Things To Consider BEFORE Purchasing a Rural Bulgarian House

We thought it would be a good idea to share our experiences and challenges whilst living in Bulgaria. We discuss everything from power cuts, phone signal issues and even the bin men! So be sure to watch to the end if you're considering emigrating to Rural Bulgaria.

[@miarhodes6716]

Finally a living in Bulgaria channel that has detail, realism, honesty and just a simply authentic, positive vibe. You guys are awesome - please keep going! Blessings from Australia

[@MarkandAnisha]

Aw thank you so much Mia 🥰 welcome to the family, best wishes 😊

[@yanbu000]

Agree 100% 💯

[@queensbones8419]

totally agree !

[@kremenamarinova6337]

Absolute truth is everything you said. Our village is relatively large, the population is about 650 people, which has grown in the last 2-3 years. But here too, we have a lot of problems-the streets are bad, there are sometimes electric shocks, only a year ago they began to collect the garbage more often, every week. 4 months ago a main street in the village was asphalted- an event for the last 35 years. In our village there are 4-5 shops and several cafes. The internet is good but I guess it depends on the location of the village. Although little the change is visible, with more people in the village more things change. As for ATMs, it depends on the banks. The mayor of our village has gone to different banks with an offer to install their own ATM, but all have refused him- a high investment for relatively few people. And with a non-permanent police patrol, it is risky to make such an investment. As for the community center you mentioned it is a remarkable institution in Bulgaria, it‘s there in almost every village, it maintains the spirit of the people, preserves and spreads our traditions, it is also a library, a theater, a work shop. When there is an event, do not hesitate to visit it, it‘s always very interesting, educational, cheerful, usually with music and dancing. I really enjoy your videos, keep up the good work.

[@Radio280]

How much money a couple needs to live comfortably in the villages south of Burgas without paying rent?

[@kremenamarinova6337]

@@Radio280, it depends on a lot of things. Location, for example. I live in Northern Bulgaria, the taxes, as well as the price of electricity, water, etc. is different in different areas of the country. It also depends on whether you produce your own food or rely only on the stores. A pensioner in Bulgaria manages to survive with 250 euros per month, although it is very difficult. But there are people for whom even with 1500 euros it is difficult for them to survive. It depends on the lifestyle you are used to.

[@dimodimov5298]

Hi guys. Just imagine how much of modern infrastructure you can get for 10 - 20 euro of property tax a year from 20 - 30 houses in a village like yours. And believe me you are much better off living life this. Let's not forget that in a way you runaway from this modern things. All this cons are actually the cons of being free. Even cash is a fom of freedom Enjoy your freedom, freedom that most in the west don't have anymore. Good luck.

[@MarkandAnisha]

Oh 100% agree, it might not be perfect but it's far better than what we had before!

[@kaththomas670]

I've found that leaving unwanted stuff outside our gate on the lane and it's usually taken by someone who can make use of my unwanted stuff. Nothing ever gets thrown away in our Bulgarian village.

[@MarkandAnisha]

Alot of the things that we got rid off was first seen and sorted through by some of our neighbors, even clothes and shoes where taken. Completely agree there. Unfortunately most treasures end up being lost forever.. but not if we can help it

[@RilaRenovation]

So true about the roads! We bought online and didn’t realise how difficult access can be.

[@MarkandAnisha]

Thanks for sharing your experience 👍

[@mrbulldog7396]

Same with my property. My drive way is so over grown and done have a road to my property only a feild 😂.

[@Radio280]

The stupidest thing to do is to buy online

[@carolineclements4235]

Enjoying this again

[@WelshfamilylivinginBulgaria]

I love this channel 100% correct on what they say 👍

[@MarkandAnisha]

Thanks! We try to be as accurate as we can with what we have witnessed and experienced personally 😊

[@carolineclements4235]

Thank you to you both for your honesty, the information is really helpful. This is the most in depth details so we know what to expect thank you.

