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Checking a building's quality before buying in Bulgaria

Official records alone do not prove a building's quality, but checking the permit, commissioning and ownership records shows early whether there is a problem on paper. Physical quality is judged by an independent engineer on site. This article separates the two.

Real estate · Last reviewed: 2026-10-07

This is not legal or financial advice

This page explains the process in general terms and points to the official sources of the competent authorities. For decisions specific to your own situation, consult a lawyer, an accountant or the relevant institution. Rules and amounts change over time.

What official records can show

The Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works (МРРБ) site publishes, under «Registers», lists of issued building permits, endorsed permits, issued certificates for putting into operation and current construction bans. The Geodesy, Cartography and Cadastre Agency (АГКК) offers services from the cadastral map and registers. The Registry Agency's EPZEU portal has a Property Register section with a references menu. These three sources help you see whether a building was built under a permit and who owns it; they say nothing about concrete strength or workmanship.

Checklist

  1. Ask for the permit and the commissioning certificate

    Ask the seller for copies and check the relevant lists in the МРРБ registers. For the process and document names see the article on Act 16.

  2. Verify the cadastre and ownership record

    The property's cadastral data and register entry should match what the seller says. See the article on cadastre lookups and use the АГКК and EPZEU portals.

  3. Hire an independent engineer

    Registers do not show hidden defects: damp, cracks, installations, insulation, common parts. Ask a buyer-chosen structural engineer for a written report; this is not a state service but your choice.

  4. Look at common areas and management

    Ask the building manager for written information on shared costs and known repairs.

  5. Reflect findings in the contract

    Put a price reduction or an obligation to fix defects into the preliminary contract; use a notary and a lawyer.

Scope

For new buildings permit and commissioning records matter most; for old ones, the maintenance history. This article does not set out technical construction-control standards; technical assessment is the engineer's job.

Frequently asked questions

Do official records prove a building's quality?

No. They show whether it was built under a permit and who owns it; physical defects need an independent engineer.

Where can I see issued commissioning certificates?

The МРРБ site publishes a list of issued certificates under «Registers».

Sources

The information on this page is based on the official sources listed below. Legislation changes — open the links and verify the current position.

  1. Министерство на регионалното развитие и благоустройството (МРРБ) — Kayıtlar: verilen inşaat ruhsatları ve kullanıma alma belgeleri — https://www.mrrb.government.bg/ · 2026-10-07
  2. Агенция по геодезия, картография и кадастър (АГКК) — Hizmetlerin tanımı — https://www.cadastre.bg/uslugi · 2026-10-07
  3. Агенция по вписванията — EPZEU: Mülkiyet sicili, sorgular (англ.) — https://portal.registryagency.bg/PR/en/reports · 2026-10-07

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