Greek property news

Provided by holidaylettings.co.uk and angelsgreekislandhomes.com

Increase bookings on your Greek property with a special offer from holidaylettings.co.uk

For a limited time only, any new advertiser joining the holidaylettings.co.uk website quoting promotional code 45922 will be entitled to either Offer Credit bundles worth £50, a 3 week Spotlight worth £70, or 15 months for the price of 12 to use during their first 12 month subscription.

What’s an Offer Credit bundle?
Offer Credit bundles are two Late Deals and one Early Bargain, or two Early Bargains and one Late Deal. Advertisers can use Offer Credits to promote special offers to holidaymakers at which point their advert also appears on the relevant Late Deal or Early Bargain page on our site.

What’s a Late Deal?
Late Deals are a highly effective way for homeowners to fill last minute vacancies through a dedicated Late Deals search section, which attracts in excess of 100,000 searches per week in peak periods.

What’s an Early Bargain?
These are a great way for new advertisers to kick-start their first year’s letting income by promoting the offer of a discount to those who book early.

What’s a Spotlight?
Displayed on rotation, Spotlights are seen over 100,000 times a month on the left hand side of every search results page, providing an extra marketing boost

With Greek homeowners enjoying on average 37 booking enquiries each year from their Holiday Lettings advert, can you afford to miss out?

If you would like to take advantage of this special offer now:

Just register here and quote promotional code 45922.

Home 91126  |  Peloponnese, Greece June 2009  “We are very happy with the website. Thank you. Over all I am impressed with Holiday Lettings because so far we have received more enquiries from your site than from any other sites we advertise with. Keep up the good work!”

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It has recently come to our attention that our company logo ‘Angels’ is being used to sell property and land on the island of Skopelos without our permission.

Please be aware that Angels Greek Island homes is a separate company and has no affiliation with ‘Angels’ ‘For sale Homes and Land’ operating locally on the island of Skopelos by Angelo. Our logo is currently being reproduced and used without out consent.  We therefore can take no responsibility for any property sales or transactions carried out with this real estate agent.

If you need any further advice our have any queries please contact us

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Provided by holidaylettings.co.uk and angelsgreekislandhomes.com

If you own a second home abroad you could make on average £10,000 each year by renting it out as a holiday home according to holidaylettings.co.uk. They currently advertise the rental availability for 583 properties in Greece.

On average owners of holiday homes in Greece can expect approximately 35 serious booking enquiries per year on their property via the Holiday Lettings website (This varies from property to property obviously.)

By advertising with holidaylettings.co.uk you would be joining more than 20,000 holiday homeowners who advertise in excess of 33,000 properties on the website. Each day the UK’s number one holiday home website attracts more than 60,000 holidaymakers to the site searching for self-catering holidays, who then go on to book directly with you, the owner. They deliver more booking enquiries per advert than their nearest competitors with the figure currently standing at between 80,000 and 110,000 each month. An impressive 90% of their advertisers renew each year as a result of these figures.

In addition to this, they advertise in over 25 publications each month in the UK and overseas including in-flight and consumer magazines and airport lounges and have a marketing budget of £1.5 million for 2009 ensuring that your property gets maximum exposure. They are a Top 100 spender in Europe with Google ensuring consistently high search visibility, they bid on several thousand keywords and appear on page one of Google for half a million organic search results.

holidaylettings.co.uk takes no commission on your bookings, so the income you generate is entirely yours. When setting up your advert you can include up to 24 colour photographs at no additional cost and you have space for an unlimited amount of text to describe your property, the local surroundings and interesting things to do. You have 24/7 access to your advert so you can easily update your availability as and when you receive bookings. You can also opt to receive free SMS text messages to alert you to enquiries when you don’t have immediate access to your emails.

When setting up your advert, there is a multi-lingual team of holiday home experts from 15 nationalities to help you every step of the way. They will advise you on your advert and ensure it looks its best so that you benefit from your share of the estimated £300m that holidaylettings.co.uk will generate in 2009 for its customers.

Special offer in your first year…

As a valued customer, Angels Greek Island Homes has negotiated a special offer for all of its clients.

Advertise with holidaylettings.co.uk now and in your first year get 15 months for the price of 12, that’s an extra 3 months, worth over £45.

