First Home in Varna: Step-by-Step Guide to Buying a Property

Why your first home is such a big step

Buying your first home in Varna is one of the most important decisions in your life. It’s not just a transaction – it’s a change in lifestyle: the neighbourhood where you’ll wake up every morning, the route to work, your children’s school, the environment and amenities around you.

The real estate market in the sea capital is dynamic – good properties sell quickly, there are many listings and the information is often fragmented. That’s why it’s important to have a clear roadmap – step by step, without unnecessary stress and risks.

Good preparation, a realistic budget and working with a professional broker can turn the whole process from stressful into structured and predictable.

Define your goal and budget

Before you open any listing, you should be clear what exactly you’re looking for and what you can realistically afford. A young couple working in the city centre has different needs from a family with two children looking for peace and green spaces.

The first step is to define your budget. It doesn’t include only “the price of the property”, but the total cost of acquiring it and getting it ready to live in.

The main components of the budget usually include:

• Purchase price of the property according to the listing;
• Notary fees, local tax and registration fee;
• Bank costs if you use a mortgage (valuation fee, disbursement fee, etc.);
• Initial renovation, refreshing and furnishing;
• Unforeseen expenses – it’s always wise to have a reserve.

It’s also important to know how much of the funds are your own and whether you’ll be using a home loan. The bank will assess your income and determine the maximum loan amount, but you must be sure that the monthly instalment will be comfortable for you in the long term.

Choosing the right type of home and layout

The next question is what kind of property you are looking for – studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, maisonette, new build or older construction. There is no single “right” choice – your decision has to match your daily life and your plans for the next 5–10 years.

Think about:

• How many bedrooms you really need;
• Whether you work from home and need a separate workspace;
• How much time you spend at home and in which area – living room, kitchen, terrace;
• Whether you’re planning children, pets or frequent guests.

The layout is often more important than the square meters. A well-designed one-bedroom apartment can feel more functional than a larger, but poorly arranged home. During viewings, look not only at “how many square meters”, but how each meter is used.

The neighbourhood in Varna – part of the decision, not just a backdrop

Location is a key factor for a comfortable life. In different neighbourhoods of Varna traffic, infrastructure, schools and green areas are very different. It’s not enough to like the apartment itself – you must be able to picture your everyday life in this area.

Assess:

• How long the commute to work will take;
• Whether there are schools, kindergartens, shops and pharmacies nearby;
• What the noise level is – are you close to busy boulevards, bars, nightlife;
• Whether there is convenient public transport;
• How safe the area feels, especially in the evenings.

A good approach is to browse properties in different neighbourhoods through the Varna Home Center search tool – the “Search property” section. This way you’ll see real listings in specific areas and get a feel for price levels.

The role of a professional broker when buying your first home

When it comes to a first home, there’s usually lots of information and zero experience. This is where the broker’s role comes in – not just as “the person who opens the door at the viewing”, but as a partner who knows the market, the procedures and the risks.

A professional team like Varna Home Center can help you with:

• Selecting properties that match your budget and criteria;
• Analysis of the real market value;
• Organising viewings and pre-filtering properties so you don’t waste time;
• Guidance on hidden defects and building issues;
• Coordination with lawyers, valuers and mortgage consultants.

Instead of wandering through dozens of random listings, you follow a structured process where each step is clear.

Property viewings – what to look for beyond the nice photos

Photos in listings create the first impression, but the real truth about a property comes at the viewing. It’s good to be systematic and not rely only on emotion.

During a viewing, pay attention to:

• The condition of the common areas – staircase, elevator, storage rooms;
• The façade and roof – visible leaks, cracks, peeling plaster;
• Installations – electrical panel, sockets, visible pipes and radiators;
• Window frames and windows – insulation, condensation, whether they open easily;
• Natural light and orientation – north, south, street noise;
• Parking options around the building.

It’s useful to have a short checklist for viewings so you don’t miss important details when emotions run high and time is limited.

A practical approach is to start with several viewings in different areas without rushing into a decision. This way you build a real feel for the market and will recognise “the right property” much more easily.

Documents and financing – what to know before you sign

Once you find a property you like, it’s time to look at the documents and clarify the financing. This is the sensitive part of the process because here lie the risks – mortgages, encumbrances, old debts or ownership issues.

Usually the following are checked and requested:

• Title deed (notarial deed, deed of gift, partition agreement, etc.);
• Certificate of encumbrances for the property;
• Sketch or plan from the Cadastre Agency (AGKK);
• Certificate of tax valuation;
• Documents related to the seller’s marital status.

If you’re using a mortgage, the bank will appoint a valuer and request additional documents. It’s a good idea to discuss things with a mortgage consultant from the very beginning – what type of loan is suitable for you and what your real possibilities are.

Preliminary contract and finalising the deal

Before you reach the notary, a preliminary contract is usually signed. It sets out the main parameters – price, deadlines, payment method and obligations of both parties. A deposit is paid, which serves as a guarantee of your serious intent.

It is important that the preliminary contract clearly defines:

• The deadline for finalising the deal;
• Conditions under which the deposit is refunded or retained;
• The obligations for clearing encumbrances (if any);
• Handover of possession and keys.

The final transaction takes place before a notary – the title deed is signed, the due taxes and fees are paid, and the property is recorded in the Property Register. From that moment on, you are the official owner.

How Varna Home Center can guide you through the whole journey

Your first home is not just “another purchase”. It’s the beginning of a new stage in your life. The professional team at Varna Home Center can assist you at every step – from choosing the neighbourhood and the first viewing, to signing the notarial deed and receiving the keys.

Through the “Search property” section you can filter listings by location, property type and budget. And if you have a property to sell in order to buy a new one, you can also use the “Sell property” service to optimise the whole process.