and Hospitals, Airport etc. I need to drive 45 minutes to 1 hour to my nearest City of Burgas. I am not sure where or what I meant if I said I would do it differently if I started again - With the information and experience I have now, I might well have paid far less for the house that I bought and I wish I had been in a position to start this Smallholding venture 25 years ago when I was younger and stronger, but it is what it is and I am not complaining. I am still of the opinion that Bulgaria has a lot to offer for those that can use their hands, their brains and are prepared to rough it a little initially, but you need some form of income to sustain your venture and Bulgaria is a very poor country with low wages and not a lot of job prospects outside of the major cities. Hope that helps somewhat?
@@RobertsBulgaria I arrived in November to but a house when there was a goodly amount of snow around. But I also took a pair of binoculars with me to be able to inspect the roof without having a ladder. Always, but ALWAYS, check the roof!
Bulgaria is oldest country in Europe. Bulgaria is first national state in Europe which adopt Christianity and Bulgarian church became first national independent church in Europe in year 927. Bulgarians created Bulgarian Civilization with Bulgarian language, Bulgarian alphabet Cyrillic and Orthodox Christianity. Bulgarians spread Christianity and the Bible, translated into Bulgarian language and written in Cyrillic, among the so-called "Slavs" and incorporated most of the "Slavs" into Bulgarian civilization, including the Russians. All so-called "Slavic" languages are created on the basis of Bulgarian language. Russian language and so-called "Slavic" languages on the Balkans are dialects of Bulgarian language. Today about 300 million people in Eurasia including Russia use Bulgarian writing system Cyrillic as the official alphabet. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Bulgarian_Empire en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simeon_I_of_Bulgaria en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyrillic_script en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Bulgarian_Empire
@@JanYi2023 The Roman Empire, the Ottoman Empire, the Soviet Union, which had relations with Bulgaria, have long since ceased to exist, but Bulgaria still exists.
@@stars5206 You are mistaking country (state) with empires, Bulgaria was empire too and not one but two. Those countries still exist and doing great but BG is rapidly melting away and following the footsteps of Thrace.
@@stars5206 StarS If you are foreigner thanks to you and foreigners like that live in BG and visit and contribute to the vitality of BG. My hat goes off to you. BG can offer a lot opportunities to the right people.
The sound on the clip is fine albeit, I have experienced similar on other channels when using a Tablet Samsung Galaxy when nobody else was having any audio problems. Try viewing on another device if you can for comparison. The sound now on my mobile is good and I don't have the volume up fully. There is nice background music too!
As of today there are officially 3 mil Bulgarians abroad and only 4 mil in the country (almost 3 of those 4 mil are concentrated in Sofia and the suburbs around it, rest spread around the countryside).
A bunch will do for sure, especially professional workers and students as most jobs and schools went online. It will be much more difficult for proper immigrants who hold double citizenship elsewhere and had invested a good 10-20 years of their lives to settle down and create a fam. Not impossible tho, just a lil more difficult.
Hi Robert I’ve just found your channel,i love 💖 it & SUBSCRIBED! Thanks for taking the time to make this video. I’m gonna watch part 2. Hopefully i can email you privately for a little more info, as I’m a widow and about to get ready to move to Bulgaria from uk and would really be honoured to meet you.... god bless you and thanks again for your useful informative and laidback videos... cheers 🍻
Hi, there is an email address in the ABOUT part of this channel or, you can check out my FB Page, Bulgarian Organic Smallholding and contact via Messenger.
Robert's Bulgaria thanks for replying. I found it quite cool that you also don’t change time on clock 🕰 when daylight savings change. Im same I leave clock in car and oven same tome- It messes with the natural rhythm’s for life otherwise. I know it was supposed to help farmers in the past. Anyway, I can’t find the email address on ‘about’ channel. There’s Facebook, Instagram, Twitter but no email address.
Thank you - a little dated now for any Brits that view post BREXIT, but not an awful lot changed with actual properties albeit, prices creep up everywhere after the Pandemic.
Fascinating to find this. I'm married to a Bulgarian, and though we live in California, we've been going back to visit her parents in Sliven for the last 22 years. I'm trying to convince her to move back when we retire.
Small world as SLIVEN is an hour away by vehicle from where I live. I have friends who live in a village up in the Mountains behind Sliven. Thank you for taking the time to comment.
