News/Blog - About Greece

By Jonathan

As the end of the year approaches I was going to write a straight forward season greetings to wish you all a very happy New Year from Angels Greek Island Homes.

I thought that now as it is winter and cold, Skopelos would be a pleasant memory far away in most of your minds as you rush around preparing for the festivities.

Just as I started to relax in front of a roaring fire with a glass of hot mulled wine, an article on Mamma Mia the Movie making money for the Aegean Island of Skopelos appeared in the Guardian newspaper.

The way I found out about it was by the many people who emailed us links saying ‘have you seen this?!!’ Or ‘wow! Check this out!’

It seems that the success of Mamma Mia the Movie could not have come at a better time for Greece, a country that has experienced anti government rioting on the streets of Athens and other cities. Tourism may now be down prompting the Greek government to announce emergency measures, but Mamma Mia has also managed to lighten the mood of the people.

The ‘Mamma Mia effect’ means that that people from all over the world want to come to Skopelos, The Island where the movie was filmed.

Some people want to get married in Agios Ioannis the small church perched high up on a rock (see photograph above). Some people want to dance on Kastani Beach or hire it for a party.

There are also people interested in buying land on Skopelos to build their dream Greek Island Home. Now there are good opportunities to invest in land.

In my Blog dated 30 November 2008 Roger Fox from Glossa Houses and I discussed investing in land to build on in Skopelos. We said that it is the one thing they cannot make more of”. This certainly holds true for today’s property market in Skopelos. Once you own land you can decide when to build on it and how you would like your house to be built.

We also mentioned that because of the current economic downturn and the slowdown in the Greek property market there are bargains to be had. We wrote that It is possible to snap up an 11,000 sq metre property with good views across rolling countryside to the sea beyond for as little as €82,000 whereas a similar size property with breathtaking 180 degree sea views can be had for around €150,000. And for those happy with 4,000 sq metres, bargains are there for the taking from €45,000.

People want to experience a piece of heaven, the rugged and beautiful Skopelos, Greece’s greenest Island.

We wish you all well over the festivities and a happy New Year

Angels Greek Island Homes

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By Sam Bevers

Scientia Potentia Est Often shortened to “knowledge is power” by modern culture; this is the basis of the design process. Without knowledge of everything in relation to the project, there can be no easily made plan. When designing a house there is no substitution for the facts. Knowing one’s client well makes the rest of the design infinitely easier, likewise so does knowing the area you are designing in. While this sounds simple, the interview, client survey and research process should be detailed. The client may also demand many redesigns of the house on the basis that the house is not to their standards.

The client survey should give the architect a detailed look into the thought processes of the client. There is nothing the architect should not query about in the survey. Often the building codes of an area will be different than the client imagines, and as such, compromises must be reached.

Skopelos and especially Skopelos Town has been honoured by a presidential decree as a traditional settlement of outstanding beauty. Therefore the building codes mandate that all new constructions must carry the exterior Greek themes, as seen throughout Skopelos. The building code for new constructions and renovation within the town reflects some restrictions due to this Traditional Settlement decree. Some restrictions stipulate that no new buildings shall be of more than two stories. There must be a sloped ceramic or stone roof in the traditional Skopelos style. Doors, windows and balconies should be made of wood.

There will always be nuances to check, so research is absolutely necessary. Even the small things, like for example; The orientation of a house on a plot of land that can make or break a project. Having a deck to enjoy the sunset does no good if the deck faces north on Skopelos, Greece’s greenest island. In the northern hemisphere the sun will be setting more to the south-west. It’s all about the details.

So, ask about everything. Make sure you know your client well, so well that you know their favorite type of jam, where it is in their fridge, and what day of the week they will be putting it on their toast. If you don’t know the details and are not thorough then building a house gets exponentially more difficult. By knowing everything about your clients needs, building codes and nuances of the area the house is to be built in, you can make the correct decision on how to amend with confidence, if there is a snag. You can design a better house than the client could have imagined, and possibly even come in under budget.

Email Sam Bevers

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By Sam Bevers

I am Sam Bevers. This is my first time writing a blog, I can only hope to keep it informative and entertaining.

Architecture is a subject I have liked since childhood, it stems from my thirst for knowledge. My current location is in Lakewood, Colorado, United States of America. I am in the first semester of Civil Engineering and Architecture.

Here is what I intend to accomplish:

For the next several weeks, I will be conveying a good portion of what I know in the field of architecture to you. For my end-semester project, I have been assigned to design a dream home. My client has shown an interest in the Island of Skopelos as a location, and hence, I will be giving you a glimpse into the world of Greek Island House Designing and simple architecture.

In this blog, I shall examine interviewing, research, preliminary design, zoning, Skopelos Island building restrictions, client/architect relations, designing within a budget, and more.

