Greece Guide: Property
Buying a house is time-consuming, difficult and very expensive - especially if something goes wrong! Get your house search off to a good start with our property guide. Make sure you find out about the property market and understand how the system of buying a home works as it might be very different from your home country.-
Introduction An introduction to buying property in Greece
Greece – land of the Gods and the ancient cradle of modern civilisation – is a country rich in culture, history and tradition. more » -
Advantages & Disadvantages What to take into account
There are both advantages and disadvantages to buying a home in Greece, although for most people the benefits far outweigh any drawbacks. more » -
Buying for investment What you should know
In recent years, Greek property has been an excellent investment, particularly on popular islands such as Crete, Corfu and Rhodes, and in the Peloponnese. more » -
Estate Agents All you need to know to deal with estate agents
There are thousands of estate agents in Greece (over 2,500 in Athens alone) and many property sales in Greece, particularly those in resort areas and in towns, are handled by estate agents or developers’ agents, especially those involving overseas buyers. more » -
Cost of Property Can you afford to buy property in Greece?
One of the major considerations (or the major consideration) for anyone contemplating buying a home in Greece is whether you can afford to buy a home there and if so, what kind of home can you afford and where? more » -
Property Prices How much does property cost in Greece?
Greece has a fairly lively property market, although until the last decade or so it attracted few foreign buyers, mainly because of restrictions on foreign ownership. more » -
Fees Extra costs when buying property in Greece
A variety of fees are payable when you buy a property in Greece, which usually adds between 10 and 15 per cent to the price, which is higher than in many other countries. more » -
Inspections & Surveys What you need to know
When you have found a property that you like, you should make a close inspection of its condition. more » -
Buying Off Plan How to buy property off plan
When buying an uncompleted property off plan, i.e. a property yet to be built or partly built, payment is made in stages. more » -
Conveyance What is it and what does it entail
Conveyancing (or conveyance) is the legal term for processing the paperwork involved in buying and selling a property and transferring the deeds of ownership. more » -
The purchase procedure Buying a house step by step
The first stage in buying a property in Greece is usually the signing of a preliminary contract drawn up by agreement between both parties, usually in consultation with their lawyers. more » -
Completion The final step
Completion (or closing) is the name for the signing of the final purchase contract (deed), the date of which is usually one or two months after signing the preliminary contract, as stated in the contract (although it may be ‘moveable’). more » -
Letting An introduction to letting your home in Greece
Many people planning to buy a holiday home in Greece are interested in owning a property that will provide them with an income, e.g. from letting, to cover the running costs and help with mortgage payments. more » -
Rules & Regulations How to obtain a letting licence
If you let a property in Greece, you’re required by law to obtain a licence from the Greek National Tourist Organisation (EOT), which has offices in the main towns and on most islands as well as in the UK (Tel. 210-8707000, www.gnto.gr). more » -
Contracts & Taxation What you need to know about contracts and tax
Most people who do holiday letting in Greece have a simple agreement form that includes a property description, the names of the clients, and the dates of arrival and departure. more » -
Letting Rates Rental rates and how to increase your rental income
Rental rates vary considerably depending on the season, the region, and the size and quality of a property. more » -
Using an agent All you need to know about letting agents
If you’re letting a second home, the most important decision is whether to let it yourself or use a letting agent (or agents). more » -
Doing your own letting All you need to know to do it yourself
Some owners prefer to let a property to family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances, which allows them more control and with any luck the property will also be better looked after. more »