In March 2007 we found a Bulgarian off-plan apartment we liked in Byala on the website "Go for Bulgaria". We transferred £19,000 to Mr Roy Witherden's Bulgarian bank account, and went out in June this year to see Byala and the plot. We have had no further contact since then.
Our calls and emails are ignored. The office numbers in Bulgaria are now unsubscribed, and his mobile has a message to say his phone is out of range. The company was Clipstone Limited, based in Varna.
We have been informed by the police that another couple in England have also had the misfortune to give him a substantial deposit for a Bulgarian apartment. The property for sale was a scam, and his web site has been taken off the Internet by the police.
We know, with hindsight, that we were naive. However, we would like to warn other people, and also find out if anyone can shed light on the matter,
David and Julie Holehouse, Manchester
VAGABOND: The important thing to remember is to not do anything in Bulgaria that you wouldn't do at home. In the UK or Ireland when you buy a property you wouldn't pay direct to the vendor, but through your solicitor. It is the same in Bulgaria where you can easily find English speaking lawyers through your embassy or portals such as www.lex.bg.
There are millions of websites selling properties in Bulgaria and you have to do your research. Don't be rushed into buying. Read books such as Jonathan White's updated Buying a Property in Bulgaria, from How To Books Ltd; look on expat websites such as mybulgaria.info and speak to other people who have gone through the process. In your case, you may also consider hiring a Bulgarian lawyer to investigate and try to recover your money.
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