To advertise your property in Greece with holidaylettings.co.uk and receive 15 months for the price of 12 in your first year. Click: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/whychooseus.htm/from.45922/ or quote promotional code 45922 when registering.

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Edited weekly euro update provided by Deane Roe of Moneycorp

Rising Sterling creates a window of opportunity for Greek Property Market investors.

It was a rewarding week for sterling, climbing from below €1.16 last Monday to open at €1.1810 in London this morning. There was moment’s panic at the very beginning of the week when the pound dipped briefly to €1.15 but thereafter the only way was up.

Sterling’s performance over the week obviously had something to do with the UK economic data – few thought they were – but mainly it was the by-product of another quiet week during which the mood of investors became more upbeat. As one of the allegedly riskier currencies it is more likely to find buyers when the market is less nervous.

The euro’s profile last week was so low as to be almost subterranean. An almost complete absence of pan-euro-zone economic data meant just three useful statistics. Consumer confidence improved slightly from -25 to -23. Inflation – make that deflation – went down from -0.1% to -0.6% in the year to July and unemployment ticked up from 9.3% to 9.4%. Individual national figures did not add much to the proceedings. German consumer confidence was higher and German unemployment was steady at 8.3%. As with sterling, the euro’s main claim to fame was to provide investors with an alternative to the US dollar, which was under pressure throughout the week.

Sterling starts August looking more potent than it did in July. It appears to have punched out of the €1.15-€1.17 range that held it for the previous three weeks, helped by its upward break against the US dollar. The high in June at €1.19 was sterling’s best level since the beginning of December and that must be its next target. The pound has the potential to test €1.21 but, up here close to eight-month high, buyers of the euro looking to invest in the Greek Property Market should take advantage of the higher rate.

It is always best to transfer currency to Greece via the commercial rate and not the tourist rate. Currency specialists like Moneycorp often offer much better exchange rates than high street banks, and their expert dealers offer you guidance to help to ensure you are sending your money to Greece when the exchange rate is at its peak within your given time frame

For information about setting up a bank account in Greece and Skopelos please see: Legal info

To find out about the best ways to transfer money to Greece and Greek Islands

Please contact:

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This article is brought to you by holidaylettings.co.uk

Would you like to rent out your Greek Island villa?

Early indications from holidaylettings.co.uk show that there is a definite trend towards last minute bookings this year. Already May has matched January for the number of holidaymaker enquiries sent to owners, a 52% increase on May 2008.

This trend has gained momentum during June with record numbers visiting the site including in excess of 100,000 searches a week for late deals. July looks set to do the same, if not more, so now is a great time to get your property online and generate bookings for the summer.

By advertising your holiday home in Greece with holidaylettings.co.uk you’d be joining more than 20,000 holiday home owners who advertise in excess of 30,000 properties on the website. Every month they attract more than 2 million holidaymakers to the site searching for self-catering holidays and booking directly with you the owners.

holidaylettings.co.uk take no commission on your bookings, so the income you generate is all yours. When setting up your advert you can include up to 20 colour photographs at no additional cost and you have space for an unlimited amount of text to describe your property, the local surroundings and interesting things to do. You have 24/7 access to your advert so can easily update your availability as and when you receive bookings. You can also opt to receive free SMS text messages to alert you to enquiries when you don’t have immediate access to your emails.

In addition, we’ve negotiated a special offer for all of our clients….

Advertise with holidaylettings.co.uk and in your first year get 15 months for the price of 12, that’s an extra 3 months worth over £45.

Click: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/whychooseus.htm/from.45922/ or quote promotional code 45922 when registering.

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By HPGoodchild

Stafilos Skopelos is a very popular bay, although, often, very crowded in high season as the beach is only 4 Kilometres south of Skopelos Town, you can have it to yourself out of season! It is easily accessible by the public bus or car.

Stafilos Skopelos Greece

The first settlers to the island were the Minoan race from the Island of Crete. The leader of the settlers was named King Stafilos and the area that was first inhabited on the island still bears his name. A sword handle was discovered in a tomb believed to of the King himself, on the promontory of Stafilos.

Stafilos bay has two beaches – Stafilos and Velanio. Velanio is quieter as it’s the farthest to walk and it is also Skopelos’s nudist beach. Both beaches have sunbeds and umbrellas. By the entrance to and above Stafilos beach is a lovely traditional taverna with spectacular views across the bay offering fresh fish. Steps lead down to the lovely pebble/soft shingle bay and crystal-clear waters making it very safe for youngsters.

