Buy Direct from the Developer (No Commission): What You Actually Gain

Buy Direct from the Developer (No Commission): What You Actually Gain

When you’re buying a new-build apartment in Sofia’s city centre, the most pragmatic route is often the simplest:

buy direct from the developer—no agency commission. Fewer intermediaries, clearer answers, lower total cost of ownership, and a shorter path to keys-in-hand. This guide lays out the money, the process, and the checks—plain and professional—so you can decide with confidence.


What “no commission” means—in real money

Buying through an intermediary typically adds a percentage fee on top of the property price. With a direct purchase from the developer, that fee disappears. You still cover the standard, unavoidable items:

  • local transfer tax, notary fees and registry charges;

  • bank fees if you finance with a mortgage;

  • moving and fit-out costs.

The commission you don’t pay can be reallocated to things you’ll feel every day: higher-spec “turnkey” finishes, a better kitchen and appliances, a space in the underground garage, or an extra storage unit. These are tangible upgrades that improve daily life and help preserve resale value.


Direct line = current, accurate information

With the developer, you get real-time availability—units, floors, orientations, construction stages and timelines. There’s no risk of “outdated floorplans” or learning last minute that a unit was reserved hours ago. For an example of how we communicate architecture, shared areas and technical parameters, see the building presentation for Pirotska Residence. For typologies and floorplates, browse the apartment catalogue.


Fewer touchpoints, clearer answers

A direct purchase gives you:

  • one communication channel—no relays or message distortion;

  • faster technical responses on materials, details and feasible tweaks;

  • more precise viewings—on the exact floor/exposure, with access to the shared areas and the garage.

In central projects such as Pirotska Residence, the organisation of lobbies, lifts, access control and underground parking is pivotal. You can inspect them in person and preview them in the building overview.


The process and timeline—step by step

  1. Initial consultation. Set your priorities (orientation, floor, need for a study, parking). Send a short list via the contact form.

  2. Viewing and selection. We walk specific apartments and the shared areas; we discuss “turnkey” options.

  3. Reservation & preliminary agreement. We lock the parameters, timelines and payment stages.

  4. Bank financing (if needed). With a direct purchase, we supply the bank with the exact documents it requires.

  5. Notary deed & handover. A clear, predictable path—snagging lists and warranties included.

With no intermediary, the path is shorter, responsibilities are clear, and the schedule is easier to keep.


“Turnkey” finishes: tighter control over quality and budget

Direct buyers typically enjoy a wider specification choice—flooring, tiles, sanitaryware, interior doors, electrical points. The developer coordinates execution within the construction schedule, reducing the risk of trades overlapping and costly rework.

Pro tip: define your style and budget upfront; record selections in a signed schedule with deadlines and warranty notes. That keeps “turnkey” an advantage, not a source of surprises.


Savings beyond the commission

In addition to the headline saving, a direct route delivers quieter, practical gains:

  • fewer mismatches between “promised” and “built” (you speak to the source);

  • smoother coordination if you change something (kitchen, lighting, socket plan);

  • less wasted time—one team, one point of accountability.

In a central address, time is a real cost: parking, access, logistics. An underground garage saves hours over the years—see how it’s organised in the building presentation.


Common myths about agents—reality check

“An agent will get me a lower price.”
In new build, prices are usually public and structured by stage. Temporary promotions or package deals (e.g., apartment + parking space) originate with the developer—direct contact is the shortest path to them.

“I’ll have more options with a broker.”
In high-demand central projects, reservations move quickly. With the developer you see what’s truly available right now and decide accordingly.

“The paperwork will overwhelm me without an agent.”
New-build transactions follow a standardised sequence: reservation, preliminary contract, (optional) bank process, notary deed, handover. You’ll receive a checklist of required documents and dates.


Legal clarity and warranties (what matters, in practice)

  • Transparent documentation: construction acts, technical files, permits.

  • Statutory warranty periods for construction and building services.

  • Snagging (defect) lists at handover plus a rectification plan and a defined channel for follow-up.

In short: there is a documented way to log any issues and a committed process (with deadlines) to put them right.


Total cost of ownership: why direct wins after five years

Compare the whole bill, not just the price on the deed:

  • The saved commission plus lower energy bills (thanks to a high-performing façade and glazing).

  • Lower shared-area running costs (lift, lighting, access control), when these are designed properly from day one.

  • Underground parking vs monthly garage rent or the daily street-parking hunt.

  • Easier letting if you ever need rental income.

The result is often a lower five-to-ten-year ownership cost and better liquidity when you sell.


A strategic way to approach the purchase (without wasting time)

  1. Write your priorities (orientation, floor, study, parking, “turnkey” budget).

  2. Shortlist units from the apartment catalogue—pick 2–3 favourites.

  3. Book a focused viewing via the contacts page—we’ll check light, acoustics and garage access together.

  4. Read one or two practical primers in the Updates blog so you know exactly what to inspect on site.

  5. Discuss turnkey packages and warranties—record everything in writing.


Quick checklist for a direct purchase (save this)

  • Building & context: orientation, noise, walkability, transit. Preview the architecture and shared areas.

  • Plan & furnishability: living-room depth, usable wall fronts, space for a desk. Check the specific floorplans.

  • Energy envelope: window profile & glazing, façade system, window/balcony detailing.

  • Acoustics: walls to the stairwell and neighbours, floor build-ups.

  • Common areas: lift, lobby, access control, CCTV, lighting.

  • Parking: underground bay, ramp, connection to common areas; guest options.

  • Legal clarity: contracts, timelines, warranties and snagging protocol.

  • Turnkey budget: fixed schedule of finishes, deadlines, warranty terms.

  • Financing: pre-approval (if using a mortgage); staged payment plan.


FAQs (short)

Do I still need an agent if there’s no commission?
For new build, a direct path is typically faster and cheaper, because you’re dealing with the decision-maker and the most current data.

Can I tweak the layout?
At certain stages—yes, within structural limits and the construction schedule. We assess each case individually.

What about parking?
In the city centre, underground parking is a major advantage—details appear in the building overview and we demonstrate access during viewings.


Why Pirotska Residence is a rational benchmark

This is a compact central building with carefully planned shared areas, controlled access, underground parking and rational layouts—the very parameters that hold value over time. Start at the official homepage, review the available apartments and the building presentation, and book a viewing through the contact form for tailored guidance.

Prices from €1,875 excluding VAT.


Final take

Buying direct from the developer (no commission) is a practical, value-driven route for the city centre: fewer intermediaries, more control and a lower overall cost in the long run. Add light-filled plans, a high-performing envelope and underground parking, and you end up with a home that works for you every day—and keeps its value.

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