Which renovations need a permit in Bulgaria?

It depends on the type of work. Under Art. 151 of the Bulgarian Spatial Planning Act (ZUT), routine repair (painting, plastering, floors, doors and windows of the same size), internal alterations that do not touch the load-bearing structure or change the intended use, and the glazing of balconies and loggias need no building permit. A permit is required for anything that removes or moves load-bearing walls, cuts openings into them, changes loads or the intended use of rooms, or affects the structural design. In that case a building permit from the municipality's chief architect and an investment project are needed, preceded by a structural engineer or architect. Facade, roof and stairwell require a resolution of the floor owners' association. For buyers this means: before buying an apartment to alter, establish which of the three classes the plan falls into. Find tradespeople through recommendations, ask for a written fixed-price offer, pay in instalments as the work progresses and put the warranty in the contract.