Greek property news

This series of articles is brought to you by Lou Traki.

Lou Traki has just moved from the UK to Glossa, Skopelos Greece, where he plans to live and start a Business

In the beginning…

Which is actually, not the beginning, but the end of the beginning.

It’s actually all Peter Mayle’s fault. Him and my friend Gary.

Peter Mayle was the first person I remember who wrote about going off and living somewhere else. Of course he wasn’t the first person to actually do it, but he popularised (some may say ruined) Provence in his books and I remember reading them.

Gary you won’t know. Unless you worked as an Apple Mac operator in Manchester in the 80’s or 90’s, lived in Chadderton, or drank in the Trafford Hall Hotel.

He was, and indeed is a good pal of mine who upped sticks and moved to Perth, Western Australia in about 1998. Being a good pal I did the decent thing and went to the airport to see him and his family off on their big adventure. In the back of my mind was the nagging thought: “Why do these things always happen to other people and not me?”

In 2000, being a good pal I did the even more decent thing and went with my wife and our kids out to Perth just to see if he was alright. He was… We came back, but the seed was sown.

“Why don’t we just bugger off and live somewhere else?” I said to my wife one day, sometime later. “cos” she said, in that way that means ‘Don’t be so daft’. From then on I was determined. That’s just the way we are.

Having frequently travelled to Greece and the Islands on holidays, it was the natural place to start. Keffalonia had always been a favourite destination, but had been unfortunately Correlli’d when we went back in 2005.

Crete in 2006 bore little fruit, once we battled through full English breakfasts, Sky Sports football and Daily Mirrors on street corners. We wanted something different.

Not wishing to give the impression that we were looking for the ‘Real Greece’, which incidentally doesn’t exist except in other people’s travel books from the 60’s or 70’s, we were looking for real life, somewhere with a bit of character. Charm, yes, but not all feta cheese and goats in the living room.

Fate brought us to Skopelos and the village of Glossa in 2007.

Now Greece is a bonkers country. For the uninitiated, ‘bonkers’ is an endearing northern term meaning ‘eccentric, charming, infuriating, frustrating and brilliant but with a tinge of madness’. The Greeks are bonkers people. Skopelos is a bonkers island, and Glossa is a bonkers village.

What on earth would make us want to stay there?

Contact Lou Traki or Angels Greek Island Homes HERE

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The new Property Tax Law in Greece has now been passed by the Greek Parliment.

The property tax will range from €0.50 cents to €20.00 and taxes each square metre of homes according to the age of the building (the older the building, the less tax pecentage), tax value and average house prices of the neighbourhood. This new tax will be in effect for a period of three years and will be collected in instalments through electricity bills. Those who will not pay or cannot pay will have their electricity cut off. It wil start from October 2011.

All property owners in Greece are required to pay this new tax whether you live in Greece or not.

Further information will follow on the amounts property owners in Skopelos will have to pay…

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On Sunday 11 September 2011 a new additional property tax was announced by Greek Finance Minister Evangelos Venizelos, in Thessaloniki Greece

The property tax will range from €0.50 cents to €10.00 per square meter (averaging at about €4 per square meter), depending on the type of area the property is in. It will be in effect for a period of two years and will be collected in instalments through electricity bills.

Further information will follow…

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This update kindly provided by Maria Rizopulu, solicitor, Skopelos Greece

An older tax regulation which applies to foreign owners of property in Greece has been “revived”.  Owners of Greek property living abroad  are now obliged to file annual income tax returns.

The I.R.O (Internal Revenue Office) assumes the income you need to prove to maintain your property. (calculations according to square meters of property), the pool and the car you own, there is also a yearly income amount that is assumed you will need to support yourselves in Greece (whether you have been to Greece or not throughout the year)  The amount is 3,000 euros for unmarried owners and 5,000 euros for married couples (if the property is in both names). These amounts are added to your total annual tax bill. For this additional assumed amount you need to pay extra tax of euro 230 for unmarried owners or, euro 380 for married owners.