Hi, have just discovered your channel, very informative. I was reading the comments below and yes, buying is very easy and the Notary does all the legal side. Some sellers also help with providing the Translator. I ended up taking a gamble on buying around 3 derelict houses, 10,000 Sq. m of woodland and a Villa District house with adjacent land plot several years back at pocket money prices, thinking, If I got ripped off, no biggie. I sold one back to a seller who paid more than I paid for it due to demand, all the Title Deeds came through! All were under £1000 apart from one. Bulgaria Direct on Ebay were actually quite good!! Pre Brexit, the idea was to renovate them all, I stopped after renovating one house though when that development broke. My renovated house has water and electricity supplied and is in a village 11 Km's from a big town with a view to taking early retirement and moving out in the Brexit Transition period next year, fingers crossed!! :) The other great thing is that you can open bank accounts there while still in the UK, very useful for sending over money to. I remember the clerk asking; "do you want an account in £'s, Euros or Leva?.. Haha.. I don't own a home in the UK, extortionate prices so this plan makes perfect sense. I understand even post Brexit, it will be possible to get a Visa D form to retire there, as long as you have a monthly pension higher than the minimum wage of 280 Euros, 2000 Euro's in a bank, a place to live and health insurance.
@@RobertsBulgaria Hi, yes, didn't mean to be boastful or anything, I sort of bought a bit too much really, but hey ho. Yes, North and Northwest, despite its reputation of being the poorest part of BG, I like it there.
@@MsJulianneb I don't know why the NW and NE have such a reputation, but perhaps it is because the properties appear cheaper. Agricultural land near to the Danube is the best land in Bulgaria. Anyway, as long as you are happy that is all that matters.
Buy in villages up high in the mountains where there is no demand. Trust me, you dont want a middle man. There is a house in Rebrovo up high for 5k Euro with water you can be off grid. Stil have to do some work on it but the place has potential and the obly benefit for me is that i get a english speaking homesteader i can relate to and have a bbq once in a while talking about gardening animals canning and such. @Anthony
Hi, thank you for your comment and support. I haven't really made a Part 2, but when I make future videos that are related in any way to buying property and what to watch out for then, I will share them into the Playlist (when I create it). In the meantime, I have and am happy to answer any particular questions you might have.
Greetings Do you know of a channel called Clan Gun Bushcraft ? The guy is named Andy and he is from Scotland . A great guy and a great channel . He is from Scotland and spends a good deal of time in Bulgaria . He may be living there these days . Thanks for your video and all the best sent your way . Lefty
Just discovered your channel and just developed an interest in Bulgaria. I was wondering if you knew what the process is like to buy about 5 acres of land with a river running through it and apply for planning permission to build a house and a big barn to store a tractor and car etc. I am particularly interested in know if planning permission is hard to obtain and if there are different types of lands that you are allowed to build on, thanks in advance.
Sorry, I am unable to assist in this matter, you need a Real Estate Agent and or a Lawyer for such a request. I don't even know what country you are resident in and if a Brit then, since BREXIT, a new ball game awaits.
Bulgarians abandon Villages due to numerous reasons . What do you think will happen to all that infrastructure in those empty villages ? Will the government do something about it ?
@@simeondunev4890 You do not appear backwards at all and I trust that my first part of this Playlist didn't try to suggest that. Bulgaria has many many attributes, but until the Bulgarian YOUTH see a future for themselves and their family in the rural countryside villages then, most of them will die out or be taken over by ROMA.
@Bulgarian Organic Smallholding I agree and thats why my dad and i have bought 2 houses keeping our old one and investing in the future regardless of all the struggles and that my salary is probably laughable compared to Western standarts . Im also remaining here in contrast of my brother who got a scholarship in London and my sister who is also starting a family there .Communism has done damage that's unalculable to our society so we first need to rebuild our culture and spirit before anything else. Thank you for caring .
good vid, been here since 2003 on/off/on/off ...now permanently based here in the Mountains just west of Troyan,and true you need to be ready for winters and know when to stay put until they dig you out......BG has transformed since 2003 but at a nice pace.........and just sipping Chateau Karnobat Syrah
and yes no real point being isolated,we are at the end of a tentacle of cable internet but still very rural,a perfect mix and love the valley thing, its like living in a 10 mile long cul-de-sac and surrounded on 3 sides by deciduous mountain forest
There is no Part 2 as such - just look in the Playlist called My Bulgarian Life for purely Bulgarian related content. However, if you have any specific questions then, please ask here in the comments and IF I can, I will answer. Sorry for the late reply, your message slipped through my net somehow.
Great video but there is no obvious part two. I've looked through your video library but can't find anything. Lots of good stuff but nothing for people wanting to take the first step to living in Bulgaria. Thanks anyway.
