Someone else claims ownership after your Bulgarian property purchase

A letter from someone claiming ownership does not automatically mean you lose the property. However, a court claim needs a response even if you hold a notarial deed. Investigate the competing right while preserving remedies against the seller.

A title problem differs from a building defect

The issue is whether another person owns the property or has an enforceable right over it. The seller's liability is governed by Bulgarian contract law, including exceptions and the significance of the buyer's prior knowledge. Consequences differ where the claim affects the whole property, part of it or a limited right. Not every dispute supports identical repayment or rescission remedies.

Do not exclude the seller from the proceedings

The law gives importance to involving the seller in proceedings that may result in judicial deprivation of title. If excluded, the seller may argue that adequate grounds existed to defeat the third party's claim. Informally sending a photograph of the claim is not a substitute for the appropriate procedural step in time.

Keep evidence of the actual price, costs and information disclosed before purchase. Admitting the competing title or settling without assessing the consequences may complicate a later claim against the seller.