Proof must be attached to your tax return that you have imported into Greece the relevant amount during last year by transfer from a non-Greek bank to your Greek bank. (Please note that the name on the sending account must match the name on the beneficiary account).

Proof is in the form of the certificates from the Greek bank (called in the past – pink slips). If you don’t have that proof than you will be taxed by 5% as if that amount (assumed income) was really income.

The taxation is 5% – Not 10% ( as previously mentioned) for the amount of euros you are not able to prove importation for (pink slips).

You should ensure that whoever is to make your tax return has plenty of notice. Tax returns can now be filed electronically and individual code numbers have to be issued.

Tax returns for foreigners are filed during May and any “pink slips” should reach your tax representative by mid April at the latest

An additional (approx.) 53% of the tax is charged as advance payment for the next year which can be returned if you have the necessary pink slips to prove and cover the amount to you would need to import.

If you do not pay this tax then you will be fined and if you owe more than 5000 euro you could e sent to prision.

To explain

Property owners in Greece are now charged ‘a living expense tax’ of  euro 3000 if you are a single person and euro 3000 for each single owner of the same property. So, if there is 3 single owners of one property you are charged euro 15000. It is euro 5000 if you are a married couple.

You are then charged tax for each square meter of property you own. The pool and type of car you own are also calculated taxed accordingly. (Please see the culculation  table below.)

Before you panic, you do not have to pay euro 3000 or, euro 5000 and then for each added square meter of property per year.  YOU ONLY HAVE TO PAY 5% of the entire culculated final amount.

For example it is: 230 or 380 euros for assumed income to support yourselves in Greece  and then,  5% of each square meter of property. If you own a car and pool, It is 5% for type of car and pool.

Property owners only pay tax on the on the amount they cannot prove they have imported into Greece. So if your final tax amount is culculated at 6000 euro per year and you have not imported any euros. Your tax bill is 300 euro. If you have imported  2000 euro your tax bill for the year will be 5% of the remaining 4000 euro (euro 200 to pay). If you can prove import for the full amount then you pay zero tax that year.

How do you import your euros into Greece?
You can transfer your money directly into your Greek bank account
You can withdraw money from your UK GBP from a cash machine in Greece.
BEWARE: IF FOR EXAMPLE, YOUR ACCOUNT IS WITH THE NATIONAL BANK OF GREECE YOU CAN ONLY WITHDRAW MONEY FROM A NATIONAL BANK OF GREECE CASH MACHINE – THE CASH MACHINE MUST MATCH THE BANK YOUR ACCOUNT WITH. YOU MUST KEEP THE SLIP THAT COMES OUT OF THE MACHINE.

Take your cash machine slips to the bank with your bank book and ask them for pink slips. Remember to ask for a pink slip for all the money transfered into your account from abroad. Give your lawyer the pink slips you got from the bank and have your tax return done. More to follow…

Please see the new Greek  property tax laws explaned below:

Houses

the first 80 square meters ———€30 per sq.m.
next 81-120 sq.m ——————–€50 per sq.m.
next 121-200 sq.m——————-€80 per sq.m
next 201-300 sq.m——————-€150 per sq.m.
300 sq.m ——————————€300 per sq m.

Garages/storage rooms and other “assisting” rooms (as in the building permit)           €30 per sq. m.

All above stated amounts have a 20% levy if they are independent private houses (not apartments) as it is the usual thing for foreigners.

If the house is a secondary house for you (not main residence) the above amounts are reduced to ½. This applies only if you declare residency abroad and not in  Greece.

Cars

Cars up to 1,200 cc ————— €3,000
1,200-2,000 cc ——————— €300 per 100 cc
2,000 c———————————€500 per 100 cc

The amount is reduced depending on how old the car is:

30% for over 5 years to 10 years old
50% for over 10 years old

Pools

External: up to 60 sq.m. ————-€60 per sq.m.
over 60 sq.m. ————————–€200 per sq.m.