Thanks for the video. Only just found your channel. If I want to look at properties that are suitable for micro homestead - what regions are best to consider? I have seen that all English language property websites try to steer people to overly priced holiday homes. For a micro homestead - land for power generation and access to water and connected to a road to enable travel etc. Being away outside town or city isn't a problem but equally, I would want to be within commuting distance to developed services and an aeroport for travel.
All areas of Bulgaria offer exactly what you desire, 4 major cities, Sofia, Varna, Plovdiv and Burgas. Anything with 100 kilometres of any these cities would be fine, but you really need to be here, rent for a while and explore. You will know straight away when you come across the property of your dreams as everyone has a different viewpoint on what does and what does not, turn them on. Just remember that what you see in summer can be completely different in winter and therefore, winter viewing is better for me as nothing is hidden by weeds, bushes, flowers etc. Have been showing a friend houses in my village today, none of them could be moved into, all require repairs, mainly new roofs to begin with, but all cost less than the price of a UK second-hand car. If you have some building skills, prepared to rough it in a caravan or similar for a year or two whilst you rebuild then, you're on a winner. If you have to pay builders as I did then, still far cheaper than a UK house, but worth it in the end.
Robert's Bulgaria - thank you for taking the time to give a comprehensive response. The distance gives a good starting point and possibly look towards the regions outside Plovdiv and Sofia first. Thank you again.
Personally, I wouldn't risk buying any property advertised on the Internet without seeing it in person or, having someone in country you can trust to go and confirm that what you are buying is what you're actually buying. Numerous times, folk and agencies advertise properties with photographs that are 10 or more years old and today, that roof could have fallen in. I know this to be factual as one property advertised on eBay is located in a village where one of my friends live. I sent him the link and he was scratching his head, didn't recognise the photographs - eventually, he realised where this property had been years ago and now, it was a simple ruin and resembled nothing like depicted in the description. I make no comment on the legalities of eBay or Gumtree, I just strongly suggest that one should LOOK or find someone trusted to LOOK on your behalf.
Currently, the winter is once again, very mild for a January, but it seems winter is still on its way elsewhere too, folk are complaining about a lack of ice, snow and cold in Russia already. Aytos is to the South of the Eastern tail end of the Old Central Mountains so unless you live on the North side of a steep slope then, your daylight should not be affected in anyway.
Hi, not exactly called Part Two, but where I mention or cover other aspects about property or things to watch out for in my videos, I link them in this Playlist. Thank you for your comment and support.
me and my partner live in the uk and we have 3 kids and really want to live off grid in bulgaria our funds are limited was wanting to buy woodland and maybe live in a caravan there do you have any tips
Please feel free to contact me via the email address shown in the 'About' section OR, find me on FB, Bulgarian Organic Smallholding and ask via Messenger. Not so sure about buying Woodland, but you could buy a suitable cheap village tumbledown house with land and place your caravan on that, no problem - at least that way, you have access to on-grid water & electricity if needed. Plus, unless you're going to home school, you don't want to be hours away from civilisation. We lived in a touring caravan for a whole year whilst we built our small house. All I ask in return is that you SUBSCRIBE and Like. Thank you for your comment and support - appreciated.
Can you tell me about fees for buy a property. We have put a deposit on priority in Vidin area and fees do seem a bit high. Fees for the agent are 800 euros and another 800 for notary etc. Do you think we should need a solicitor and interpretor if yes where can I find them. Tried looking on line but no success. Many thanks Dave
The purchaser pays the Real Estate Agency a fee that is usually 3% of the purchase price and sometimes, this can be split 50/50 with the seller. This would be for a usual transaction on a property purchase in Bulgaria with the Agent acting between seller and purchaser however, with you being foreigners, they will of course hype their prices. You will require an Interpreter/Translator at the Notary Office. He/She cannot make the deal without one and I'm guessing that your Real Estate Agent is saying that they will arrange this for you and charging you for it too. If you have paid a deposit, what did you get in return? Any documentation? I cannot remember the amounts/percentages that a Notary charges, but there will be some Tax to pay and the Notary fees, but unless you're buying a Castle, these shouldn't come to more than a few hundred LEVA not Euro or Pounds Sterling. I cannot help you in finding an Interpreter/Translator in Vidin as it is a long way away from where I live, but just copy and paste ''преводи видин'' into Google and it will give results. Use Google translate if necessary. If you wish to find a Lawyer then, check out the British Embassy/Consulate in Sofia's website as they used to have a list of English speaking Lawyers. You don't really need a Lawyer as the Notary is obligated by Bulgarian Law to carry out all necessary checks on the property itself, but you might wish to protect yourself from your Real Estate Agent who seems to be stinging you for fees. Good luck, hope it all works out for you.
