Has anyone bought a repossessed property at an auction (ChSI) in Bulgaria?

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Mila_Styl

Joined:
06.07.2024
Posts: 356

Topic Starter

06.02.2025 22:00

I've been looking at some cheap apartments listed by private bailiff (ChSI) auctions in Sofia, but the whole process seems a bit intimidating. Has anyone actually gone through with buying one of these properties? I'm wondering about hidden debts, the eviction process if someone is still living there, and whether it's truly as good of a deal as it looks on paper. Any advice or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated.

11 replies in this topic

radek_c

Joined:
20.07.2024
Posts: 2103

06.03.2025 00:27

I bought an apartment through a ChSI auction in Plovdiv last year. It was a stressful process, but I saved about 30% compared to market price.

Igor_Tech

Joined:
07.11.2023
Posts: 233

02.04.2025 01:38

In reply to a previous post

Did you have any issues with the previous owners still living in the property when you won the bid?

GoldenHands

Joined:
14.02.2020
Posts: 826

02.04.2025 07:20

In reply to a previous post

@User2 Yes, they were still there. Even though you get a writ of execution from the court, the bailiff has to enforce the eviction, which took almost four months in my case.

mike_777

Joined:
04.09.2021
Posts: 102

28.04.2025 02:44

Make sure you check the property for utility debts as well. Sometimes heating and electricity bills from Toplofikatsiya or CEZ can pile up significantly.

Maya_L

Joined:
03.08.2023
Posts: 1255

09.06.2025 08:09

In reply to a previous post

@User4 Actually, according to Bulgarian law, the new owner is not liable for old utility debts if you present the title deed from the bailiff, though companies often try to make you pay anyway.

curious_k

Joined:
12.02.2025
Posts: 1816

16.06.2025 06:52

My advice is to hire a lawyer who specifically deals with enforcement cases (izpolnitelno delo). Do not try to navigate the paperwork alone.

Selector

Joined:
10.06.2024
Posts: 2307

30.09.2025 09:24

In reply to a previous post

Totally agree with the lawyer advice. Also, remember you need to deposit 10% of the starting price just to participate in the bidding.

Fabi_W

Joined:
19.07.2021
Posts: 2419

07.01.2026 10:45

Is it true that other creditors can sometimes challenge the sale even after you win?

curious_k

Joined:
26.06.2021
Posts: 493

30.01.2026 02:11

In reply to a previous post

@User8 Yes, there's a short window where third parties or other creditors can contest procedural errors made by the bailiff. That's why having legal representation is crucial.

cris_r

Joined:
20.12.2020
Posts: 1924

06.02.2026 05:46

It sounds way too risky for a first-time property buyer tbh. I'll stick to regular agencies.

robert_d

Joined:
12.04.2022
Posts: 1272

09.03.2026 07:20

In reply to a previous post

It is risky, but if you do your homework and have cash ready (since getting a mortgage approved before the auction can be tricky), you can find amazing deals in Sofia.

Has anyone bought a repossessed property at an auction (ChSI) in Bulgaria?

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