In addition I would really like to know what people think as to WHY the developers are not telling us any info about ACT 16.  I can only conclude that something is very wrong..???? 

I dont want to scare monger, but really what do they expect???

Is it Money, something wrong with the build, Registration of the land???? 

I just want some answers....

I think that as many people as possible should write and express there opinion on being totally messed around by the developers...  I fo rone will not be letting it rest until I receive what is due to me!!!......

I would also me up for a joint effort when it comes to it.... 

Its is not on, simple as that.......  and I want some recompense!!!!

In my opinion, until the whole complex is completed the letting agents / property agents will not consider it for rental and therefore unless you find private clients the property cannot pull in any income, therefore I fail to see how the issuing of Act 16 at anytime makes a difference. As far as I see it the we have all missed out on the rental opportunity for the 07 skiing period.  On reading Brownies email below it makes sense that as many owners as possible complain via B&B - do you think there is any merti in one of us co-ordinating the views of others and sending the complaint as one respresentative document ?

I will definately be seeking compensation from the developers when the act is finally shown / granted.  The developers are just making fools out of all of us.  us being the paying customer!!!!!...  

I am so fed up with this, Barrasford and  Bird sold us this, but they dont seem to be trying to rectify the situation. They will direct our letters to the developers?? Thanks for that.  They told me that Act 16 had been granted in January! (and below someone said they have a letter saying that it was granted in December?) It seems like they dont know their arses from their elbow and are clearly just hoping we will all just put up and shut up. I have completed already - but surely if the complex as a whole isnt finished then this amounts to very little?

comments?

I had a letter last weekend from B and B asking for us to write and complain about our concerns via email to admin@bandbw.co.uk  or by letter addressed to Dinevi and Co. They will have the letters translated and sent to Dinevi & co. which they hope direct letters will speed up the process along with their continued pressure.

It also said buildings 1 and 5 have Act 16 but not the rest, and that if WE decided to proceed for compensation B and B will assist in this process. Hope this is useful, Mandy

Hi - i did contact B&B about this a while back and there reply is as follows it appears to be a little different from yours as it appears that Act 16 has been highighted as the trigger to start the compensation process :

With reference to the Grand Monastery Act 16 was issued on the 18th December 2007 for Building 1.

As this date is before the extended completion date we cannot confirm if compensation can be claimed.

We have sought advise from a Bulgarian Solicitor who has advised us that the Act 16 Document is produced when the electricity and water supplies are switched on to the apartments.  This enables the apartments to be habitable.  The common areas are then actually completed once the Apartments have been finished.

However as Barrasford & Bird are only the agent we cannot give legal advise on this matter.  Therefore I advise you to contact a Bulgarian Solicitor who we recommend to pursue this matter further.  

I received an email a couple of weeks ago from B & B to say that as soon as they received Act 16 the could start the compensation procedure. Since then nothing!!! Has anyone been over recently. I would like to know if the lifts are working yet.

Peter

I understand that a lot of you are seeking refunds and I wish you all the best.

Is anybody seeking to get compensation from the developers do this whole act 16 carry on??  If so I wold really like to join in / seek your opinions on what is going on / what to do?

Many thank

DJC

So far the notary fees etc but as we are going for the resale to reclaim the full amount back nothing else.

Anyone else in a similar situation?

Hello all, I have bought an apartment in the Grand with my partner and just found this site and been catching up on all you views.  Lots of very interesting and valid points.

We went out to the complex a few months ago, and drove.  SAT NAV did work, just!!  Basically when you fly in SOFIA, put in that you want to go to PLOVDIV, and there is a sign, as you approach PLOVDIV, keep your attention on the road and you will see a sign for Pamporovo.  It ia straight forward, however definately does not seem it!!..  BEWARE of the pot holes, there HUGE!!!...........  No Sat Nav From Provdiv to Pampo.  But a good map will get you there!!..

What are people views on the complex ?  I am hoping that by December, it will be A1....

DJC

Thanks Pagey,

                             I dont suppose you know how i can get driving directions?

Hi

I didn't do the actual driving but was in the car that travelled from Sofia to the Grand Monastery.  The route is fairly straight forward as I recall, although half way there the fog came down like a blanket and that slowed us down a lot.  If I remember correctly the journey took around 3.5 hrs there and 2.5 hrs back and that was with a local who knew the area driving.

Hi,

Has anyone driven from sofia airport to the grand monastery?if so was it easy to get there,im going out on 6th may to check on my apartment and am hiring a car.I tried to hire sat nav,but its not available(the satalite thinks the pot holes are roundabouts apparently)

 Thanks L M Newman

Hi everyone - just discovered this website and have spent the last 30 mins or so catching up on the emails. I feel I have managed to get a feel for where people presently are on this but forgive me if I am going over any old ground.

