Agenda

In recent years there has been an increasing demand for real estate in Greece. There are many reasons that make Greece an ideal country for a second (or even first) home.

Climate

Greece has a typical Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and dry summers, and almost year-round sunshine (320 days a year). The warmest period is the end of July – beginning of August, with average temperatures between 29 and 35°C (84-95°F), but it is during this period that the annual north wind from the Aegean Sea causes pre-cooling.

Large variety in landscape

Greece has an enormous coastline, with 3000 islands, 138 of which are inhabited. They provide beautiful beaches, small bays, sun and sea. The Greek archipelago is a sailing paradise par excellence. A country full of history, myths and countless archaeological sites. But the great attraction of Greece remains of course the sun and the sea.

Good accessibility

Greece is the country with the most airports in Europe (more than 45). Every corner of the country can be reached daily, either directly with a charter flight or with a layover in Athens. By car, Greece is easily accessible via Italy; from several Italian harbours you can make the crossing by car with one of the many luxury ferries.

Juridical transparency

Greek law is partly based on German and French law. Property is sacred, as in the Netherlands and Belgium for example. The protection of property is seen as a fundamental right and is enshrined in the constitution. When legal procedures are completed with due care, the buyer is 100% owner, without restrictions, reservations or small print.

Small scale

Unlike countries such as Spain and Turkey, Greek law prohibits the construction of mega-projects. Thus, outside the village limits, a maximum of 200 sqm can be built on a plot of at least 4,000 sqm. The house to be built may then not be higher than 7.5 meters. These strict building regulations – in combination with the landscape – have ensured that no projects with hundreds of houses can be found in Greece.

The strongest selling point for Greece may not be directly measurable, but therefore no less perceptible. Ask the average visitor in Greece this question and you will always receive the same answer: the Greek hospitality. Together with all the above, more rational arguments, Greece is for many the ideal country to buy a second home, on the gorgeous mainland or one of the many beautiful islands, overlooking the infinite azure blue Greek sea.

For complete list of benefits to having a home in Greece, see our complete guide here.

• Legal guidance from start to finish

• Almost 30 years of experience in the field of Greek real estate: excellent knowledge

• Your point of contact in English, Dutch or German

• English (and Native Dutch)-speaking Greek lawyers at your service

• Our lawyers arrange your Greek tax number by representing you at the tax office, among other steps.

• We take care of the entire settlement of the sale: cadastral survey, notarial transfer, registration in the land register

• Advice on legal, fiscal and practical matters

Many of the notary’s duties in Greece are handled by the lawyer. For years, according to Greek law, when signing the sales contract, both the seller and the buyer were obliged to be assisted by their own lawyer. In the context of market liberalization, this legal assistance is no longer mandatory.

In practice, however, the role of the lawyer is indispensable, as he takes care of a number of pre- and post-contractual actions that are essential for the course of the transaction. This is certainly the case for people who are not familiar with the Greek legal system and the Greek real estate market.

Elxis has its own English (and Dutch)-speaking lawyers who explain everything and take care of the whole process, from cadastral survey to cadastral registration.

To find out more about the role of an agent, notary, and lawyer when buying a home in Greece, click here.

Yes, more than a third of our clients have found their dream house themselves and then asked us to supervise and handle the purchase. We will assist during the first discussions with the seller, negotiating the price, making arrangements by means of a private agreement, cadastral survey, and notary deed.

We take good care, so that you will have a nice home.

Since 1991, Elxis has connected Greek property sellers with serious international buyers, and we handle every side of the sale in-house. First of all, our buyers come prepared, because we get to know their budget, preferred locations, and plans before they view a property. Second, we help you set an asking price backed by real local data, giving your property the best chance of a quick sale at a price that reflects the market. Third, and a very important one, our in-house team of 10 lawyers handles the due diligence, title checks, cadastral registration, contracts, and transaction management. What is more, your property reaches buyers across international markets through our own website, the leading portals, property fairs, roadshows, and a weekly newsletter, so the right people see it in their own language.

The listings in our portfolio range from contemporary villas and beachfront apartments to traditional stone residences and off-plan projects. Factors that are important for us when we handle a house for sale are: the proximity to the beach, the views, and what the property location has to offer.

Most of our buyers are Western Europeans looking for a holiday home or investment in Greece, and many reach us through our weekly newsletter, which is distributed to over 30,000 subscribers. Alongside that, your property is marketed through our website, our social media channels, and the leading international portals where serious buyers search.