How Do I Buy Real Estate in Greece?

If you're looking to buy real estate in Greece, the first step is to do your research. Learn about all the steps in the process and all the legal requirements. The purchase process for foreign nationals is a bit more complicated in Greece than in some countries but many, many people have done it successfully. If you feel nervous, find some people from your own country who've already been through the process. They will be only too happy to chat to you over a glass of ouzo or three! They are the best people to provide practical tips, and warn you against pitfalls you may come up against.

The next step is - decide where you want to buy your property! If you've been to Greece a few times, you'll know what an immense and varied area it covers. Dozens of islands, all very different (for instance the Ionian islands are very different from the Dodecanese islands near to Turkey). The mainland - north or south, mountain or coast. Beautiful towns and cities or tiny sleepy villages. It's highly advisable to get to know Greece before you start - unless you have totally fallen in love with a particular spot. Getting to know the country won't be an arduous task! It can only be sheer delight!

When you are deciding where to buy your property, there's one thing you have to bear in mind. If you are from the USA or another country outside the European Union, you need special permission to purchase in certain areas of Greece. These are areas that are on the outer fringes of the country. They include islands close to Turkey such as Rhodes and Kos; Crete to the south; and the northern parts of the country. This approval isn't usually difficult to obtain - you get it from the local prefecture and your agent, if you are using one, will help you.

If YOU have found it easy or difficult to buy real estate in Greece, please share your experience - it would be really helpful. And if you're interested in buying properties abroad, in Greece or anywhere else, you'll find a gorgeous selection at http://www.bizwrite.co.uk/realestate/propertyabroad.html or http://www.bizwrite.co.uk/realestate/overseasproperty.html