Buying Property in Crete

Independent Information

While we are always ready and willing to give advice, at Propertyoncrete we believe most conscientious buyers will seek independent advice. We are happy to recommend the web site http://www.livingincrete.net
and also the book of the same name, written by an English woman, Carol Palioudakis, married and living in Crete for over 30 years. Both the web site and the book contain a wealth of excellent information for anyone buying a property or moving to Crete

SOME COMMON QUESTIONS
What is the weather like in Eastern Crete?
Every year is different however generally the summer is hot and dry, sometimes windy, especially in July and August and we do not normally get any rain until end of September in East Crete. As the winter draws nearer it gradually gets cooler with occasional rain generally at night but when there are no clouds the sun is still warm just like a warm summers day in England but not so humid. This weather generally continues until December and all the local people are out trying to get there olives in and the first citrus crops are ready for picking. Vegetables and flowers grow rapidly at this time and all the countryside becomes green and fertile. After Christmas it is definitely colder for about two months and we get some spectacular thunderstorms and a lot more rain. By March the temperature generally starts to improve, there is less and less rain as Spring approaches and this is normally a temperate season with the countryside and the high hills clad in glorious spring flowers.

What is a topography?

The topography is a measured and drawn record of the boundaries of the land or property and is used to state ownership on the land registry

What are the rules about plots of land?

When the plot of land is outside the village plan normally the minimum requirement is 4000 sq mtrs on which you can build 200 sq mtrs HOWEVER there are many rules and regulations regarding land and building with almost as many exceptions to these rules. Therefore, each plot of land needs to be dealt with on an individual basis and we are able to assist you with your search once we have established what you want to do and where you want to build.
How much does it cost to build?

As a very general rule of thumb building costs per m2 are currently between 1300 - 1600 euros. However, the actual cost of building is heavily dependant on access, distance from material supply, standard of materials used, service infrastructure, plot restrictions and land stability etc. Therefore it is our policy not to make a guess at building costs for individual properties as this can lead to great disappointment. If you are interested in a particular renovation or plot of land we can arrange for our civil engineer to inspect the property for you and give you a costing. Alternatively you are free to engage an engineer of your choice to inspect the property for you.
'PROPERTY ON CRETE'S BUYING PROCESS

What documents will I require to buy a property?

You will need passport, a full birth certificate for each of the people buying the property and if it is married couple a copy of the marriage certificate.

What else will I require to buy a property?

As an agency we do not operate client accounts as we believe you should retain control of your money so you can authorise when the money is withdrawn by the lawyer. Therefore, you will need to set up a personal bank account into which you can send your money if and when you wish to go ahead with a purchase. To open the bank account you will need a copy of a household bill from your residence in the UK and a Greek tax number if you do not already have one. To apply for the tax number you will require a passport, birth certificate and marriage certificate if applicable. The bank account can be opened whilst you are here and we are happy to help if you desire.

Is it possible to get a bank loan in Greece for home improvements?

Yes if you are a receiving an income

NECESSARY DOCUMENTS TO APPLY FOR A HOUSING LOAN
PERSONAL DOCUMENTS

For EU Residents or Greek Residents that receive an income from abroad

-ID CARD OR PASSPORT
-TAX RETURN PAPERS OF THE 3 RECENT YEARS (FROM EU COUNTRY)
-TAX NUMBER IN GREECE

NECESSARY PROPERTY DOCUMENTS

-Building license
-Topography
-Building diagram
-Ground plan
-Titles
-Budget for the scheduled repairs (for house-repairing loans)