[@MarkandAnisha]

That's the thing, it's easy for everyone to talk about the positives, but we feel the "negatives" if you can call them that, are just as important for those considering a similar journey to ours. Thanks for the comment 😊

[@VWApachey]

Great tips guys, definitely made me think about getting stainless steel taps now.....

[@MarkandAnisha]

It's definitely worth the extra pennies for sure 😊

[@Ragnar8504]

Vinegar or citric acid are great for removing limescale. If the kettle is bad enough you can even boil vinegar to speed up the process, you might want to keep the windows open while you do that though. For things that might have O-rings and other rubber parts citric acid dissolved in water is better I've been told. That's what I'm using in the dishwasher from time to time, a few tablespoons of acid in a litre of water. Bin pickup in rural areas can be iffy, no matter where you are. I remember monthly pickup in rural Austria, close to the German border, around 15 years ago.

[@MarkandAnisha]

Thanks for your advice and suggestions, it really helps 😊

[@bogdanpopov7665]

I'm sure that if you boil one Coca-Cola in the catel all limescale will disappear.

[@MarkandAnisha]

Possibly but we'd probably end up with a very sticky kettle haha

[@Ragnar8504]

@@MarkandAnisha Yeah, not the greatest idea. I think citric acid or vinegar are more effective than the little bit of phosphoric acid in Coca Cola.

[@Andy.Robertson]

That was a great video, it's nice to hear about more than just the good stuff, thanks guys!

[@MarkandAnisha]

That's the thing, it's easy talking about the "paradise" but the cons are just as important 😊 Thanks Andy

[@petersoakell6950]

Hi , just found your channel, love the teamwork ~ finishing each others sentences. Good info. Subbed)

[@MarkandAnisha]

Thanks for the support Peter, really appreciate you taking the time to comment 🙂

[@kalinxristov1654]

And on some rainy day from the challenge you set yourself, you just might show us those weird old things you own, so there's a chance you'll learn something about their purpose too :)

[@MarkandAnisha]

That's not a bad idea actually! You've got us excited for another video ☺️

[@Buntersnewquay]

Great video as always!

[@MarkandAnisha]

Thanks ☺️

[@Malta2024]

Thanks for the video. Super informative. Greetings from Malta

[@MarkandAnisha]

Glad you enjoyed it and found it useful 😁 greetings 😄

[@edlayton4202]

Thanks for this video. Just discovered it. Wonderful points of advice. I took notes and will review them often Best Wishes and Warmest Regards. Ed

[@MarkandAnisha]

Really glad this helped, thanks for your support Ed 🙏

[@jczartoryski]

Living in rural Bulgaria sounds a lot like living in rural South Africa. It's heartening to see your good cheer in the face of what you sometimes have to deal with.

[@MarkandAnisha]

We always try to find the positive in things ☺️

[@dimodimov5298]

No, you are wrong, it's nothing like South Africa. There is no life in the most beautiful country in the world, with the best climate in the world South Africa. You are living in a cage constantly being in fear for your life. In Bulgaria you are safe and free.

[@jczartoryski]

@@dimodimov5298 If you read carefully, I was comparing the rural regions of the two countries. The more distant one is from the major cities and towns, the less infrastructure and shopping there is. People become more self-reliant. Boer maak 'n plan.

[@dimodimov5298]

@@jczartoryski I'm afraid you wrong again. Bulgaria is a small country I bet the next village is just a 10 kilometres away and major city just a 30-50 kilometres. Such distance in South Africa is like going to visit our neighbours. Again Bulgaria is nothing like South Africa. At one point South Africa was the best country in the world but not any more. South Africa has no future, Bulgaria has especially with people like this. I wish their video's bring more people like them. Regards.

[@jczartoryski]

@@dimodimov5298 You are either deliberately missing the point about people having to be self-reliant or simply not getting it.

[@Luke-ck6ok]

Thanks for sharing truly helpful

[@MarkandAnisha]

Glad it was worth the watch, thanks Luke! ! Good luck with everything ☺️

[@nikkiweeksy2487]

If you dry down the taps straight after a shower/bath etc, it helps keep the limescale marks at bay. Great video by the way, thanks.

[@MarkandAnisha]

That's a really good idea, didn't think of that! Thanks 🙏

[@patrickviz7657]

Wow, you are great, thank you

[@MarkandAnisha]

Thanks Patrick! ☺️

[@krasimirkirev5291]

Bulgaria is known to have one of the best Internet connections. If your internet is not very good it means that your plan may be is not be so good. The other thing is the location of the house.

[@MarkandAnisha]

Our provider is Vivacom, and others in our village use them also, but we've heard that A1 also has good coverage here too so it could just be the nearby mast not reaching us, who knows 🤷 yes definitely could be an issue

[@soaruk3697]

Ah when you get the electricity, internet and water out for a week or so.... quite often water is off for months in summer in the village I live in......... The infrastructure - mainly Soviet. is falling apart and being patched up as best as can in a lot of areas - things gradually getting improved, but in the poorest country in the EU it will take time, especially as a lot of EU money is siphoned off by the rampant corruption in some of the top levels of Bulgarian society. Just be prepared for it........... and look carefully before your leap ............ p.s. don't believe a word the agents tell you -that new road that's going in, the airport that is opening next year etc etc. All in all, still better than the ratrace shithole the UK is being turned into..... p.s. there are many pristine houses they just cost a lot more, but still can get a really nice house fully finished to modern standards with pool etc. for less than what you would pay for a shoebox in middle ot road, in the UK. 7 years in, still no running water in house, no washing machine, no hot shower unless I put the kettle on or hang the solar shower outside, woodstove for heat, and electrical appliance run off one main power lead into house - and I'm still alive.

[@MarkandAnisha]

We understand and agree to your comment to be honest, but wow 7 years is a long time, so good on you for pursuing through it 👍

[@soaruk3697]

@@MarkandAnisha Time passes more quickly when you are older and lazier :-) - Enjoy your videos -some people post too far rosy a picture. Gotta' accept it for what it is, far too many people have forgotten what life was like even a 100 years ago for most in developed western Europe, or indeed for what its like for the majority of the worlds population in many parts of the world today, and have become far used too modern conveniences...... I don't have to walk 10 miles for clean water - like I have seen 7 and 8 year olds doing in some parts of the world. I have a solid roof over my head, heat, a nearby water supply, electricity and internet (most of the time:) - pretty much a life of relative luxury for a lot of people in the world.

[@johnelton3796]

Another great vlogs. What kind of water softener are you considering? Seems to be mega expensive at 1000 leva, but if it does the job then it's probably going to be worth it.

[@MarkandAnisha]

Thanks John! We're not actually using one right now, but we would like to invest in the one we've seen in the future, which is more than capable to keep up with the mains water supply. Instead of having individual softeners for each application/ faucet. We currently only use the recommended salt additives for the washer and dishwasher.

[@MarkandAnisha]

Sorry, I've just noticed I completely misread your comment. Basically its a large cylinder tank, possibly 100l I think, which contains a special salt which when electrified causes the limescale to stick to the salt as the water passes through the tank, which then feeds the house. This is from memory so I might be missing bits but overall it seems pretty well reviewed and is suitable for a family of four.

[@ivanivanov-pf5sv]

Against limescale you can use vinegar

[@krasimirkirev5291]

Yeah, the hard water is a problem. Honestly it is typical for the north of Bulgaria and not only.

[@dayanbalevski4446]

You guys need to get yourselves some wifi extenders/boosters if you have dark spots, they will help with your cell as long as you are using wifi to talk, like viber or w.e As for internet, are you using satellite internet? You could ask the internet company to install fiber optics in your area - it may or may not cost you however.

