A retired British couple has been left devastated after losing £50,000 in what they believed would be their dream retirement home in Bulgaria—only to discover they'd fallen victim to an elaborate property scam.
The Promise of Paradise
John and Linda, a couple in their late 60s from the UK, were enticed by glossy brochures advertising affordable luxury villas in Bulgaria's picturesque countryside. Eager to escape Britain's rising living costs, they invested their entire savings into what agents promised would be a fully renovated home with modern amenities.
The Harsh Reality
Upon arrival, the couple found a half-built property with no working heating, incomplete paperwork, and legal disputes over ownership. "We were shown stunning photos, but the actual house was uninhabitable," Linda told reporters. "Winter temperatures dropped below freezing, and we had to rely on space heaters."
Warning Signs Ignored
- Pressure to sign contracts in Bulgarian without translation
- Requests for cash payments with no receipts
- Vague answers about property titles
- Last-minute "fee" increases
Legal Limbo
Local authorities confirmed the couple's contract lacks proper notarisation, leaving them with no legal recourse. "This is a classic example of property fraud targeting foreign buyers," explained a Bulgarian legal expert.
Protecting Yourself Abroad
- Always hire an independent local lawyer
- Verify all property documents at the land registry
- Never sign untranslated contracts
- Use traceable payment methods
- Visit multiple times before purchasing
The couple has returned to the UK while attempting to recover their funds, serving as a cautionary tale for those considering overseas property investments.
