LOOKING FOR PROPERTY
Real Estate on Crete QUESTION - Why use "Property on Crete"
1. We will take you on viewings free of charge in order to show you the area and the property available, provide advice and give assistance.
2. Free of charge booking service for car hire and accommodation for your visit.
3. George Mavromatis is well known in the area with a good reputation and as a business we have built up good relations within the community and with our past clients.
4. Legal restrictions are always changing and it is important to use an agent who is experienced with good contacts and keeps abreast of the latest and applicable laws and procedures.
5. We offer a free of charge after-sales service
6. Voluntary code of conduct
QUESTION - 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.
QUESTION - Who can buy a property in Crete?
All EU Citizens have equal rights regarding buying property in Greece.
Non EU citizens have to apply for authorisation to buy in this area.
QUESTION - Are the sizes quoted on your website exact?
All sizes are approximate and verified when the topography is carried out
QUESTION - 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
QUESTION - Do I need to make an appointment?
We offer a personal one to one service. Therefore, in order for us to assist you effectively it is helpful if you contact us prior to visiting the island to inform us of your requirements and to book an appointment. This is especially useful at busy times of the year.
QUESTION - What should I consider about services?
When buying plots of land and properties for renovation it is important to consider the availability of drainage and sewage, water supply, electricity and telephone.
Sewage -Not all villages have mains drains therefore you will need to consider where you will put a septic tank. If the plot is rocky this may be expensive. There can be a difference between the type of waste water disposal system in some of the villages and it is important to know whether the system available can deal with both waste water and sewerage.
Electricity poles – poles need to be located every 30 – 40 metres and you will need to pay for each one required to get the connection to your property. In addition transformers are required at different intervals and this can prove to be expensive.
Water – if mains water is unavailable nearby you will need to allow space and budget to install a large water reservoir.
When accepting properties for sale, Property on Crete considers these requirements for you so we will be able to help you with this.
QUESTION - 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.
QUESTION - How much does it cost to build?
As a very general rule of thumb building costs per m2 are currently between 1500 - 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.
QUESTION - Can I get help with finance?
The following companies offer help with finance -
We can help you arrange finance for your Crete home. Whether your require a mortgage on the property itself, a second mortgage on your primary home or bridging finance, our UK based partner Conti Financial Services can help.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rates, Buying And Selling Foreign Currency, Cheapest Exchange Quotes/ Rates through Foreign Currency Direct, Forex Consultants in UK
PROPERTY ON CRETE'S BUYING PROCESS
QUESTION - 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.
QUESTION - 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.
QUESTION - Do I need to travel to Crete to sign papers?
You are free to sign on your own behalf or alternatively a Power of Attorney can be drawn up to appoint a lawyer acceptable to you to act on your behalf. We are happy to help you arrange this whilst you are here.
QUESTION - Will I need to pay a deposit?
To secure a property generally 10% of the asking price is required and paid to the vendor. However it is the policy of this agency to recommend a cooling off period prior to paying a deposit. This is to ensure that you are positive you wish to proceed with the purchase. The deposit, once paid to the vendor by the lawyer, will not be returned by the vendor if you do not complete the purchase.
QUESTION - Are there any additional expenses?
All the properties on our website have our commission fee included. In addition to this you will need to pay the purchase tax, notary fees, lawyer fees, topography (if there is not one already done) and land registration fees. As a general rule of thumb, to be on the safe side, you will need to allow 14% of the asking price for these additional expenses, though in most cases it is less than this.
QUESTION - What is a Notary Public?
A Notary Public represents the Greek Government, and one of their main tasks is to ensure that State taxes are paid on the completion of the sale, together with any other payments such as the Notary's or Lawyer's fees, taxes and duties.
The Notary Public will prepare all the necessary documentation to complete the purchase, such as drawing up the Purchase Deed, witnessing the signatures, and arranging the registration of the new Title and Deed of Ownership.
QUESTION - Will I need a lawyer?
In order for you to have representation you will need a lawyer. We have very experienced local lawyers that we recommend who speak English however you are under no obligation to use them and you will not be pressed into doing so.
Please note that we strongly advise that proper legal advice should be sought in all matters prior to commencing purchase.
BUILDING PROCESS
QUESTION - Can I meet an Engineer?
We work in association with one of the most knowledgeable and experienced engineers in Sitia who is English speaking and we are happy to introduce you to him. He is able to discuss and draw up plans, give advice and carry out the necessary paperwork to build including applying for planning permission. However, if you wish to engage your own engineer this is perfectly acceptable.
QUESTION - Do you have a list of trades? people?
We are able to introduce you to a selection of both English and non English speaking reputable trades people. As a matter of policy we recommend that you get alternative quotes before proceeding with work.
MOVING TO CRETE
QUESTION - How do I transport my pet to Crete?
It is advisable to visit the DEFRA website as this gives comprehensive regularly updated information regarding transporting your pet and the Pet Travel scheme www.defra.gov.uk
LIVING IN CRETE
QUESTION - Are there healthcare facilities in the area?
Yes there are hospitals, doctors, pharmacies and dentists in the area.
QUESTION - What is the Education system like in Crete?
Generally the school day starts at 8.15 am and finishes at between 1 – 2pm. Realistically speaking, though most teachers do make an effort to welcome foreign students, unless your child is young enough to learn Greek as part of their education i.e. under 7 or the child already knows Greek, using the local schools can present a bit of a problem.
QUESTION - Can I get tea bags, HP sauce and gravy granules?
We all know that a lot of us Brits find it difficult to survive without our favourite brands. Most basic items are available here in one form or another and if you can not survive without certain items there are mail-order companies that supply from England. On the plus side as the traditional Cretan diet is one of the healthiest in the world you can benefit from making the most of the fresh local produce.
QUESTION - How will I sort out my utility bills?
As part of the after sales services we help you transfer the utility bills into your name and in most cases they can then be paid by standing order by the bank.
QUESTION - How will I find my way around Sitia?
We understand that when you arrive here it can be a little daunting finding your way round. Therefore as part of our after sales service we offer a Sitia orientation service which will familiarise you with the town and where the important places are. Alternatively if you are happy discovering all these things for yourself you can just come and ask us for help if you hit a problem.
PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT US IF YOU CANNOT FIND THE ANSWER TO YOUR QUESTION OR YOU REQUIRE FURTHER ASSISTANCE.
Real Estate on Crete
