Property law

The Practice Area


Individual Purchasers and Developers


We have acted for hundreds of individual purchasers of off-plan and existing residential and holiday properties (typically conducting pre-acquisition due diligence and negotiating ongoing maintenance and leasing contracts).

We also act for developers from the conception stage through construction through to sale in connection with both residential and commercial projects.


Development Projects


We can assist of all aspects of a property-related transaction:

  • Advising clients on the acquisition and leasing of property interests (both land and buildings).

  • Assisting with the re-zoning of land and buildings.

  • Assisting in the application process for obtaining planning permission.

  • Negotiating mortgage documentation with lenders.

  • Drafting and/or negotiating a plethora of agreements connected to a development project from inception to completion: Construction Services contracts; Construction Supervision Contract; Bank Loan Agreement (or other financing instrument) and related guarantee mechanisms, including mortgage agreements' review; Contract for Architect's and Civil engineers' statutory supervision services, Contracts for Architects' 'author's supervision' services; Supply Contracts (for valuable equipment installed by the investor; Preliminary Contract for sale of units (as a standard form contract); Property Management and Maintenance contracts; Subcontractor agreements; Project Management agreements.

  • In addition to specific documentation, we can advise in relation to the administrative aspects of the development including the implementation of the Bulgarian Spatial Development Act (SDA) and related secondary legislation:

  • formal construction completion mechanics and certification;

  • launch of administrative procedures in the event of required amendments to the 'investment designs';

  • Advising on the contribution of real property as company capital ('aportirane') and on the use of land as collateral in commercial and investment transactions.


    Security


    We can assist with checking and imposing security over property interests by:

  • investigating title to assets and mortgages, charges, pledges, liens and other security or encumbrance upon them;

  • registering and perfecting security over land and other assets.


  • Off-plan Acquisition Process


    Off-plan acquisitions are increasingly common in the Bulgarian market and we can assist either purchasers or sellers on the various legal aspects involved, as follows:

  • advising both the Buyer/Acquirer and Seller/Developer on a variety of

  • off-plan situations on preliminary contract drafts, security of title,

  • identity of parties, maintenance, management, guaranteed letting clauses/agreements etc;

  • extensive experience in negotiating and a developed due diligence procedure;

  • history of settling fair and acceptable terms to guarantee a problem-free acceptance by both parties;

  • a one-stop service for Developers/land owners in preparing for sale;

  • New Balkans Law Office' Bulgarian lawyers are regulated by the respective regional Bar of their registration in Bulgaria. New Balkans Law Office is a member of the British Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce