In our regular series of advice columns on buying property abroad, specialist solicitors John Howell and Co look at the opportunities on offer in Bulgaria

BULGARIA is a country for all seasons.

It has a great coastal climate for summer sun occupying the eastern shores of the Black Sea and a temperate climate throughout the country, except at the higher altitudes where mountain skiing is the winter opportunity.

All this comes very cheaply too, with farmhouses in the countryside for as little as £5,000.

Flights from the UK take two hours from London to Sofia and are scheduled, direct and regular. So how do you go about buying in Bulgaria?

In the UK you would search around estate agents.

Agents in Bulgaria are a new profession; they have only been around since the fall of Communism in 1990.

Today agents in Bulgaria must be licensed, so when dealing with them be sure to check this.

If possible try to find an agent who has had dealings with other foreigners and this will help to ensure that they understand your needs.

Local agents' fees are usually three per cent by the buyer and three per cent by the purchaser. Foreign agents may charge more. Some say that legal services are included in their fee, but you need to check this out.

Bulgarian mortgages are obtainable on completed properties only, for up to 70 per cent of the value of the property, and can cost as much as four per cent of the property value to arrange.

Interest rates are also much higher than the UK and there is exchange rate risk. (If the pound loses value the amount of pounds you will need to buy Bulgarian Leva will increase). Some investors obtain a Bulgarian and a British mortgage to offset the exchange rate risk.

When buying it is also good to consult a lawyer, and a UK-based lawyer maybe an easier option.

Make sure that they understand Bulgarian land laws though. If, for example, you buy land or buildings (but not on apartments) you can still only buy it through a Bulgarian company, which you would have to set up. And if you buy in the border areas, you will need government permission.

Like so many other countries there is a culture of under declaration (tax avoidance) as the official tax rate for buying property can be as high as 22 per cent and this is something that you should discuss with your lawyer.

There are, as with any of the emerging markets, issues to be aware of, for example bad title, where there is issue over current ownership, fraudulent attempts to sell property through power of attorney, double sales, builders going bust and planning permission issues on new build properties. Just note these issues down and be aware of them to ask about them when you buy.

And finally, before you buy you should always remember to prepare. Just as buying a house in the UK takes time and preparation, buying a home overseas is no different. Get your finances together and be prepared to put a deposit down (usually 10 per cent). Do some research and with the right preparation you will be holidaying in Bulgaria in no time at all.

John Howell & Co is a firm of English lawyers and international solicitors who specialise in Europe and Dubai. If you need advice please write to: John Howell & Co, The Old Glass Works, 22, Endell Street, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9AD. Call: 020 7420 0400 or visit the company's website: http://www.europelaw.com/