HPGoodchild’s ready to live in five bedroom house is near Stafilos and is for sale. The whole property is in good decorative order throughout. It is a good opportunity to purchase a fine home just a short walk from Stafilos beach and local tavernas. Anna runs the family owned local supermarket in the area which is less than 2 minutes walk from the house.

This beautiful, large, marble floored house is on 2 floors and can either be used as a substantial family home or, 2 self contained properties or, business (Rooms to rent).

The olive grove of 19 olive trees and working well complete with pump-house is also included in the sale. The property falls within the town boundary and therefore building an additional dwelling in the olive grove with its own access from the “Old Stafilos Road” is an option.

The house is set back from the Stafilos Road with a vine covered driveway leading to the house. The front garden consists of an orchard of apples, pears, apricot, cherry and janero fruit trees. In addition to the vines lining the driveway there are also vines along the side wall producing abundant grapes. The rear of the house has ample space for outside entertaining under the shade of mulberry trees.

Connected services include electric, telephone, town water and free spring water from the well!

It is priced at:  Euro 350,000 and is near Stafilos Beach on Skopelos – Mamma Mia Island, Greece.

For more information on this house please see:

House for sale in Stafilos, Skopelos Greece

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This story was provided by holidaylettings.co.uk

Mamma Mia, the hit film featuring ABBA songs, has prompted a surge of interest in property in Greece. PropertyIndex.com says that interest in the Greek islands from British investors is up 120 per cent year on year.

British buyers are “intent” on finding Villas for sale on Skopelos where Mamma Mia was set, and the other Greek islands, according to the property portal. Its figures show that interest in the Greek islands has surged since Mamma Mia hit the cinema – viewings of properties on the islands jumped from 9,812 in March 2008 to 24,852 in March this year.

“British buyers are clearly captivated by Mamma Mia’s idyllic portrayal of life in the Greek islands and are intent on finding their own island hideaway,” said Lee Bramzell, the company’s chief executive. “The cost of living is low and property prices are affordable.”

Bramzell highlighted the potential for owners looking to rent out their villas in Greece:

Do you have a holiday home to rent? Click to advertise on-line

Greece offers a fantastic climate with mild winters and 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, resulting in a long rental season from April October…With second home owners looking not only for value for money, but also the opportunity to recoup some of their costs through renting the property out for all or part of the year, Greece is a top performing destination.”

Not only property investors, but also holidaymakers have fallen under Mamma Mia’s spell. easyJet has reported a 13 per cent increase in sales of flights to Athens since the film’s release last summer.

Getting to Skopelos Greece is even easier now. Monarch Airlines has started a direct route from some UK airports to Volos on the mainland. From there the direct ferry takes two hours to Glossa

Rent your holiday home in Greece

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Edited May 2009 Glossa Houses Newsletter

After a winter with lots of rain for Skopelos the title of Greece’s Greenest Island will not be challenged any time soon.

The spring flowers were stunning. The tall yellow spikes of mullein were surrounded by crimson poppies while the purple, blue and yellow vetches scrambled for space wherever they could. Many orchids are now popping up all over the countryside.

The birds have been a delight this year too. The nightingales have been singing day and night. The resident birds are becoming more territorial as the local hooded crows fearlessly scramble to intercept peregrine falcons, mild buzzards, ravens and even seagulls if they feel any threat to their young.

We always look forward to the hoopoes as they pass through. This year’s flock of bee-eaters have been bigger than ever, flashing around like flying jewels in the sun. Two pairs of golden orioles paid a visit on their way up north. The black storks stoped only long enough over Glossa, circling high above before heading off for the mainland in Europe.

As the summer season starts and direct flights to nearby Skiathos resume, visitors are arriving. Some are in search of the Mamma Mia experience on the island and some want nothing more than to relax on the beach to suntan and rest. Two of the best beaches in Skopelos are Panormos blue flag beach and Milia.

For those who would like to have a place they can call their own, there are bargains to be had. Several properties have been reduced in price including, the beautiful new stone built Bellvue House and the completely restored Top House. New properties in the lower price range also include Anna’s House (currently Euro: 64, 000) and Garden Apartment. (Euro: 55,000)

Please see our property page for more details.

