Apartment to Rent In Sofia, Bulgaria

Finding an Apartment to Rent In Sofia, Bulgaria

Before you begin searching for an apartment to rent in Sofia, you must familiarise yourself with the market and rental process. Seeking the help of an experienced rental broker will give you keen insights into the different neighbourhoods and apartment types in Sofia. A rental agent will help narrow your search for rental apartments which are within your budget and meet your requirements.

Sofia is the cultural and business centre of Bulgaria and each district has its own characteristics and different schools, restaurants, shops, recreation facilities, and transport connections such as the Sofia Metro.

Documents Required to Rent an Apartment in Sofia

Required documents will vary depending on the landlord. However, most will need a selection of the following:

• Letter from employer stating position, length of employment, and salary.
• Landlord reference letter including the name, address, and phone number of the previous landlord.
• Recent bank statements
• Two professional reference letters
• Photo identification (passport, id card, or driver’s license)

Initial payments required for your new rental apartment in Sofia are likely to be:

• First month’s rent
• A security deposit of one month
• Brokerage fee – up to one month’s rental

Using a Rental Agent versus Searching for a Rental Apartment Yourself

Before the Internet took over most of our lives, searching for a Sofia apartment for rent on your own, if you did not speak Bulgarian, was a complicated and challenging task. This is that’s no longer the case as it is now possible to do all the research you need online through various websites on your computer or telephone.

However, this can be an extremely time-consuming approach to finding an apartment in Sofia if you choose to go-alone, even if you can understand enough Bulgarian to navigate the property portals and find exactly what you need and to arranging apartment viewings.

Taking this approach, you will also have to contend irresponsible landlords who don’t return your calls to rental scams.

Appointing a Property Rental Agent in Sofia

If you decide to go with a rental agent to help you find an apartment for rent in Sofia, you will need to pay a broker’s fee when you sign the contract for the apartment which is typically one month’s rent but can be negotiated downwards a little.

An experienced rental agent will save you time because they know exactly what apartments are available, what they are worth, and whether they meet your criteria. We will select the most suitable apartments for you to view, help you prepare your offer, and negotiate a deal with the landlord.

Another benefit of having an experienced agent is their connections with other local professionals for services like movers and decorators. This will be especially beneficial if you are new to Sofia.

Determine Your Budget and How to Qualify

The most constraining factor in your search for an apartment will be your budget. Before starting your search, you must clearly understand the maximum you can afford to pay per month.

Once you have calculated your monthly outgoings with rent, you will have a better understanding which apartments are in your price range.

Choosing a District to Rent your Apartment in Sofia

When it comes to Sofia districts, no two are the same. Our rental agents will introduce you to the different areas of Sofia to ensure that you know how to navigate around them, and help you pick the location that is best suited for you depending on your criteria.

It is recommended that you go for a walk around the area to get a feel for its atmosphere. You can discover the character of the district first-hand by talking to residents, visiting stores, schools, restaurants, and other local places.

Decide on the Size of the Apartment You Need

Space is a precious commodity in the Sofia real estate market, so you must be realistic about your needs. Questions such as how many bedrooms and bathrooms are vital in determining the cost of the apartment.

Pick the Most Essential Amenities that you Require

Consider compromising on things that are non-essential to you such as air-conditioning, parking, security etc. Some luxury buildings in Sofia feature on-site gyms, pools, and communal areas which you may not need at the moment.

Schedule Viewings

You must tell us the dates and times you are available, and we will organise the viewings. Mid-week viewings may be difficult, but the best apartments in Sofia set snapped up quickly so the faster you can act the better.

To save time, it is better that we schedule back-to-back viewings of some apartments in the same district. We will allow enough time for you to be thorough when evaluating the property because your first viewing could be your last before signing the lease.

It is important to keep notes on your viewings so that you can make an accurate comparison at the end of the day

It is better to be on time for your viewings to show prospective landlords  that you are reliable and serious about renting.

Be Prepared When Viewing Apartments

When viewing an apartment, we highly recommend you come prepared with all the information necessary to apply to rent it as apartments for rent in Sofia move quickly.

Also, it is a good idea to bring along a tape measure to ensure that your furniture will fit into an apartment.

Choose the Right Apartment for Rent in Sofia

After viewing the available apartments for rent in Sofia then it is time to decide which one you prefer. Some tenants only must look at apartments once to conclude it is the perfect place for them.

Others will have to weigh many apartment rentals’ advantages and disadvantages carefully. You must consider which property is at the best location for commuting, weekend entertainment, and traveling outside the area.

Furthermore, it would be best to consider whether any repairs are necessary, whether the apartment unit itself is laid out functionally, has space for all your belongings, and whether it has ample natural light.

Frequently Asked Questions by Renters in Sofia

Why use a Rental Agent?

You might be asking yourself; do I need an agent to find a rental apartment? In short, yes. The process can be tricky even for those with experience, so tenant representation is essential. We will guide you through every rental process step.

Our trusted agents will evaluate your lifestyle needs and only recommend the best available apartments for your needs. We will also handle lease negotiations and help you with resources to make your move smooth.

Every client is an individual; we employ a custom approach that meets each client’s needs. Whether looking for a beautiful house or a luxurious apartment, Sofia Property Broker has the resources and relationships to make your move a smooth, stress-free experience.

We’ll help you identify and choose from the most appropriate apartment options and negotiate the best possible terms for your selected Sofia property rental.

What Is the Monthly Apartment Rent in Sofia?

The rent varies according to the apartment but monthly rental payments in Sofia are reasonable compared to other capital cities in Europe regardless of the apartment type.

Monthly rents start at 700 Euro in central Sofia but you can expect to pay much more than this for a larger place in a top area with many facilities like a fitness centre.

Are Credit Reports required?

When renting Sofia apartments, landlords, almost without exception, will require a favourable credit report. Before applying, prospective tenants must have their credit reports in near-perfect condition.

Landlords deal with credit issues in different ways. For instance, some landlords will immediately reject an application if presented with a weak credit report. Conversely, other landlords may ask that you increase the security deposit or get a guarantor.