Internal pool: —————————The amount is doubled

Please see an example below:

A house of 110 sq. m. with an external pool of 30 sq.m.

House
The first 80 sq. m. at €30 per sq.m. —————— €2,400
The next 30 sq. m. at €50 per sq.m. —————– €1,500

Subtotal: —————————————————– €3,900
Plus 20% levy: ——————————————— €780
Subtotal: —————————————————–€4,680
Less 50% “second house” allowance, leaves — €2,340

Pool
30 sq. m. at €60 per sq.m. —————————– €1,800

Yearly assumed income to support yourselves in Greece

—————————————————— €3,000 0r €5,000

Total: ——————————————– €7,140 or 9,140

This is the amount you must demonstrate you have imported during the tax year to pay zero tax.
If you have only imported €3,671 (for example) you must pay 5% of the balance

For a single owner – Total to pay: €173,45
For a married couple – Total to pay: €273,45

For multiple single owners – Amounts are multiplied by number of owners.

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This article is brought to you by: Holidaylettings and Angels Greek Island Homes

More than 80 per cent of Britons searching for a holiday home abroad are showing interest in the European countries that have been affected most by the global economic crisis as they hope to bag a bargain.

According to currencies.co.uk, Brits looking to buy abroad in the next 12 months have been considering well tried holiday destinations Portugal, Greece, Ireland, Spain and Italy with a recent surge in interest that it is thought will keep growing in the coming months. However, it is recognised that with present market conditions and despite the rising number of enquiries, it is unlikely that many of them will turn into purchases. For the most part, potential British buyers squeezed by the current austerity measures, remain unsure about the current economic climate and risk of buying abroad.

This will not have been helped by the increase in interest rates implemented by the European Central Bank in April, the first since 2008 to 1.25%, which has strengthened the euro against the pound. As a result, any major purchase in Europe has become much more expensive for British buyers, so most investors are tending to hold off for the time being.

It has been reported that the Greek economy is growing faster than the U.K. with a 0.8% GDP growth in the first quarter of 2011 (The UK. was 0.5%). Saying this, Greece still needs financial help from the Eurozone, so property prices may not be rising just yet.

The property market in Greece is currently quite depressed; prices achieved in Skopelos can be up to 30% lower than the equivalent three years ago. This means that canny buyers from around the world looking for long term investments and holiday homes are now taking advantage of the dip in the market. There are signs that things are moving as new buyers are coming in from the near and Far East, Africa and Russia.

As a holiday destination Greece remains popular, with more British people planning to go this year for a reliable break that delivers on expectations for a much needed ‘time-out’ of busy lives, days of sunshine and relaxation within the beautiful setting of the Mediterranean.

It is still possible to get a bargain holiday on the Internet. This year there are some good flight and holiday deals to be had as holiday companies realise they need to fill seats and holidaymakers just do not have the same levels of disposable income as before the credit crunch kicked in. This is good news for us holiday makers who don’t want to give up on our much needed week or two away but have to stick to a reduced budget, for this year, at least!

To take advantage of the current dip in the market and buy a home in Greece please see:

Buy property in Skopelos
Property For sale in Skopelos

For information about buying and building property in Greece
Buy a home in Greece

Legal guide for buying property in Greece
Buying property in Greece – Legal Guide

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Information kindly provided by Maria Rizopulu, solicitor, Skopelos via Glossa Houses

This is to inform you about the new regulations which affect you as owners of property in Greece.

As you may already know, the government has abolished the law by which a yearly property tax was owed by all owners of property in Greece.

Instead of that they have recently introduced a new regulation by which all owners of property in Greece (foreigners included) are obliged to file YEARLY income tax returns whether they have income in Greece or not. In these returns they declare the ownership of any property (building), pool and car.

There is a system (which uses various factors) by which the Tax Office calculates the ASSUMED income one should have to maintain the property, the pool and the car. For the house and the pool it depends on the square meters, for the car on the capacity of the engine and the age of the car.