To give eople an idea of my stand / position :- I purchased in building 1 and completed 24.01.08. During my visit ( late Jan) the furniture company - I chose Skandia Interiors - were starting work in my apartment so I was unable to stay there but I did manage to see the quality of some some of  the furniture. The kitchen was half in so I managed to get an idea of the quality of the same. the sofa bed was also onsite so I was able to see how the pattern etc chosen compared to real life so to speak and I was happy with that. I had a problem with the end finish of some of the work in my apartment but Nick he complex manager has been very helpful and I am currently in contact with him regarding these. He responds to emails promptly - I will howver reserve judgment in full until the situation has been resolved.

On the subject of Act 16 I contacted Karen at B&B who has provided the following info to me :-  

With reference to the Grand Monastery Act 16 was issued on the 18th December 2007 for Building 1. As this date is before the extended completion date we cannot confirm if compensation can be claimed.

 We have sought advise from a Bulgarian Solicitor who has advised us that the Act 16 Document is produced when the electricity and water supplies are switched on to the apartments.  This enables the apartments to be habitable.  The common areas are then actually completed once the Apartments have been finished.   

However as Barrasford & Bird are only the agent we cannot give legal advise on this matter.  Therefore I advise you to contact a Bulgarian Solicitor who we recommend to pursue this matter further.  His contact details are as follows:

 Radoslav Alexandrov - Alexandrov Consult

Tel: + 359 2 954 3956 or Mobile: + 359 888 601 802

Email: r_alexandrov@yahoo.com

Surely whether an apartment has electricity and water connected is immaterial. The fact that the complex is not complete and the managing agents recommended for the complex refuse to include the apartment on their books until the complex is completed, means that the granting of Act 16 for Building 1 on 18th December ( regardless of whether proof has been received from B&B or not) is completely immaterial - purchasers have been unable to use their  their apartment for the purpose it was puchased for - holidays and lets.

Has anyone sought legal advice on this aspect yet ( apologies if this has been covered before)

H

We are actually pulling out of our purchase at the Grand Monestry- shame as the latest photos look amasing, but due to the change in the mortgage offer we are not in a position to find the additional £26k needed to complete

We have a property in Bansko though and the rents in Euros a night are: low season 55, mid 65 high 75.

Piece of advise  we have just gone through a season and received an astronomical power bill so keep ontop of the meter in your property, and ensure any agency you are using switchs off the heating when the apartment is empty!!!!

Also take photos of the items you have in your flat as we have had a few items disappear- so a photo ensures proof.  Don't panic though- it is a beautiful country and the people are v friendly I guess it is like all rental properties- you have to keep your eye on the ball.

We have not fully decided yet we think we will probably rent to friends and family to begin with. How about you, what do you think would be a realistic weekly rental figure for a one bed apartment?

Are you looking to rent your apartment? what sort of rents are you looking at?

Thankfully we are not affected by the mortgage issue.  We just feel mislead by B&B as they are clearly not passing on news that we should be made aware of. We have paid all money on time and yet have not been able to complete due to the lack of Act 16. Also we are just so irritated that we were not told that half the facilities were not now going to be built, it makes me question if they ever were part of the plans in the first place, perhaps they were just for marketing material.

Wiil_phill and ploppo

We have just been been told about the mortgage issues- via a offer for only half of the mortgage- 2months from when BandB were already aware of the Bank issue and didn't inform us!

What is your current situation???

I feel really let down by B&B and so annoyed that they feel it not necessary to keep us updated as to what is going on. I have been lied to about Act 16, I have been told several times by B&B that this has been granted when it has not. Why lie B&B? When I ask for an explanation I get some excuse as to why they cannot answer me yet, but no satisfactory response. I do not like being mislead, if they had been upfront with me I might have been able to accept the problems, but as it stands I feel that they have treated me like an idiot. I have given them the opportunity to be straight with me but they have just fobbed me off. I really would not recommend them and they only have themselves to blame.

We only discovered on our visit in Feb that  many of the facilities promised in the marketing brochure were not to be delivered. This was not communicated to us by B&B, when were they planning to tell us this?

Hi All

I have only just discovered this forum. I have visited the complex on three occasions this year and my son and his family had a great weeks holiday at half term in my apartment. We have just returned after a good Easter  holiday, apart from there being very little snow, but this is hardley Dinevi`s or B & B`s fault. Unfortunately the lifts are still not working but I was assured by Nic that they had been inspected and a certificate would be issued within a week. On the whole the development is looking pretty good and most of the apartments are cleaned and ready to go. Great care is being taken to ensure the entrance is always clean and tidy but I think that is so anyone arriving thinks the complex is complete.First impressions and all that.

I met with my lawyer yesterday at Sofia to whom I have granted POA to complete the Notary. He has told me he  will not sign for the apartment until Act 16 has been issued. Whilst I was with him he telephoned the developer and was told that act 16 still was not available. I discussed with him the possibility of compensation and he is going  to look into this for me but his attitude was that he did not hold out  much hope, however, he did seem to think that as we were not able to complete the purchase prior to the 1% hike in property tax we would hold out and not pay it.

