The Black Sea real estate market is flooded with illegal bungalows, a worrying trend highlighted by the Mayor of Tsarevo Municipality, Marin Kirov. In an interview with the media, he explains that many of these relocatable structures are situated on agricultural land or were placed without the necessary permits from the municipality’s chief architect. Kirov is adamant that such transactions are highly risky and advises anyone considering investing in a bungalow to seek legal counsel to avoid purchasing a property that may be subject to imminent demolition.
The mayor clarifies that current practices dictate these sales are conducted solely via an invoice for the structure. Buyers should not expect a purchase agreement or a title deed, as they only become owners of the prefabricated unit, not the land beneath it. While selling via invoice is legal, Kirov emphasizes that there is a significant risk that a given campsite could eventually face administrative proceedings or complaints regarding illegal installation. Because these are classified as relocatable objects rather than permanent buildings, bank financing for them is only possible through personal loans, not mortgages.
Marin Kirov provides a detailed picture of the situation in the region:
- Following the recent disaster, 100 demolition orders were issued for illegal structures, many of which are currently being offered on the secondary and tertiary markets.
- In the area known as "Yako myasto" ("The Cool Place"), there are about 100 confirmed demolition orders, some of which are set to be carried out once court appeals conclude.
- Along the "Arapya" coastline, illegal structures have already been removed—voluntarily demolished by their owners—though the area still contains a mix of illegal constructions and those that are fully compliant.
- A procedure for drafting a new General Development Plan is underway, while the municipality awaits a decision from the Administrative Court regarding the revocation of the previous plan.
Prices for these bungalows range from 25,000 to 70,000 euros, which is equivalent to the cost of a small apartment. For this price, the buyer receives a fully furnished unit complete with a living room, kitchen, air conditioning, water heater, washing machine, veranda, and parking space. Often, however, there is no documentary guarantee; buyers rely on a "gentleman's agreement" or, at best, a private land lease with the owner. The mayor also points to examples of unclear costs: one seller demands a waste disposal fee of 256 euros, even though the official fee according to the Tsarevo municipality price list is 153.39 euros. Furthermore, Kirov warns that utility accounts for water and electricity are often not in the buyer's name, despite claims in the listings. The mayor assures that there is no municipal land at "Arapya" that has been seized by private individuals for subleasing to third parties.