VIEWING TRIPS

When buying any overseas property, we would recommend going over to that country to view where your chosen property will be built before signing the preliminary contract. A complex might look fine on the internet or in a glossy magazine as an artist impression but it doesn't show accessibility or what is surrounding it.

Some agencies will assist you in organizing your trip and may provide the expertise of a local employee to show you around your chosen area. Not all do however!

Many agents will charge a discounted fee for the trip which is only refunded if you decide to proceed with a purchase. In many cases it is a requirement to undertake the viewing trip within one month of paying the reservation fee.

Our first trip was in January 2005 when we went to view the sites of our city and ski complexes in Sofia and Pamporovo.

We flew to Sofia and took a short taxi ride to a hotel arranged for us by the agent (see Transport.) The agent's representative was very helpful and knowledgeable and did not pressurise us at all. Although Bulgarian, he had lived abroad, for many years and spoke excellent English. He first took us to see the site of our Sofia complex which at this stage was merely a hole in the ground. This was followed by lunch and a guided tour of Sofia in the snow.

The following day, he very kindly took us to Pamporovo, a three hour journey, even though we were viewing a competitor's complex. The competitor's representative however, failed to materialise, and we were shown the site by a waiter from a local restaurant. You never know what to expect next in Bulgaria! This did however set some alarm bells ringing, however fortunately our fears at that time have since proved to be unfounded.

Page last updated: 29th January 2007