A cadastral sketch is an official document issued by the Geodesy, Cartography and Cadastre Office (SGKK) that shows the property as it appears on the cadastral map. It can be ordered at the office or online through KAIS. If the data in it is wrong, the sketch does not fix it: an amendment project by a licensed surveyor is needed.
What a cadastral sketch is
A sketch is an extract from the cadastral map and registers for a specific property. It shows how the property looks on the map: its boundaries, the neighbouring plots, the buildings, the area and the main register data. It is issued by the Geodesy, Cartography and Cadastre Office (SGKK) of the Geodesy, Cartography and Cadastre Agency (AGKK). For Varna this is SGKK Varna.
Types of sketches and schemes
- Sketch of a land plot. The most requested. It shows the plot's boundaries, identifier, area, designated use and type of permanent use.
- Sketch of a building. Shows the building on the plot and its data.
- Scheme of a separate unit. For an apartment, office, garage or studio in a building. Shows the unit on its floor and its data.
- Sketch project and scheme project. These are not issued by the cadastre office on request; they are prepared by a licensed surveyor as part of a cadastral map amendment project.
When you need a sketch
- for a sale, gift or mortgage;
- for inheritance and splitting a property;
- for a design visa and a construction permit;
- for setting out the plot boundaries;
- in a boundary dispute.
How to order one
At the office. At the Geodesy, Cartography and Cadastre Office, with an identity document and the property details: identifier or address.
Online through KAIS. The agency's Cadastral Administrative Information System lets you order a sketch or scheme electronically. Ordering services requires registration and a qualified electronic signature.
Through a surveyor or an authorised representative. If you are working with a surveyor anyway, they can order the sketch together with the other documents.
Cost and timing
Fees and timeframes for sketches and schemes are set by the agency's tariff and depend on the type of document and the service speed you choose. The current amounts are published on the agency's website and in KAIS. That is why we don't quote a specific amount here: it may change.
What to check in the sketch
- the identifier and address of the property;
- the area: does it match your proof of ownership?
- the boundaries: do they match the fence on site?
- the buildings: are they all recorded?
- the owner and the ownership document in the register.
If something doesn't match, a new sketch won't fix it. What you need is a cadastral map amendment project, or, if a building is missing, adding the building to the cadastre.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a sketch and a sketch project?
A sketch shows the current state in the cadastre. A sketch project shows the property after the proposed amendment and is prepared by a licensed surveyor.
Can I get a sketch for an apartment?
For an apartment a scheme of a separate unit is issued, not a sketch.
Is a sketch needed for boundary setting-out?
Yes. For boundary setting-out you need proof of ownership and a sketch.
Licensed land surveyor in Varna, licensed under the Cadastre Act and holding full design capacity with KIIP, reg. No. 16455.
