Annual Costs for Property Maintenance in Bulgaria: Key Expenses

Owning real estate in Bulgaria involves various expenses that should be considered when planning your budget. These costs depend on the type of property, its location, and specific characteristics. Below is an overview of the main annual costs for property maintenance in Bulgaria.

1. Annual Property Tax

Every property owner in Bulgaria is required to pay an annual property tax, which is calculated based on the property’s tax valuation.

Tax rate: From 0.01% to 0.45% of the tax valuation, as determined by the local municipality.

Example: For an apartment with a tax valuation of 50,000 BGN, the tax will range from 50 to 225 BGN annually.

Payment deadline: The tax can be paid in full by April 30 (with a 5% discount) or in two equal installments (by June 30 and October 31).

2. Waste Collection Fee

The waste collection fee is paid together with the property tax and is determined by the municipality.

Fee amount: Typically ranges between 0.1% and 0.4% of the property’s tax valuation.

Specifics: In some cases, the fee is fixed for private houses or smaller properties.

3. Utility Bills

Utility services include expenses for electricity, water, heating, gas, and internet.

Electricity: From 30 to 100 BGN per month, depending on usage. Winter bills may be higher, especially if electric heating is used.

Water: From 10 to 30 BGN per month for an average-sized apartment.

Heating and gas: In areas with central heating or gas supply, costs range from 50 to 200 BGN per month during winter.

Internet and TV: Around 30–50 BGN per month.

4. Maintenance Fee

For properties in residential complexes (apartment complexes or buildings with managed common areas), there is a maintenance fee for shared spaces.

Fee amount: From €5 to €15 per square meter annually.

What it includes: Cleaning of the premises, pool maintenance, security, lighting, and repairs of shared spaces.

Example: For an apartment of 80 m², the fee will be between €400 and €1,200 annually.

5. Property Insurance

It is advisable to insure your property against risks such as fire, flooding, theft, and more.

Insurance cost: From 100 to 300 BGN annually, depending on the coverage and insurance company.

6. Private House Maintenance

For owners of private houses, additional costs may include:

Garden and yard maintenance: From 200 to 1,000 BGN annually if you hire a gardener.

Repairs and upkeep: Regular expenses for repairs and maintaining the house in good condition range from 500 to 3,000 BGN annually.

Heating: Costs for firewood, pellets, or gas during winter can reach 2,000–5,000 BGN.

7. Additional Expenses

Depreciation: Costs for repairs, replacing furniture, or appliances.

Security services: For houses or apartments in gated complexes, security may cost 30 to 100 BGN per month.

Example of Annual Expenses

Here is an example budget for an 80 m² apartment in Varna:

Annual property tax: 100 BGN.

Waste collection fee: 50 BGN.

Utility bills: 1,500–2,000 BGN.

Maintenance fee: €800 (approximately 1,560 BGN).

Insurance: 150 BGN.

Total: 3,360–3,860 BGN annually (approximately €1,680–1,930).

The annual costs of property maintenance in Bulgaria are relatively low compared to other European countries. However, they depend on the type of property, its location, and your individual needs. To plan your budget effectively, it’s essential to consider all the expenses mentioned above.