It’s only been in the last few years that people from outside of Greece have been buying property here and generally speaking, Greeks are pretty new to the concept of selling property! In previous generations, houses were usually kept within the family and if the family was unable to maintain their property, it often fell into ruin. This was accentuated by both rural depopulation and the worldwide diaspora of the Greek people and while this situation has provided the opportunity to purchase some wonderful properties today, it has also left us with a situation where people often do not they are well versed in trading and pricing. of houses and land.

However, giving an overview of the price range is useful for those looking for property in Skopelos and we can say that a house in Skopelos town can cost as little as 40,000 euros, an average of 150,000 euros for something that can be lived in. right away, or up to €300,000 for something special (and big) and of course, as almost all properties on the island are quite unique, any variation of the above can happen and there are very special residences that appear rarely and elevate prices. to 900,000 euros!

Similarly, building land varies greatly depending on location, appearance, view, and amenities, and can be anywhere from $40,000 to $100,000 for a plot for a house on average and then for larger plots, whatever. multiple of the above.

There are no restrictions for citizens of EU countries buying property anywhere in Greece. Some restrictions apply to non-EU citizens buying property in areas designated as “border areas”. Non-EU citizens must apply to the local prefectural authorities if they want to buy property in certain parts of northern Greece, Crete, Rhodes, the Dodecanese islands or islands in the eastern Aegean Sea. (This does not apply to the island of Skopelos).

The transfer of ownership of the property is always carried out in the form of a notarial deed. When the actual contract is drawn up by the notary and signed by the contracting parties, two lawyers are present, one on behalf of the seller and one on behalf of the buyer. Your attorney is there to make sure you are not cheated, that the title deeds are clear, and to determine the objective taxable value of the property. Before signing the actual sales contract, your lawyer will carry out a thorough search of the Land Registry files to ensure that there are no impediments or obstacles to the transfer of the property and that the title deeds are in order. This does not take long and soon it will be time to sign the agreement/contract of sale at the notary’s office.

The deposit

It is normal to deposit 10% of the agreed purchase price when the preliminary agreement is made. You may lose your deposit if you change your mind. If the seller changes his mind, he is obligated to return your deposit.

Preliminary written agreements may be dispensed with if the property is not of very high value or if it is obvious that the property transfer will be completed in a relatively short time. When a preliminary agreement is written, it establishes who the parties to the agreement are, what the property is, what price has been agreed upon, how the money will change hands. It also includes any other agreed conditions.

The notary will want to see that all the necessary documents (taxes, deeds, etc.) are in order before drawing up the sales agreement/contract. The deposit commits both the buyer and the seller. One of the differences between buying property in Greece and buying property in other countries is that most buyers have money on hand; there is no chain involved, so the transfer of ownership does not take long to complete. You must have at least enough money for the deposit on hand. You wouldn’t want to miss out on a good opportunity because you were too slow with the deposit. The deposit also reduces the likelihood that the seller will accept a better offer. It’s smart, easy and fast to open a bank account in Greece.

If the search at the Land Registry office reveals an impediment, your deposit will be returned to you. If the seller simply changes his mind, he must return the deposit plus 100% compensation. If the buyer changes his mind, he loses the deposit. In effect, the deposit obliges both the buyer and the seller to their word.

You will have to pay a one-time purchase tax. The amount to be paid is calculated based on the “appraised value” of the property. The appraised value is less than the actual market value. The tax due is 9% to 11% of the assessed value.

leave planning

Planning permission is a matter of course if your land is within the limits of a town, village or city. If your land is not within the limits of a town, village or city, but is within the area covered by urban planning, you will be granted permission to build on it as long as it has an area of ​​2,000m2 and adjoins a road municipal. . If your land is not within the limits of a town, village or city, and is not within the area covered by urban planning, you will be granted permission to build on it if it is 4,000m2 or larger, provided it is not within a wooded area, and the Department of Archeology does not impose restrictions. Only fully qualified and registered architects or engineers can apply for building permits. The cost is approx. 4% – 5% of the estimated cost of the building. Municipal taxes and fees are incorporated into electricity bills. The amount added to your bimonthly bill is negligible and includes a mandatory television license.