Property
A deeds-based register with a notarial transfer requirement
Bulgaria keeps a personal-name deeds register rather than a full parcel-based title register, so searches run against owners and history. Transfers require a notarial deed executed before a notary in the district where the property lies.
Key rules
- Transfer of real property requires a notarial deed and entry in the deeds register.
- Foreign natural persons may not acquire agricultural land, subject to EU treaty rules.
- Acquisitive prescription runs in ten years, or five in good faith with title.
- Buildings may be owned separately from land through a right to build (pravo na stroezh).
Governing law
- Property Act (1951)Zakon za sobstvenostta.
- Cadastre and Property Register Act (2000)
- Ownership and Use of Agricultural Land Act (1991)
In practice
Because the register is name-based, a title search must trace the chain of previous owners for the prescription period; skipping it is how restitution and forged-power-of-attorney claims surface years later.