During my inquiries into the zoning and restrictions on the Island of Skopelos, Jonathan asked me to write this blog for Angels Greek Island Homes, and I have agreed.  I would love to answer any questions I can relating to this blog, as far as I am able. Please see my email at the bottom of every blog. You may of course also add your comments by pressing the comments link.

Email Sam Bevers

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By Roger and Jonathan

In our last post, we talked about investors looking towards buying property in Greece instead of investing in stocks and shares.

We gave a few examples of how the current economic climate may affect the housing market on Skopelos Greece as sales slow down and prices weaken. We wrote that because in general houses on Skopelos can take an average of three years to sell, some Greek property owners were in no rush to reduce prices,  preferring to ‘wait the credit crunch out’. 

We also gave a few examples of some overseas holiday home owners reducing the price of their houses from EG: Euro 120,000 to Euro 95,000 for a quick sale as they feel the need to ‘cash in’ and supplement their incomes back home.

But what about investing in land on Skopelos? some people have asked us “has land also been affected by the current economic downturn?  are there also bargains to be had”?

There is an old saying which runs, “when times are hard, buy land – it is the one thing they cannot make more of”. This certainly holds true for today’s property market in Skopelos.

There are certainly bargains to be had in the housing market as sales slow down and prices weaken, but the main area of growth is the market for land. There are people out there with money to invest and they are reluctant to entrust it to the banks or the stock market.

We have seen private investors with cash to spend taking a strong interest in land on Skopelos. But not just any land – these buyers are being very particular. There must be wonderful views – a sea view is essential – and there must be good access. Size is becoming important too. Whereas most people opt for a property of 4,000 sq metres (the minimum required to build in the countryside) the trend is to go for larger pieces to ensure even greater privacy.

It is possible to snap up an 11,000 sq metre property with good views across rolling countryside to the sea beyond for as little as €82,000 whereas a similar size property with breathtaking 180 degree sea views can be had for around €150,000. And for those happy with 4,000 sq metres, bargains are there for the taking from €45,000.

Some of the good points about buying land are:

You can keep it as an investment and build your house on it whenever you choose.
You can build in the Skopelos style using the best local craftsmen or build a modern design.
You get to choose all the fixtures and fittings.
You build your dream Greek island home the way you would like it to be.

Remember: Your house would have to adhere to the legal Greek property laws and building requirements of Skopelos Island Greece. Please see:  Building and Legal information.

More and more people want to own a piece of heaven – the beautiful Greek island where Mamma Mia was filmed.

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By Jonathan - Angels Greek Island Homes

Due to the current global economic down turn some investors are looking towards buying property in Greece instead of investing in stocks and shares. The Greek property market has taken a slight dip and there are many opportunities attracting buyers to Greece.

“So, are houses prices falling thick and fast on the Greek Island of Skopelos?” potential buyers ask us. “If we buy now, can we get a great bargain?”

Well, the answer is a confusing yes and no.

On Skopelos Island for example, the Greek property owners are quite laid back and phlegmatic in their approach to this new economic climate. They know that selling their houses and land could take about three years and are in no rush to drop prices. Some property owners may just prefer to ‘wait it out’.

On the other hand, some overseas property owners who may be feeling the effects of the ‘Credit Crunch’ have decided to put in their own holiday homes on the market.

Here there are bargains to be picked up. Houses in Palio Klima Skopelos which would of fetched Euro 120,000 six months ago can now be bought for Euro 95,000. Land could also be had at bargain prices. A 4000 sq metre plot that you can build your dream Greek Island home on may be bought for as little as Euro 45,000. How about: Barbara’s House in Klima KH025 or Louise’s House Gloss KH027.

For more details on these bargains and property options please see the Glossa Houses link or price list on our property page.

Now is a great time to be a buyer on Skopelos Island Greece

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By: Roger Fox -Glossa Houses
Photograph by: Jonathan - Angels Greek Island Homes

As the bustle of high summer gives way to a more gentle, warm and relaxed October and November, people who can make themselves free of school holidays come house hunting in Skopleos.

Many buyers nowadays are not looking just for a summer holiday house. They want a home they can visit at anytime of the year and feel comfortable.

Skopelos, the greenest Greek island, does have real winters, albeit mild and gentle compared with the UK. The winter rains refresh the island and keep its forests sparkling. They also bring out the wild flowers which are such a feature of this island in the autumn and spring when the weather is perfect for long walks. And of course the sea is warm enough for swimming until at least the middle of October.

There are many houses on the market which are suitable for occupation at all seasons of the year. A two bedroomed house like this in good repair in Skopelos Town will cost from €150,000 to 200,000 and a similar sized property in Glossa a little less. Two bedroomed houses in Glossa needing a little tidying start at €120,000 and a real beauty can be had for €140,000.

But the Mamma Mia effect is already being felt. Having experienced at first hand the pine fringed beaches and the dramatic scenery; many visitors have decided that this is the Greek island for them.

