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Purchasing property in Greece is well regulated and there are a number of steps and statutory checks that have to be carried out before a property purchase can be successfully completed.
The purchaser must appoint a lawyer in Greece to search the titles at the Registry of Mortgages.
The lawyer will secure copies of the title held by the vendor.
The purchaser must apply for Tax Registry Number (AFM).
The lawyer will represent the purchaser to the Notary Public where the contract deed will be signed.
The lawyer must transfer at the Registry of Mortgages the contract deed.
We at Leptos Estates can deal with all the necessary procedures making your experience of buying your property as easy as possible.
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The purchaser will have to pay the following obligatory costs as required by Greek Law:
- Lawyer 1% of contract amount.
- Public Notary 1.5% of contract amount.
- Transfer Fees
- €1 up to €15.000 7% of contract amount.
- €15.001 and over 9% of contract amount.
- If the building permit of a property is issued after 2005 then VAT is payable on the contract of sale and NO transfer fee is paid.
- Registration Fee 0.5% of contract amount.
Registry of Mortgages
In Greece there is no Land Registry but there are public records where transfers of real property and mortgages are recorded. The difference between the Land Registry and the Registry of Mortgages is that in the Land Registry the owner holds an uncontested title which means that he is secured by the State whereas at the Registry of Mortgages the title is secured by the contract held by the owner. Buying a property from Leptos Estates guarantees that you have made a wise and sound decision.
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The objective value of a property is calculated by the Government using a specific formula and is based on a price per square metre according to the location of the property.
Notary Public
Contracts are signed at the Notary Public. The Notary is a state official who makes sure that both parties understand the procedure and verifies and registers the transaction in the public records.
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From the very dawn of history this ancient land has played an influential role in shaping the world as we know it today. It is a country full of culture, myth and legend and a nation who is proud of its rich heritage and traditions. Famed for the beauty of its landscape, Greece is unique, for it seems the Greek gods themselves have scattered little pieces of paradise into the sea which we so lovingly know as the Greek Islands. Whatever your interests, whatever lifestyle you choose to adopt, you can be sure of a warm welcome from the people of Greece. A healthy climate, good food and wine, a new Leptos home, a new and exciting lifestyle, a dream finally realised.
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Mainland Greece consists of a mountainous peninsula extending some 500 km into the Mediterranean from the southwest corner of the Balkans, with the Aegean Sea to the east, the Ionian Sea to the west and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. In addition to the mainland, Greece is surrounded by no less than 1400 islands of which just 169 are inhabited. The islands are divided into six groups - the Cyclades, the Ionians, the Dodecanese, the islands of the North-Eastern Aegean, the Sporades and the Saronic Gulf islands.
The Greek Islands constitute about one-fifth of the country's land area - all with something special to offer but each one truly unique with its own history, culture and physical attributes.
The climate is typically Mediterranean, with the winters wet but mild (except in the north, where they can be very cold), and the summers hot and dry but cooled by seasonal breezes. The average January temperature in Athens is 10°C (50°F) and the July average is 28°C (82°F).
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Crete is a mountainous island, the largest of the Greek islands and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean. It lies south of mainland Greece separating the Aegean from the Libyan Sea with an area of 8.300sq.km, coastline of 1.040km and a total population of 500.000 inhabitants.
Climate
The climate is typically Mediterranean with average temperatures ranging between 12°C to 27°C. Winters are generally mild with snowfall only on the high mountains, and summers are hot and dry.
How to get there
Almost all scheduled international flights transit through Athens where you can take a scheduled domestic flight to either Chania or Heraklion. Charter flights from Europe are quite numerous from April until the end of October. There is also a regular ferryboat service from the port of Piraeus and Rafina.
Chania
West of Crete in the region of Chania, with its ever varying landscape of mountains and valleys, villages smothered in greenery, shores lined with forbidding rocks but also the endless sandy beaches is where you will find a variety of Leptos projects displaying an intricate mix of design, comfort and construction, inspired by the true essence of Mediterranean living.