[@MarkandAnisha]

We only use our phones, we don't have a WiFi router in the house so we can't use your suggestion to be honest, that would definitely work for others in a similar position though! So thanks for sharing 👍 I highly doubt they're ready for fibre optics in these rural areas, however! Our friend at the top of the village has Starlink internet, so in the future we will consider that if we feel like it 💫

[@dayanbalevski4446]

I think if you discussed with the village and they all wanted internet installed, you could get the internet company to install fiber optics. We had to do that at our villa which is outside of the city. We also gathered money for the installation of the fiber optics. We had to also do something similar for the roads, we tried to get everyone in the area to pitch into getting the roads pot holes fixed. Anyway, take away is to take things into your own hands and ask, you may be pleasantly surprised, or not.

[@MarkandAnisha]

Well that sounds great, so we might just do that! We haven't heard of villages pooling funds together before so it's nice to know it's been done before 👍

[@chainedaddiction]

Is it possible to set up rain collection barrels where you live? Ideally, I would like to buy a property with a well and use a small solar powered electric pump to fill an elevated water tank.

[@MarkandAnisha]

Yes totally! The tiled roofs aren't that ideal for cleanliness but it could be easily done by changing round the guttering system. Your idea can be easily achieved here and materials can be easily sourced too 🙂

[@chainedaddiction]

@@MarkandAnisha awesome! I’m an off grid type guy. It’s just me and 2 cats so living simple and cheap is easy for me. I mostly need access to chickens for food for my cats. I’ll start my own livestock like rabbits and chickens once I get my feet on the ground. I’m hoping to at least be tied in with either Bulgarians, expats, or both to get my hands dirty by early spring planting even if I don’t have property yet. I am a big believer in bartering labor for food and other basics and I have never turned down productive work.

[@yasserbakr8492]

Did you leave Bulgaria? and why? Why don't you use home Internet?

[@pippawise6877]

Your both so lovely 😊

[@MarkandAnisha]

Aw thank you 🥰

[@ivanivanov-pf5sv]

And also if you have questions u can ask me you are very welcome,лека нощ

[@MarkandAnisha]

Thank you for your support 😊 we will, thanks Ivan

[@gw6056]

Your not exactly selling it are you....ha ha. In other videos you claim you live in Paradise but that doesn't sound like paradise. I think what your trying to say when you describe your life as paradise is that you have have total daily autonomy you are free to 'be' as you wish, being your own existence architects. Very different from living under the thumb of a British city. It's this joy of autonomy without judgement which feels so liberating and free, esp when you have the space to physically spread out your wings of ambition without being monitored. Bulgaria is not for the meek, you need stamina and internal will power to pull through...but in the process you will grow. My bins every fortnight, but I would drive to others with few bags every now and then. I don't have electric yet I use Eco Flow products for power. (Solar) and live within its capacity. I love Bulgaria because of the green gym element it keeps me fit and healthy, but I always visit town (Tryavna) to melt into the sounds of life as isolation is a very bad thing long-term. I always say BG is good enough, it's just good enough no more no less just good enough. Regards

[@MarkandAnisha]

Well like we said, with all its quirks we still really enjoy living here, but we feels it's just as important to be real and tell people what we have experienced whilst being here and give people a heads up 👍 Like you say, the outdoors provides enough physical exercise if you have the will power to do it. We use the solar system for majority of our low power consumption, not so much over winter though. The whole reason we came here is to escape the UK ruling and we couldn't put it better ourselves, we're not under anyone's thumb here 🙂

[@stuart4578]

If you did it again, would you spend 6-12 months first touring the country to find out where you want to live. E.g area of the country, finding villages with good amenities, infrastructure, maybe close to towns with regular cheap transport etc.?. Or better to just find a cheap place and go for it.

[@MarkandAnisha]

Great question! Yes, definitely. We have only seen a fraction of the other outstanding scenes in Bulgaria and we were already taken in by it's beauty. We would definitely choose more of a "mountain village" if we were to do it again 🙂 thanks for curiousity. More public transport options would've been good too.

[@ButilkaRomm]

Can you try a 4g router with sim card and big external antenna for the Internet?

[@MarkandAnisha]

That is an option yes, we did try a WiFi hub with a SIM card for a short while that we borrowed from a neighbour. But it wasn't much better so we returned it.

