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Living together does not create Bulgaria's matrimonial community-property regime. The Family Code applies its property regimes to spouses and links statutory community to rights acquired during marriage through joint contribution. For unmarried buyers, title follows the acquisition deed and the shares acquired. (Bulgarian Family Code, Articles 18 and 21)
Separate two questions: who owns each share and who owes what to the lender. They may align, but they are not the same legal relationship.
Sources were checked on 19 August 2026. Have a Bulgarian lawyer structure the purchase and agree it with the lender and notary.
Put the intended shares in the deed
Equal shares may reflect equal contributions. Where the deposit or intended ownership differs, other ideal shares may be acquired. Bulgarian property law presumes equal co-ownership shares until the contrary is established, so recording the intended shares clearly reduces future dispute. (Bulgarian Property Act, Article 30)
A private agreement can regulate the couple's relationship, but it does not by itself alter registered title or bind the lender.
Ownership and loan liability differ
The bank may require both partners as borrowers or one as co-debtor. Liability follows the credit agreement, not an informal 50/50 understanding. Read the credit contract, mortgage deed and insurance and decide what happens if one person cannot pay temporarily.
Agree an exit while relations are good
Cover occupation, mortgage payments, tax, repairs and decisions to let or sell. Include a separation process: independent valuation, an option for one partner to buy the other's share, a deadline and a route to sale of the whole property.
Transferring a share does not automatically release a borrower. The bank must approve changes to the debt. A person can otherwise cease to own while remaining liable for the loan.
Cohabitation does not create spousal inheritance
An unmarried partner is not a spouse for Bulgarian intestate succession. The Succession Act grants statutory rights to a spouse and defines the other intestate heirs; a will remains subject to protected-share rules. (Bulgarian Succession Act, Articles 5–9 and 28–30)
A will, insurance and contractual planning solve different parts of the problem and require individual advice.
Frequently asked questions
Can one person own while both pay?
Yes, but payment does not automatically give the other person title. Structure ownership before completion if that is not the intended outcome.
Can the deed record 70/30 shares?
Yes, where properly agreed and documented. The lender must separately accept the security and borrower structure.
How is the property sold after separation?
By agreement, buyout or sale of the whole. Without agreement, partition proceedings may become relevant.
Is a private agreement enough?
It helps between the partners but does not replace the notarial deed or change the lender's rights.
Sources
Agree the ownership shares and payment record before signing the preliminary contract. If one partner later wishes to transfer only their share, obtain separate Bulgarian legal advice on disposing of a co-ownership share.
View current Magnolia apartments and agree the ownership shares before paying a reservation deposit.
Vladimir Kolev is the CEO of TV Property and an entrepreneur in the field of residential and investment properties. He graduated in Economics and Mathematics from the University of Bath and Sofia University and has practical experience in the development of distinguished residential projects in Sofia and along the Black Sea coast.