Foreign owned houses in Greece are described as “secondary house” and so the assumed income is half of what is calculated for a “first house”.

Proof must be attached to your tax return that you have imported into Greece the relevant amount during last year by transfer from a non-Greek bank to your Greek bank. (Please note that the name on the sending account must match the name on the beneficiary account).

Proof is in the form of the certificates from the Greek bank (called in the past – pink slips). If you don’t have that proof than you will be taxed by 10% as if that amount (assumed income) was really income.

You should ensure that whoever is to make your tax return has plenty of notice. Tax returns can now be filed electronically and individual code numbers have to be issued.

Tax returns for foreigners are filed during May and any “pink slips” should reach your tax representative by mid April at the latest.

Thank you

February 2011

Skopelos Greece

Please see the new Greek  property tax laws explaned below:

Houses

the first 80 square meters ———€30 per sq.m.
next 81-120 sq.m ——————–€50 per sq.m.
next 121-200 sq.m——————-€80 per sq.m
next 201-300 sq.m——————-€150 per sq.m.
300 sq.m ——————————€300 per sq m.

Garages/storage rooms and other “assisting” rooms (as in the building permit)           €30 per sq. m.

All above stated amounts have a 20% levy if they are independent private houses (not apartments) as it is the usual thing for foreigners.

If the house is a secondary house for you (not main residence) the above amounts are reduced to ½. This applies only if you declare residency abroad and not in Alonissos or Skopelos.

Cars

Cars up to 1,200 cc ————— €3,000
1,200-2,000 cc ——————— €300 per 100 cc
2,000 c———————————€500 per 100 cc

The amount is reduced depending on how old the car is:

30% for over 5 years to 10 years old
50% for over 10 years old

Pools

External: up to 60 sq.m. ————-€60 per sq.m.
over 60 sq.m. ————————–€200 per sq.m.

Internal pool: —————————The amount is doubled

Please see an example below:

A house of 110 sq. m. with an external pool of 30 sq.m.

House
The first 80 sq. m. at €30 per sq.m. —————— €2,400
The next 30 sq. m. at €50 per sq.m. —————– €1,500

Subtotal: —————————————————– €3,900
Plus 20% levy: ——————————————— €780
Subtotal: —————————————————–€4,680
Less 50% “second house” allowance, leaves — €2,340

Pool
30 sq. m. at €60 per sq.m. —————————– €1,800

Grand total: ———————————————— €4,140

(This is the amount you must demonstrate you have imported during 2010)

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This article is brought to you by Staysure

What is it about Greece and the Greek Islands that makes all who visit want to return again and again?

Could it be the people, beautiful coastline and crystal clear waters or maybe it’s down to the legend of Aphrodite casting her spell over the region?

Ancient Greece was the most advanced society of its time, so it’s ironic that the Greece of today is one of the few European countries intent on resisting change. That’s not to say that modern life has passed it by and the usual trappings of major tourist spots aren’t abundant, but what stands out is their determination to retain a sense of identity. It’s this national character, idyllic weather and some of the world’s impressive historic monuments that attract millions of tourists to the mainland and islands each year.

How to purchase property in Greece (northern Cyprus should be considered carefully to avoid getting involved with rows over disputed lands currently under Turkish control). There are restrictions for the purchase of property close to the Greek borders as an additional special permission is required. Such permission will be issued by the local Department Authorities. Permission to purchase of property close to the Greek borders is not granted to non EU citizens. Non EU citizens owning property does not confer EU citizenship, nor does it allow you to enter the EU without a normal visa.

Understandably for some the love affair with Greece means more than just a holiday destination, choosing to put down roots by purchasing property as an investment, holiday home and even a view to retirement. Before making the leap it’s advisable to rent a home within a chosen area and get to know what the village, town or even island is like to live in both in and out of season. Having made the decision to buy, the next step is to negotiate your way through bundles of red tape. Here are a few pointers on what to expect.