[@ButilkaRomm]

@@MarkandAnisha I am not an expert but you can always try a bigger external antenna on the roof :)

[@JR-xw5dk]

I know this is something you do not want to think about,but if one of you would die. What legal issue would there be with the property. And all that would go along with one of you dying. Just something to consider but do not let it interfere with your beautiful lives.

[@MarkandAnisha]

It's an interesting question for sure! Most likely all deeds and assets would be passed to the next heir, most commonly a the next male. So apart from that, it is something we will look into 🙂

[@atanasstoilov421]

If you hear there are gypsos in the village - SELL. WHEN you go to UK or whereever they will come and take out everithing from your house. The police is with them, policeman get a percentage ... So sell before its too late or you will find your house empty. Be adviced!

[@lesleyelalami2562]

Oh goodness. We have a house in Dryanovets, Byala, Ruse. when we visited all metal window and door fixings/handles/locks as well as the 4 metal hotplates from the stove were gone.... as well as all the wood which had been stored in the barn.

[@kosmicheskiprah]

Absolutely unacceptable to witness such basic power struggles!! Good to speak about such things but you should be much more vocal and pressure your mayor and speak with your neighbours to help you. Even if you are English it is still YOUR village! So sorry about the roads and amenities, please do not be demotivated. Many Bulgarians are still sleeping and not taking the initiative and guts or lazy enough waiting for the miracle as usual. We have this "Mediterranean" mentality.

[@MarkandAnisha]

No no! Like we say we deal with all the issues raised rather well, and it is down to maintenance of the village that causes issues most times. Never apologise for it 😊 We have had discussions with the mayor at times of struggle with power outages, and they have helped so not all hope is lost haha

[@kosmicheskiprah]

@@MarkandAnisha The mayor MUST be annoyed all the time. Why is he or she working for???? They get money from Brussels and EU funds and know perfectly well what they should do.. They should listen to the people living in the village especially the young. Avoid your English politeness and speak to them!!! 😡 😡apologies for the frustration! We Bulgarians are like sheep sometimes and so blind to appreciate good people....

[@MarkandAnisha]

Our mayor is a "standing in" mayor so maybe that has something to do with it, oh we can understand your frustration haha 😅 bottom line is, yes they should know what they're doing, generally he's doing an okay job, and I can imagine he is being bombarded constantly so things just take time I guess 🙂

[@soaruk3697]

No, you have the old Soviet mentality - where everything was 'done' for you - everything was provided -although it might not have been much.....

[@skinteastwood2358]

Hi we have a house nr. yambol where do you live ? we would like to visit if possible.

[@MarkandAnisha]

We're 2.5 hours away from Yambol, based in the Stahitza region of Veliko Tarnavo. It would be great to talk more about it if you wish to contact us directly using one of our different channels 🤔

[@ivanivanov-pf5sv]

Be careful with taps because most of them are chinese and they are crap Bulgarian brand VIDIMA are good but little bit expensive

[@MarkandAnisha]

Thanks for the heads up 👍

[@ivanivanov-pf5sv]

10levs to bin mans this is corruption, which is the only way to do something in Bulgaria 🤣 (joke wich is true)

[@MarkandAnisha]

They certainly enjoyed the extra beer money lol

[@r.a.3984]

Ivan, usually tbh , the bin man’s are not allowed to collect that much rubbish per household. They could refuse. At least in my municipality. Usually you have to pay 400 leva for a huge bin that is delivered to your door, load it with the rubbish and then a special truck collect it. I’m sure you seen those large orange ones …. So beer money been worthy xd

[@MarkandAnisha]

@@r.a.3984 For the first time, we saw one of the larger orange trucks in our Village this morning, so it's cool how you've mentioned that

[@ivanivanov-pf5sv]

@@r.a.3984 i know, that was just a joke

[@bogdanpopov7665]

Just find the way how to love Bulgaria and don't complain about some little things.