Hi Neil
I've probably turned a desperate shade of emerald green at the thought of 25 degrees and a GnT in hand
I agree with what you have said, legislation is needed. I think though we have to remember that Bulgaria has only been in the European Union for 10 months and it was less than 5 years ago many still had to queue to buy bread!
We've been working really hard to push for legislation changes, both regarding advertising of property and regulation of agents. It will take time, we just can't expect things to happen overnight - if only they would. However, since we've been running our campaign for ethics in the real estate industry, we have noticed agents cutting back their commission to more realistic levels (one reduced it by 66% after a reader mentioned our campaign to them) and statistics are showing that the majority of deeds signed now have the full price being paid (not the "tax assessment value"). This is good news and, whilst I know it is just the tip of the iceberg, it does show that pressure can be brought to bear and things are moving in the right direction, albeit slowly.
We learned this last week that AIPP (Association of International Property Professionals) have given their support our campaign and it is to be hoped that they too can assist in enabling further change in real estate in Bulgaria.
Meanwhile, we are soldiering on
and I'm sure we'll get there in the end.
All the best