Good plots of land are still available, but the best are starting to be snapped up by smart buyers getting ahead of the game. Prices start at around €60,000 for a 4,000 sq metres plot with good views.

Skopelos is protected from over-development by the short ferry hop from Skiathos, the nearest airport.

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By Roger Fox - Glossa Houses.
Photographs are by Jonathan of Angels Greek Island Homes.

Skopelos, the greenest Greek island, is becoming the place of choice for those in the know. Last summer’s filming of Mamma Mia The Movie has put the island with its dramatic scenery and lovely beaches in the spotlight.

Skopelos Town is a lovely place to have a holiday home. It has small tranquil squares, quaint churches and a waterfront with taverns, bars, restaurants, upmarket antique and jewellery shops. The old town is a designated preservation area as its traditional architecture is unique amongst Greek islands. New buildings must retain the old style.

For those who love the idea of owning a house in a year-round working Greek village, Glossa may be ideal. Plenty of opportunities exist to renovate traditional houses or to buy fast disappearing plots of land for building inside the town plan. There are also houses for sale that are ready to live in; some are furnished, some sell with household items.

The architectural style of the village is similar to that found in northern Greece, white-washed buildings with wooden balconies and terracotta roof tiles. Around 1400 people live here throughout the year with the usual amenities open to serve the local population. You can get quite breathless walking the steep pathways and stairs but the magnificent views make it all worthwhile!

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I would like to add quick word about the collapse of XL holiday company and airlines this morning. Many of you would have booked holidays to Skiathos and Skopelos. Some of you may also be going to Skopelos to look for your dream holiday home or, would have made appointments for viewing houses and land through us or with Glossa Houses.

We understand the stress you must be going through by having your fights cancelled, your plans in chaos and a possible long uphill battle to claim back the money you paid for your flights to Skiathos. Some of you may also be stranded at Skiathos airport waiting for a flight home.

UK customers that have booked air holiday packages with other tour operators using XL Airlines are advised to contact their tour operator or in-resort representative about alternative travel arrangements back to the UK. The CAA will be operating repatriation flights for tour operator customers. They are talking about chartering dozens of planes to airlift people home, this may last about two weeks.

If you booked a flight from the UK direct with XL Airways (XLA) you are not protected by ATOL. If you have paid by credit card or have travel insurance then you can make a claim. People who paid by debit card or in cash are unfortunately not protected.

You may also need to make your own arrangements to fly home. It may be possible to purchase seats on these flights if spare capacity is available. You will be asked to pay a fee; be aware that prices for these fights may be higher than normal. These details will be available to passengers at airports overseas.

We would like to ask you who have booked appointments to view houses with us to keep in touch and inform us of your plans.

Travellers to Skopelos can switch to routes via Athens or Thessaloniki. Please see the Travel section on our site for further details.

All the Best

Jonathan

Angels Greek Island Homes

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Skopelos, the greenest Greek island, is becoming the place of choice for those in the know. Last summer’s filming of Mama Mia has put the island with its dramatic scenery and lovely beaches in the spotlight.

Skopelos Town is a lovely place to have a holiday home, but the real undiscovered gem is Glossa on the other end of the island, sitting above the port of Loutraki – only 15 minutes by Flying Dolphin hydrofoil from Skiathos and its airport.

For those who love the idea of owning a house in a year-round working Greek village, Glossa may be ideal. Plenty of opportunities exist to renovate traditional houses or to buy fast disappearing plots of land for building inside the town plan. There are also houses for sale that are ready to live in, some are furnished some sell with household items.

The architectural style of the village is similar to that found in northern Greece, white-washed buildings with wooden balconies and terracotta roof tiles. Around 1400 people live here throughout the year with the usual amenities open to serve the local population. You can get quite breathless walking the steep pathways and stairs but the magnificent views make it all worthwhile!

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Roger Fox - Glossa Houses / Photograph by Jonathan -AGIH

Skopelos, the greenest Greek island, is a great island for holidays and year round peace and quiet.

There is a great range of property to choose from – you can have a tiny house big enough for two for around 65,000 Euros or a villa in three acres for 650,000 Euros and everything in between.

For most people the first decision is the budget and after that a choice of town or countryside. Some places offer the best of both. For example, Palio (old) Klima is a village of peace. It has no shops, tavernas or discos to disturb the quiet. It has beautiful old traditional stone built houses, lovingly restored starting from around 165,000 euro.

Despite the apparent isolation, it is only five minutes in the car or bus to Glossa or Elios for a good range of shops and tavernas. The bus stops at Palio Klima on its way to several lovely beaches including Kastani – where much of the filming for Mama Mia was done.

If you prefer the village or town life, there are bargains for renovation starting at 20,000 euro. Traditional old houses in Skopelos Town ready to live in go for 170,000 euro upwards.

Modern houses in the traditional style are fetching up to 450,000 Euros with their own pool.

Skopelos is easily reached by a short ferry hop from Skiathos, the nearest airport.

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