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Paros, is considered as one of the most beautiful islands of the Cyclades. Situated at 90 nautical miles from the port of Piraeus, between Naxos, Mykonos, Ios, Sifnos and Syros, it is the third largest island of the Cyclades with a surface area of 186km2 , a coastline of 120km and a population of 10.000 inhabitants.
Climate
Paros has a typical Cycladic climate with hot and dry summers and mild winters. Average temperatures are between 15°C - 25°C.
How to get there
You can reach the island of Paros by plane from most international airports via Athens. In summer the island can also be reached by a regular ferry boat service from the port of Piraeus and the port of Rafina.
Drios & Molos Villages
The most beautiful and unspoiled traditional villages of Paros welcome two new Leptos projects - the Golden Coast Beach Villas at Drios comprising of 2 & 3 bedroom maisonettes and luxury detached villas with private swimming pools, which won the Five Star Bentley award for Best Development Greece (2005) and Leptos Paros Gardens at Molos a traditional style development comprising of 1 & 2 bedroom apartments and 2 & 3 bedroom maisonettes & bungalows.
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The world famous island of Santorini is the southern-most island of the Cycladic group in the Aegean Sea, and is located 63 nautical miles north of Crete. Santorini has an area of 76km² and a population of about 7000 inhabitants.
Climate
Santorini has a typical Aegean island climate. During summer, it rarely rains and temperature rises from 25°C to 35°C. In winter it rains often but almost never snows and temperature is between 15°C to 25°C.
How to get there
Santorini can be reached from most international airports via Athens. There is also, during the summer period, a number of charter flights to the island directly from different cities of Europe. The island can also be reached by a regular ferry boat service from the port of Piraeus and the port of Rafina.
Monolithos Village
You will find Leptos Santorini Villas, situated, only 200 metres from the beach of Monolithos and within easy reach of Kamari village and Santorini international airport. Consisting of one, two and three bedroom Villas built to superior standards in plots of 300-400 sqm.
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Athens, is a vibrant city with great appeal and charm, alive and on the go, modern but romantic as well. Wherever you stand, wherever you turn, the city’s long and rich history will be alive in front of you.
Climate
Attica’s pleasant climate provides the visitors the opportunity to enjoy a trip to Athens during any season. Average daytime temperatures range from 10°C in January to 33°C in August, often rising above 37 °C.
How to get there
Athens can be accessed via the new International Airport, Eleftherios Venizelos. Public Transport is provided by express airport bus connections to Athens centre and the port of Piraeus on a 24 hour basis. Athens is also equipped with a national bus company, trains, and ferry-boat services.
Leptos residential complexes
A variety of locations in the centre of the city of Athens, carefully chosen for easy access to public transport and shopping centres, host the Leptos Residential Complexes. These complexes feature one. Two and three bedroom luxury apartments constructed to the highest standards.
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Known as the “Cradle of Democracy and Western Civilisation”, Greece and Athens are also the birthplace of the Ancient and Modern Olympic Games. The first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens in 1896. In 2004, the Olympic Games returned to their origin when Athens hosted the Games of the XXVIII Olympiad. Greece will continue to enjoy the benefits of the 2004 Olympic Games for years to come. With huge investments into the country and its facilities, Greece now boasts an ultra modern infrastructure including road networks, public transportation, telecommunications and security.
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Greece is a member of the UN, IMF, CSCE, and other major Western and European institutions such as the OECD, NATO, WEU, Council of Europe and the European Union which Greece joined in 1981.
Standard of Living
Over recent years Greece has transformed itself from an agricultural country into a prosperous consumer society with an ever rising standard of living. It has never lost, however, the style, simplicity and warm hospitality that characterise village and rural life throughout the country. Greece enjoys an enviable European standard of living whilst the cost of living remains low in comparison to worldwide standards. Cost of Living Survey 2004 UK:119, Russia:117, Norway:96, France:95,Greece:83
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There are some 50 domestic banks operating in Greece which are divided into two groups - commercial banks and specialised credit institutions, both supervised by the Bank of Greece.
