Fri, Feb 10 2012
The lack of cadastral maps was one of the Bulgarian property market's main problems named by foreign investors, Bulgaria's 24 Chassa daily said.
The existence of complete and correct cadastral maps was an important factor in finalising secure property deals and attracting investors to the property sector, 24 Chassa said.
The current process of updating the country's cadastral maps began in 2000 and by now 33 per cent of Bulgaria's territory had been covered in such maps.
The purpose of a cadastral map is to provide an inventory of the areas of properties and to identify the owners, as well as to present the information to the tax authorities, enabling them to calculate property tax. The cadastre would make redundant the current method of formally declaring a property purchase, 24 Chassa said.
Inclusion in the cadastral maps is free. An owner need only present a copy of the title deed to the municipality or the regional cadastre office.
Average market prices of homes in Sofia fell by one per cent in the fourth quarter of 2011 compared to the same period of 2010, according to the Raiffeisen Real Estate Index, as quoted by Klasa daily.
Proportionately, the number of transactions in leva increased as people reacted to speculation that the euro would disappear.
Nearly all banks are ready to finance between 80 per cent and 90 per cent of the price of a home, provided it is a good building in a large city, Bulgarian daily says.
Property prices in Bulgaria were five to 10 per cent lower in 2011 than in 2010, while initial estimates for this year are that they will remain largely unchanged, with transactions remaining at ‘crisis levels’.
Bulgaria’s capital city Sofia ranks 17th, report says, quoting Global Property Guide.