 I would like to take up Robin`s offer of help regarding the compensation claim as when my wife mentioned this to one of his staff she was told that was something that they did not get involved with. When Act 16 is finally granted perhaps B & B could write to all purchasers and offer to push Dinevi for what is rightfully ours as they have not fullfilled their contract.

Apparently the Divinis are on holiday satil and now the only other person that can pick up the certificate is in hospital!

This is like a bad carry on film!  Barrasford and Bird - shame on you. Why are you ignoring people that put their trust in you. Do not just take peoples money (commission) and then run. Accept there is a problem here and try and rectify it - They only thing that we have noticed you do is write to 'Eyeonworldwide' to ask them to shut down this section. At least we now know that you are still there.....

I have also just been to Grand Monastery this weekend, and am about to go again over easter. The complex looks impressive from the outside - large and architecturally attractive. Inside the story is different. I am not sure how much will be picked up as part of their checks but the attention to detail was poor and in my view, the interior is a bit cheap - even in some of the public areas.

I pulled a plug out in one of the flats, and the socket came out with it! Many of the light switches (even in reception) are not straight and the painting in public corridors is poor. Either I saw an unfinished development, or a weak final product. I hope it is the former.

The spa centre looked and felt unattractive compared to others we have seen and purchased into, so we didn't use it. The pool and bowling areas looked pleasant. The restaurant is, in my view, too small, with around 12 tables of varying sizes. The food, atmosphere and service was good though. The 'nightclub' is neither a nightclub nor a strip tease bar as various people have advised me in the past. It is a nice but small lounge bar -nothing more, nothing less.

I saw a fair amount of activity and hope that by the time I get there this Friday, things are looking better. It is still very rough around the edges and certainly not complete. If you want more specific details, please send me a private message.

Hi,

Robin

Again could you tell us why you cannot just get a copy of the certificate faxed over? Surely you see we know they are stalling for time - why would something take 2 weeks to send over to you? If it says Feb 1st on the certificate then it would be ridiculous...

apart from our deposit back off the developer minus 10 per cent  what is happening  to our reservation fee and the three trips we had to make to the notary which cost us another 750 pounds .once again not our fault  you kept sending us the wrong forms .

 Hi everyone we have just returned from my family  skiing holiday in the complex and i have to agree with Robin,  it is very impressive, despite missing the panoramic restuarant which would have made it amazing, pity.

I have negotiated a 20% discount  on all food and drinks for all owners and there clients with the manager of the tavern at monastery one ( opposite piano bar ) he also owns the husky bar at the bottom of the 3 man chair lift in the malina area and the discount applies there also. I have a very young family and prefer the informal atmosphere and log fire of Monastery one,  they also provide a take away service and are very friendly.  I have been a ski instructor in Europes and I'm considering ski instruction for owners over Easter, New Year and other holidays periods. If anyone is interested please let me know. For the discount I can email out the discount card which i have been given by Ross the manager. Robin if I email you the discount card can you forward it to all owners? If anyone is not renting out via Laguna I have over  bookings for next New Year and will require apartments. Finally the bus to Smoylan arrives at 15 mins past the hour at the Monastery but does not run between 12:15- 15:15 I FOUND OUT THE HARD WAY!! Prices in the town are Bulgarian opposed to the tourist prices in the resort. 

Regards

Nigel

Hi Leeboy

I was just sent a load of photos from Barrasford and Bird. Will upload them now. Really looks very impressive.

Will

Hi Robin

Thanks for the replies to some of our queries.

However I dont understand why they canot just fax a copy to you, while you wait for the hard copy? This way you can be sure they arent just delaying again..

Hi all,

First of all, sorry.

My comment 'The Dinevi's solicitors have issued a letter, which we will be sending out today. I feel this letter is unsatisfactory. As mentioned before, we have challenged the developers before and obtained compensation in various forms, if enough clients feel this way then we can attempt to obtain compensation off the developers.' Was worded incorrectly. and I apologise for that. It should have said that as we have obtained compensation of the developers in the past for our clients we will do everything we can to get it again.

To be honest, at the moment, I am mainly trying to get the bank problem sorted out and as mentioned in a previous post am going to concentrate on this first. We had another customer approved for a mortgage today, which is great news but we still have a lot more work to do in the best interstes of our clients.

As for the certificate, We have been told that the paperwork won't be ready for collection for two weeks (This was last week) I promise that if the develoepers do not hand it to us when they have said they can get it, then I will fly to Bulgaria and do everything in my power to get hold of the certificate. And yes, the date on the certificate will be very interesting. We really are trying everything we can at the moment to fight for the rights of the mortgage customers and are making some headway. Once this is resolved, then we will concentrate on getting the developers to honour their original promises.

In the meantime, if anyone is really concerned and isn't happy with speaking to the staff in the office, ring me on my mobile. The number is 07921 397 872.

Kind regards,

Robin