Greek banks are usually open from 8am to 2pm on Mondays to Thursdays and from 8am to 1.30pm on Fridays, although hours can vary from town to town and even from branch to branch. Some branches in main cities and resorts have longer opening hours, which may include evenings and weekends.
The Euro has been the currency of Greece since 1st January 2002. All major Credit Cards as well as Euro-cheques are recognised and accepted. Stickers in the front windows will advise you as to which cards are acceptable. Traveller's cheques issued by all the major companies are widely recognised.
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Education is provided free by the Greek State from kindergarten to university level, including tuition and textbooks. The years of compulsory education include six years of primary education and three years of secondary education (Gymnasium). After graduating from the Gymnasium, students continue with a three year course in the Lyceum which prepares them for higher education.
Children attend school from the age of 6-18, five days a week, from approximately 8:00a.m. to 2:00p.m. Summer vacation runs from end of June to mid September. There are 17 State universities, schools of higher education and technical colleges. Admission to universities is determined by competitive examinations held simultaneously throughout Greece.
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Greek residents are taxed on their worldwide income, subject to certain treaty exceptions, although citizens of most countries are exempt from paying taxes in their home country when they spend a minimum period abroad e.g. one year. The Greek government has double taxation treaties with many countries, including Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus and Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, the Republic of Korea , Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, the Slovak Republic, Sweden, Switzerland the United Kingdom and the USA.
If you are not living in Greece but have assets there, you are usually obliged by law to file a tax return listing your assets and any income received from them. If you plan to live permanently in Greece you should notify the tax authority in your present country. You may be entitled to a tax refund if you depart during the tax year.
If you move to Greece and take up a job or start a business, then you will be liable to income tax. If in the future you decide to sell your property then capital gains tax is applicable as follows:
- 20% if the sale is made within 5 years from the purchase of the property
- 10% if the sale is made within 5-15 years from the purchase of the property
- 5% if the sale is made within 15-25 years from the purchase of the property
No capital gains tax is paid if the sale is made after 25 years from the purchase of the property. Inheritance tax is applicable but generous exemptions apply.
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All citizens of the EU enjoy their full rights and privileges as EU citizens, including the right to establish residency, buy property, open a business and work in Greece. For non-EU citizens, the granting of a Residential Permit is based on the level of foreign income available to support oneself. Leptos Estates will assist you in obtaining the relevant information and guide you through the formalities.
Moving your possessions
Leptos Estates will put you in touch with a number of overseas specialists to help you with your relocation and shipping of your possessions. Furthermore, Leptos Estates can assist you with all formalities and procedures for customs clearance. We are here to help you with all decisions, big or small, that will need to be made once you purchase your home in Greece.
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Buying from Leptos Estates means that you do not need to worry about getting connections for electricity and water. All such connections are taken care of by our company when your property is delivered. The charges for electricity and water are billed bi-monthly and one should expect to pay around €50 per month for electricity, local taxes and television license. Provisions for telephone lines are delivered as part of the property.
Family Pets
It is compulsory for pets from EU countries to have an EU passport for movement between member states, which enables the pet to be clearly identified and its health status to be checked. Movement from a non member state will require an additional official EU certificate. Leptos will assist you in obtaining the relevant information and with all formalities.
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Visitors driving in Greece temporarily do not need an International Driving Licence provided they hold an appropriate valid European Union driving licence and identity card. Foreign motorists driving their own car must obtain adequate insurance for Greece from their insurance company. The Motor Insurance Bureau in Greece has a department serving foreign drivers.
The holder of a driving licence issued in a member state of the EU has the right to exchange it for a Greek driving licence without taking a driving test. The application must be made within one year of taking up residence. A Greek driving licence remains valid until the holder reaches the age of 65 years, after which an application for extension is required.
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Greece works on the 220 voltage system and sockets are of the two pin variety. If you are planning to bring appliances to your new home, you will need plug adapters which are readily available in Greece.
Alternatively, there is a whole range in leading brands of domestic and electrical appliances available locally at reasonable prices.