Getting to Skopelos Greece is even easier now. Monarch Airlines has started a direct route from some UK airports to Volos on the mainland. From there the direct ferry takes two hours to Glossa

There is a new Hellenic Seaways service from Aghios Constantinos to Glossa Skopelos. The Highspeed 1 is a car ferry. It is a larger version of the Flying Cat and is therefore known locally as the Fat Cat! There are strong rumours of a new seaplane service.

Argo Airways plan to offer short haul flights interconnecting Volos, Thessaloniki, Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos. This new service is expected to start this summer (2009).  We are still awaiting conformation of a start date and schedules.

Kalo kalokairi! – Have a good summer

Please see: New sea plane service to Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos.

Please check our: Travel Page for updates

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We have recently updated our Buying a home page by adding a guide on how to buy land and build your home in Skopelos Greece. If you are thinking of restoring an old kalivi or house, we have added a section on renovation for you to read.

Our new updated section has information regarding the building codes and restrictions for the Island of Skopelos. We also advise on the type of certificates and permits needed to build your house.

If you want to buy land and build a house, then the sale should be conditional on proof that a permit to build can be properly obtained.

Remember: All the required certificates should be in place before you buy the property.

* See our: Buying a home in Greece
* See our: Buying property in Greece legal guide

Building in Skopelos Town:

The architectural style is similar to that found in northern Greece, white-washed buildings with wooden balconies and terracotta roof tiles. Most new houses are built in this traditional style. This is because since 1978, Skopelos Town has been honoured by a presidential decree as a Traditional settlement of outstanding beauty.

Therefore 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 more than two stories. There must be a sloped ceramic or stone roof in the traditional Skopelos style. Doors, window frames and balconies should be made of wood.

It is important to take into consideration the legalities involved and building permission must be obtained. Only fully qualified registered architects or engineers are allowed to apply for building permits.

A permit to build an 85 square metre house for example, will cost approx €10,000. On top of this is IKA – mandatory workers’ insurance of approx €6,000 and VAT on materials of approx €2,000.

The town offers an array of shops, bars and restaurants, including good quality jewellery shops facing the port. Meandering through the streets you will find little churches dotted around. (Skopelos has more than 360 churches) It’s impossible not be taken in by the towns quiet charm and relaxing atmosphere, as you soak up the sunshine in one of the many restaurants or bars situated by the Port.

Building outside the town plan

Two certificates are needed

If your land is not within the confines of a village or town and is not within the area covered by town planning it must be a minimum of 4,000 sq metres of clear land. That is land which is not classed as forest. In order to obtain a building permit, you must get a certificate from the Forestry Department that at least 4,000 sq metres of your property is non-forest.

In an archaeological area you must also get a certificate from the Archaeological Department. They may impose restrictions on exactly where you can build.

Forestry certification and a survey must be carried out by an engineer if you wish to build or renovate your home.

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

To read more on this subject please see:
Buying a Home in Greece
Legal information

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It has been announced that a new sea plane service will be provided as an alternative mode of transportation in the region.

ArGo Airways will offer short haul flights interconnecting Volos, Thessaloniki, Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos. This new service is expected to start this summer (2009).  We are awaiting conformation of a start date and schedules.

ArGo Airways will mainly use seaplanes as the core of its fleet. It presently operates one type of aircraft, the De Havilland DHC-3 Turbine Single Otter.

Passenger capacity is 9 seats.

Flights to Skopelos will land at Agnontas on the south western coast. Prices will be approximately 40 Euros one way per person and journey times around 30 minutes.

This new mode of transport may not suit all travellers to the Islands as baggage allowance is 10 kilos per person.  Excess baggage will be charged at 10 Euros per kilo. Carry on luggage allowed is 4 kilos.

Children between 5 and 12 years can travel alone. Their parents or guardians will have to provide all the necessary documentation before departure. Pets are allowed to fly as long as they are in a proper container and will be charged accordingly. Guide and service dogs, together with their containers and food, will be carried free of charge.

ArGo Airways say on their website that passengers with disabilities must be able to board the plane on their own. They say it is important for people to understand their policy to have a maximum of one PRM (Persons with Reduced Mobility) on the flight.

It is always best to contact them directly regarding any questions you may have via their website: http://www.argoairways.com

This is an exciting time for the Sporades group of Greek islands as another much needed form of passenger transport becomes available in making getting to Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos easier.

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