@@RobertsBulgaria Who did you serve with? Been looking at Bulgaria as a place to live, still in the early stages and doing a spot of homework, hence I came across your channel (Subscribed) In terms of a place to live, the pros outweigh the cons (In my opinion) All the best. Ps, did you sort the water supply out?
@@TheEverest72 Royal Engineers & Intelligence Corps. The water pipe was replaced by the Municipality, but the source ran dry during last summer's severe drought. I don't know if that source will replenish or not or, if it does, how long it might last.
Sorry, but I am not an Estate Agent or an Investment Advisor. I do not know much about this location in the North East of Bulgaria and from what I read on WIKIPEDIA it is a small village with 400 or so inhabitants. I cannot help you further because my OPINION might cost you money.
I have been answering questions via Messenger through my FB Page - Bulgarian Organic Smallholding. If you think I can offer any assistance then, please feel free to ask - I'll do my best.
I was just shocked today that there are houses for 200 to 500 leva full price. Typical bulgarian houses too with electrical wires and etc . Gypsies buy them on mass . Whats to stop someone to just buy an entire village like that for the price of an apartment in the city ?
+Simeon Dunev - How is that possible? I've never seen a house - doesn't matter it's condition or location - priced so low. Who sells them and where? I'd buy 10 (ten!) of them *tomorrow* if there are such. And no - I'm not exaggerating.
Https://www.reddit.com/r/bulgaria/comments/9ochen/%D0%BA%D1%8A%D1%89%D0%B8_%D0%B7%D0%B0_%D0%BF%D0%BE_200_500_%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%B0/?st=jndb6ozr&sh=81a53401 Ето направил съм реддит пост. Пълно е из селата с такива.
Whilst the UK is STILL in the EU, it is not a problem to obtain a Bulgarian Residence Permit, but you would need to live in Bulgaria for at least 90 days to be able to obtain such. However, I think that you can buy an Industrial Plot without being a resident albeit, you might have to form a BG Company first. I'm not overly sure about the rules for an Industrial Plot as that question has never been asked or even thought of by me. I suggest that you put, 'Industrial Property For Sale' into Google Translate and then copy and paste it and see what results come up. If anything floats your boat then contact the selling agent and ask him/her what the requirements are. Just do NOT part with any hard earned cash before you have made double sure. The British Embassy in Sofia website has a list of English speaking Lawyers you could contact by email if you really want to be sure. Good luck and let me/us know how it turns out.
Two options. 1st Go to the ABOUT section on my RU-vid Home Page, scroll down to the bottom and uncover, Business Contact Email or similar title. 2nd. On Facebook search for 'Bulgarian Organic Smallholding' and use the Message service via that Page.
LOL, I have spent so many years of my life overseas, the last 25+ years in Russia and Bulgaria that my accent is all messed up. When I used to return to the UK, folk would ask me if I was South African, but believe me, down there in the gutturals and nasal tones hides a real West Midlands, UK Black Country accent. Thank you for your comment and support.
Hello Robert, thank you for the informative videos! Today I sent you an e-mail. Would you please check your mail and let me know what you think? Thanks!
Wow, nearly 20 mins of mostly (you-better-have-saved-'em-if-you-had something essential) personal stories and a totally unnecessary lengthy run on topography. Wish you GoPro had a better mic, or you got yourself an external one, and/or it occurred to you be closer to the mic when speaking not only at the topographical section.
Well, I guess everyone is entitled to an opinion even Trolls, I just wish that you had kept yours to yourself. There is a thing called fast forward and the topographical part is aimed at folk thinking about moving to Bulgaria and perhaps don't know very much about the place. Personal experiences are shared to forewarn folk of the pitfalls when purchasing property here in Bulgaria and there is a lot more of it to come during future episodes so don't stick around.
Sure it's not perfect in terms of sound and maybe he talked for longer than you'd have liked about certain things but he never claimed to be any sort of professional at this, he's just offering something for nothing and I for one found it helpful unlike your (troll?) comment which is just completely unnecessary and unhelpful. Many thanks Robert I really appreciated your video especially the topographical section
@@RobertsBulgaria i heard you clearly Rob and l found what you had to say was important to make an informed decision on what, where and why if thinking of living in Bulgaria. Please don't be put off by the dickheads Rob, and i can't wait for the next installment of this series.