Medical Services
The health services in Greece are very good with high qualified physicians and surgeons covering every field of medicine. Residents of EU countries are eligible to receive free emergency medical care. Medical insurance is always a good idea for additional cover.
A recent study by the World Health Organisation ranked the Greek health system as 14th out of 191. In 2001 the Greek government went ahead with a major health care investment in which the sector was given a considerable boost with an 11.5% increase in health spending.
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Shopping in Greece and in particular the islands, is never the rush and strain it is in many other European countries. It is casual and enjoyable, filled with friendly conversation and the offer of many a cup of the famous Greek Coffee.
Shop for handicrafts, wines, rugs, pottery, lace, embroidery, icons and jewellery - of particular interest is the gold jewellery with Greek designs and beautiful silver jewellery set with precious stones.
The currency in Greece is the EURO (€), which is divided into 100 cents. The notes and coins currently in circulation are as follows:
Bank Notes: €500, €200, €100, €50, €20, €10, €5. Coins: €2, €1, 50 cent, 20 cent, 10 cent, 5 cent, 2 cent, 1 cent.
Weights and measures used are of the metric system.
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Its unique tastes, the good fresh ingredients, the judicious use of herbs and spices, the famous Greek olive oil and its basic simplicity are some of the things which set Greece apart.Contrary to common belief you will soon discover that Greek cuisine does not solely consist of mousaka, souvlaki and horiatiki salata.
As lambs and goats in Greece are free-grazing and the pastures are very rich in herbs, the meats have a unique taste not to be found anywhere else in the world. Seafood from the Mediterranean Sea is by far more tasty than that from the oceans. In the Aegean and the lonian sea the waters are crystal clear and abound with fish.
The Greek meal experience, namely the combination of what you eat and where you eat it, cannot be repeated, exported or duplicated. It is just something you can only find, taste and enjoy in Greece.
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Greek wines and liqueurs are quite distinctive and strong. The anise-flavored liqueur, ouzo, is often drunk with water. Metaxa is a commonly found brandy. Wines vary widely in taste and quality. The last two decades have seen a renaissance in the age-old Greek wine-making tradition. The introduction of new vines and the use of better techniques have resulted in some excellent reds and whites on par with the world's best wines.
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Greece has seven major international airports (Athens, Thessaloniki, Rhodes, Heraklion, Chania, Santorini and Corfu) and 22 national airports which are hosting regular or charter flights. In March 2001, a state-of-the-art airport was delivered in terms of technology and equipment, with focus on safety, user-friendliness and service excellence. Europe's southern gateway to the world, the Athens International Airport has been one of the biggest infrastructure projects in Greece.
There are direct flights to and from the USA, Canada, Australia and various Asian cities. Cheap charter flights are available from London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Paris to Athens, Thessaloniki and some of the islands.
The beautiful islands of Greece are usually reached by ferries. In the summer season some 100,000 passengers and 20,000 private vehicles travel to and from the islands every day. There are three types of ferries: the ordinary ferries, the highspeed catamarans and the hydrofoils. The network has been distributed in order to connect major cities with the islands and the islands themselves.
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Postal, telephone and internet communications in Greece are both efficient and economical.
Basic telephone services are offered through a variety of providers to 5.4 million subscribers with analogue and digital switching systems. Mobile telephone services (voice, fax, and modem at low transmission speeds) are offered by a large variety of providers.
In the area of Internet services, there are a number of providers, with the largest market shares held by Forthnet, OTEnet, Hellas-on-Line and Compulink. In satellite communications, Greece participates in the satellite organisations INTELSAT, EUTELSAT and has also promoted mobile maritime satellite communications through INMARSAT given the large Greek shipping market.
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The Greek Language is probably the oldest in Europe with an oral tradition going back some 4000 years. Greek is the local language but English is spoken practically everywhere and most people will be very willing to help you.
Religion
Ninety-four percent of the population in Greece is Christian Orthodox. Christianity, often blended with ancient tradition, is celebrated in many religious festivities during the year. There are several Catholic and Protestant churches and eight synagogues in Greece.
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