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I think a bank transfer would be more usual than physical cash. That's how I paid the deposit for my house and what I see most sellers requesting. A bank transfer at least gives you proof that a payment was made and to who.

No one is likely to accept a credit card payment for something like this, at least, not anywhere in Europe or the UK. It's too easy to reverse a credit card payment.

Definitely get a lawyer, especially if you're not familiar with the process here.  I've been buying and selling property in and around Sofia for 20 years, I speak the language and I'm married to a Bulgarian; nonetheless, I always use my lawyer to ensure that there's nothing untoward with the paperwork or the contract. I should add that I had to kiss many frogs before I found my current lawyer-prince...😎

Paying a deposit is okay in principle but make sure there's a contract with it and that you fully understand what's in it; only a Bulgarian-language contract is enforcible here, so don't rely on what you might be told is a 100% accurate translation.  Don't fall for any BS about a lower price on the contract and the rest under the table to "save paying tax" - it's illegal and could easily get you into all sorts of trouble.

Cash translations are allowed up to 5000 EUR.

For deposit this is common, but you must have in mind that if the price of the property is above 5000 EUR there is no option even one part of the payments to be made by cash.

Usually this deposit must be paid and a receipt or small agreement must be signed by both parties.

At the stage of the Preliminary agreement or the final deed the deposit must be returned or deducted from the final price.

But all must be made with the relevant paperwork.

In which city are you purchase ling this apartment?

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Good luck finding a property worth buying for €5,000 in the days of €60k garages! 😂

There are still properties available direct from the Bulgarian owners that would be legal to pay for in cash in our village and nearby. But the "worth buying" part is questionable. Only for the very adventurous.

There are also similar completely derelict wrecks in jungles you'd need a machete to hack your way through on the market at somewhat optimistic asking prices of 30k!

So getting back on topic, it sounds like what Vasilev is saying is that it could be legal to pay the holding deposit in cash provided it's less than 5,000 EUR, but then the seller would need to give it back because  the property has to be paid for in full by bank transfer. Is this normal? I bought my house on pay monthly, so it was very different and all done electronically. One would want robust paperwork in place at the time of handing over any cash.