Balkan Select Property

New build checklist

Checklist for buying new build property abroad

New build property abroad can be attractive, but it requires careful checks before signing or paying. This checklist helps buyers review developer reliability, permits, payment stages, delivery conditions and local documentation when considering projects in Bulgaria, Montenegro, Albania, Greece, Croatia, North Macedonia or Kosovo.

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General orientation

New build requires more than a brochure review

With new build property, buyers assess both the future property and the process that should deliver it. Developer reliability, land control, permits, contracts, construction quality and handover conditions all matter.

This checklist is for general orientation only. It does not replace local legal, tax, notarial, cadastral, technical, insurance or property management advice.

Checklist

Questions to structure before buying new build abroad

Before choosing

Before choosing a new build project

  • Define your buying goal: second home, rental orientation, relocation, lifestyle use or investment orientation.
  • Compare the country, region and developer carefully.
  • Check whether the project is completed, under construction or still planned.
  • Understand the difference between reservation, preliminary contract and final transfer.
  • Never rely only on renders, brochures or sales claims.

Developer

Developer and project checks

  • Who is the developer?
  • Has the developer completed similar projects before?
  • Are company details and ownership structure clear?
  • Are there reviews, references or completed buildings to inspect?
  • Is the seller or developer authorised to sell?
  • Are local partners or agents properly documented?
  • Is the project financially and legally structured?

Permits

Land, ownership and permits

  • Is the land legally owned or controlled by the developer?
  • Are cadastral records clear?
  • Are building permits issued?
  • Does the project match the approved plans?
  • Are zoning, land-use, coastal, heritage or environmental rules relevant?
  • Are utilities, access roads and infrastructure included?
  • Are common areas and parking legally defined?

Contract

Contract and payment structure

  • Has a local lawyer reviewed the contract?
  • Is the reservation fee refundable or non-refundable?
  • Are payment stages linked to construction progress?
  • What happens if delivery is delayed?
  • Are penalties, cancellation clauses and buyer protection clear?
  • Is VAT or transfer tax relevant?
  • Are all included items described in writing?

Delivery

Construction quality and delivery

  • Who controls construction quality?
  • Are materials, finishes and technical installations specified?
  • Is there a handover inspection?
  • Are defects recorded before final payment?
  • Are warranties clearly described?
  • Are common facilities completed at delivery?
  • Are furniture packages or upgrades separately documented?

After purchase

Management, rental and after-purchase use

  • Who manages the building after completion?
  • Are service charges clear?
  • Are rental rules, licences and restrictions known?
  • Is property management available locally?
  • Who handles keys, maintenance and cleaning?
  • Are insurance requirements clear?
  • Can the property be used year-round?

Risks to avoid

Renders are not due diligence

Paying too much before permits are clear
Signing without legal review
Buying only from renders
Not checking developer track record
Ignoring delivery delays
Assuming rental income is guaranteed
Not checking service charges
Forgetting technical handover inspection

Balkan Select Property

How BSP can help

Balkan Select Property can help buyers structure their orientation, compare countries and regions, prepare questions, shortlist suitable projects and understand which local specialists should be involved before moving further.

BSP does not replace local legal, tax, notarial, cadastral, technical, insurance, property management or financial advice.

Next step

Use the new build checklist before you reserve, sign or pay

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FAQ

Questions about buying new build abroad

Is new build property abroad risk-free?

No. New build can be attractive, but developer, permits, contracts, payment stages, delivery and technical quality still need careful local review.

Should I use a local lawyer for new build?

Yes. A local lawyer or qualified legal specialist should review contracts, ownership, permits, payment terms and buyer protection before signing or paying.

Are payment stages important?

Yes. Payment stages, construction progress, delay clauses, cancellation rights and final transfer conditions are central to new build risk control.

Can rental income be guaranteed?

No. Rental income depends on location, season, property quality, rules, licences, management and demand. It should not be treated as guaranteed.

Should I inspect before handover?

Yes. A handover inspection and clear defect list are important before final payment or acceptance, preferably with qualified local technical support.

Does BSP provide legal or technical advice?

No. BSP provides orientation and structure only. It does not replace local legal, tax, notarial, cadastral, technical, insurance, property management or financial specialists.