Think of buying real estate in Greece? You are not alone. You see, Greece is not only just a popular travel destination. It is an extremely preferred one, according to the Institute of Tourism Research. Last year, even the predictions fell short: approximately 17 million people visited Greece throughout the year. If you’ve been in Greece there is no need to say more of why visitors keep coming back…
Not surprisingly, Crete is the most popular travel destination in Greece. Over the last five decades, the demand for Crete as a desirable property hotspot has been proven by all those that seek:
- a holiday in the sun
- the brilliant climate almost all year round
- the splendid environment
- the low cost of living, in comparison to other countries like Italy, Spain, Portugal or Cyprus
- the warm welcoming hospitality of the Cretan locals
- a retirement home
- a holiday home
- an investment opportunity
Given much thought, and having finally decided to make your home in Crete, there are several things to bear in mind, and 3 basic steps to take, which will help you in starting your search for a property purchase. When buying real estate in Greece, you are most likely to expect things to be done differently compared to your home country. The procedures can initially seem confusing, but it is essential that you have a clear idea of your basic requirements, along with some basic planning and calculations.
Although these 3 steps will be refined as your search for property purchase develops, they are the basic initial factors to be considered.
We do hope that the following listed steps and information assist and provide you with a deeper insight before buying real estate in Greece.
1. Property research
Once you have looked into and arranged your finances, your first step is to figure out your budget and what you want at the price you can afford. Try to decide what kind of property in Crete you would like to buy and give some thought to where you would like to live.
Before buying real estate in Greece, it is important that you know exactly what your requirements and basic property specifications are. Decide what property is ideal for you regarding the following:
- Area: in a city, in a village or outside a village?
- View: Sea view or mountain view?
- Property size: land and building plot area in m².
- Type of house: modern, traditional, stone-built, villa or renovation?
As soon as you have firmed up on your Crete property requirements, your second step will be to plan a date and carry out a:
2. Inspection / viewing trip
After having searched and browsed through various Greece property agents, the property search has commenced and your second step will be to visit Crete to pursue your future home.
We advise you to treat this more like a business trip, as it is very important in the process of buying real estate in Greece. Make sure you collect all the relevant information possible, plan to look at locality as well as properties and be sure to take your time. One of our services is to help you plan your trip and make the necessary appointments in order to view a selection of suitable Crete properties that match your requirements.
3. Things to consider after the viewing
So you have just completed your viewing inspection trip and found the property of your dreams? Now that you seriously consider buying a real estate property in Greece, take a breath and stop. It’s time to go over a few things beforehand.
Is the location you found suitable to your needs? Keep in mind that Crete is slightly different during the winter months, especially if you are moving for retirement or on permanent terms. Most facilities and shops in those beautiful villages close down in winter, so it is very important to know what type of amenities matter to you. Ask where the closest shops, tavernas, bus route and hospital are.
Ask to see a signed, up to date topography, showing and marking the boundaries of the property. Go through the architectural plans and brochures provided. You are not sure and can’t remember details, as you were caught up in the heat of the moment? No problem: arrange a second viewing appointment.
Finally, remember: buying the right type of real estate in Greece – and all over the world - is not always a matter of only concrete and bricks.