Greek tax number
Any foreigner intending to purchase property or do business in Greece is required to apply to for a Greek tax number.You must have a Greek Tax number to open a bank account. It’s not necessary to live in Greece or have a residency permit.

Bank account
All transactions are in Euros. You will need to set up a Greek bank account to pay for your legal advice, estate agent fees transfer money and pay bills. Payment of utility bills can be set up very easily by direct debit via the bank, and money can be transferred online. You will need to provide slips and receipts if you have transferred money into a different currency or bank account statements to show that the money is from a legitimate source.

Holiday Home insurance
If you intend to use your home only for holidays, insurance can be arranged through your Greek Bank for fire and storm damage. However insurance for theft may only available if you live in your property throughout the year. There are companies in the UK that can offer full insurance (3rd party for example), One of them is Staysure

Earthquakes
As Greece is prone to earthquakes, it’s vital to give any property the once over by a structural engineer, as no one wants to go to bed upstairs and wake up downstairs under a pile of rubble! Remember that some companies will not insure for earthquakes.

Utility connections
Some islands may have different requirments and regulations. – On Skopelos check that your chosen property is located inside or outside the town plan.  If your house is inside the town plan then utility connections should easily be available. If your house is outside the town plan then check what utilities, if any, are available. Remember it can very expensive  to bring these utilities in as you may have to buy the electricity poles that will go all the way to your house or, buy and install a water tank for example.  There are also other restrictions -  Please see the Buying a Home section from Angels Greek Island Homes for requirments and regulations.

Make it legal
All expenses for the conclusion of the final contract, including the tax on property transfer will be borne by the buyer. Each party will pay the fees of their legal representative who must be present at the signing of the contract, this is required by Greek Law.
To become the legal owner the sale or purchase must be authorised by a Public Notary. The contract won’t be legal until notarised. Make sure your lawyer ascertains the correct ownership of the property.
According to Greek law, the purchase contract, known also as a “Purchase Deed”, is signed by the buyer and the seller in the presence of :

A Public Notary
A lawyer appointed by the buyer
A lawyer appointed by the seller

Public Notary
Approximately 2.5% of the objective price or Tax Office estimation of the value or on the price declared in the purchase contract if this is higher.

Lawyer
Your Lawyer or Solicitor will normally charge between 1% and 2% of the sale value of the property. If he/she acts as a Power of Attorney on your behalf he/she may charge more.

Real Estate Agent
The Real Estate Agent’s fees are usually paid by the buyer.

For a Legal guide to buying property in Greece please see the Legal guide from Angels Greek Island Homes
Please remember that laws could be subject to change. Always consult a lawyer.

Insurance
Whilst we’re talking about the paperwork, it’s important to remember that once you have bought the property, you will need adequate building and contents insurance, particularly if unoccupied.

Why struggle in a foreign language or rely on costly translations, when you can save money and understand exactly what is and isn’t covered. Staysure holiday home insurance not only provides comprehensive building and contents cover, all policy documents are written in English, there is a 24-hour emergency helpline and English claims department.

Staysure.co.uk Ltd the over 50s experts specialise in providing low cost insurance solutions for over 50s living in the UK and expats living in Europe. Visit Staysure to get an instant online quote for Staysure.co.uk Ltd low cost Greek holiday home insurance.

Contact Us

Staysure.co.uk Ltd

Tel: 0844 277 0844 (UK)

Tel: 952 899 532 (expats)

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Property for sale in Skopelos

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This article is brought to you by holidaylettings

The Performing Rights Society for Music updates licensing rules

The Performing Rights Society for Music updates licensing rules. The music licensing body Performing Rights Society (PRS) has updated its licence regulations for holiday home owners whose businesses are defined as small B&Bs and single self-catering units.

Prior to the changes, PRS for Music charged for music played in hotels and other holiday accommodation. But the new rules mean PRS will not charge a licence fee for background music – including TV and radio – played in some holiday accommodation businesses.

Businesses must meet all the criteria. A property must have three guest bedrooms or fewer; it must be the sole business operated or owned by the proprietors; the property must otherwise be the domestic residence of the owners; the holiday home will not be licensed for the sale of alcohol; finally, any guest facilities will only be available to residents.

The policy also applies to single self-catering units with three bedrooms or fewer where this is the only self-catering unit owned by the proprietors.

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News letter from Glossa Houses

Hello from Glossa, Skopelos

Whilst much of Europe and North America is in the grip of a cold winter, here on Skopelos the first signs of spring are visible. The wild anemones are putting out their pastel petals in the olive groves, the anthemis daisies are brightening up the footpaths and the sulphur-yellow Bermuda Buttercups shine above their astonishingly bright green trefoil leaves.

Between now and the end of March, there will be plenty of rain to keep our island green and perhaps even a touch of snow, but once the year has turned, the seasons turn too. By early February the spectacular display of the almond blossom will be starting. But some quieter advance guards are on the march. The scented flowers of the Mousmoulia (Loquat) tree appear before Christmas and many of the fruit-laden orange and lemon trees also have blossom in time to welcome the New Year.

Inevitably, perhaps, our first visitors of 2011 will be walkers. We have expanded our popular set of picture walking maps which were extensively road tested (and off-road tested) last season. Our guests find a spring walking break in Glossa can really shorten the winter and the amazing display of spring flowers can certainly lighten your step.

On a related subject, the island has a new mayor, Giorgos Michaelis. He seems to be very forward-thinking and has a particular interest in promoting the use of Skopelos’s forests – almost unique in the Greek islands – for trekking and sustainable traditional agriculture, both firmly linked to quality tourism. So our walking picture maps will doubtless support this enterprise, and come into wider use. But there are still going to be secluded forest paths and quiet beaches for many years to come!

As you may know, Therese and Iannis gave up the Astarti Café, by the school, at the end of the summer. (Their daughter Machi has had her baby – a little girl called Joanna).  The other good news is that a local young couple have taken on the Café and are planning to offer pizzas and speciality Greek dishes. We expect it to be open well in time for Easter, which this year is the same date in the Western and the Orthodox calendars.

Best wishes from Glossa in Skopelos

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This article is brought to you by holidaylettings

The Greek Islands have such an enduring appeal as a holiday home destination that Pamela Tomlinson, the South Oxfordshire councillor, is based on one.

Conservative Pamela Tomlinson last attended a South Oxfordshire District Council meeting five months ago, but has continued to claim her basic £2,900-a-year allowance – paid to all councillors.

She told the Oxford Mail she was still able to work on ward issues from her holiday home in Greece and that her offer to resign her seat had been rejected because the council’s leader did not want to call a by-election.

But Clifton Hampden Parish Council has complained to district council chief executive David Buckle – claiming residents rarely saw Mrs Tomlinson.

Parish council chairman Chris Dupond said Mrs Tomlinson, who represents Sandford ward, rarely attended their meetings to represent the district council. Berinsfield district councillor John Cotton has been appearing in her place.

“The parish council has been pretty horrified, and we think it’s quite wrong. We have been dissatisfied for a long time. Our meetings were rarely attended, or she used to turn up and read the district council newsletter to us,” said Mr Dupond. “The whole thing has been totally unacceptable,” he added.

Mrs Tomlinson said she had sold her house in Clifton Hampden in May but had another property in Oxfordshire. She insisted she was still performing her council duties and spent “less than half” her time abroad.

She said: “It’s a holiday home. Nobody would want to live on a small Greek island full-time. I’m still a member of South Oxfordshire District Council. I’m attending a group meeting tomorrow and had meetings in Wallingford and Reading today.

“Yes, I have got a place in Greece, and I have spent some time there over the summer, but it’s quite easy to deal with things by email and I have had another district councillor covering parish council meetings when I have not been there.”

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