Buying a property in Greece from the UK

These are the key steps to buying Greek property from the UK and strategies to save on international money transfers.

Does the idea of owning a serene property in Greece as a UK resident appeal to you? Whether it's a beachfront villa, a retirement retreat, or a permanent residence, purchasing property in Greece from the UK can be a rewarding and profitable venture. However, understanding the buying process and managing international money transfers can be challenging. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the essential steps of buying Greek property and illustrate how to save on GBP to EUR international money transfers to boost your investment.

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Property Search and Legal Requirements

The first step in purchasing property in Greece is to identify the location and type of property that aligns with your dreams and lifestyle. Popular areas include the islands of Santorini and Crete, the historic city of Athens, and the beautiful Halkidiki region. It's crucial to familiarise yourself with Greek property law and engage the services of a Greek lawyer to manage the legal aspects of the transaction.

Financing Your Greek Property Purchase

Your Greek property purchase can be financed using a UK mortgage, a Greek mortgage, or cash. UK banks typically require a larger deposit and may have less favourable terms than Greek banks. To save on international money transfers, consider using a currency exchange specialist. These specialists often offer competitive exchange rates, helping you save on your GBP to EUR transfers.

The Property Buying Process in Greece

The Greek property buying process generally involves three main steps:

1. Signing the Preliminary Agreement: This is the initial agreement that outlines the property's details, the agreed-upon price, and any conditions of the sale. Both the buyer and seller sign this document, and a deposit is usually paid.
2. Due Diligence: This is when the buyer or their lawyer checks the property's legal status, ensuring it is free from debts, liens, or other issues.
3. Signing the Final Contract: This is the final sales deed, which must be signed in the presence of a Greek notary. The notary will then register the property transfer and provide you with a copy of the deed.

Taxes and Fees

When buying property in Greece, you will need to pay various taxes and fees, including:

a. Transfer Tax: Paid by the buyer, this tax is usually between 3% and 10% of the property's purchase price.

b. Notary fees: These fees typically range from 1% to 2% of the property's value.

c. Land Registry fees: These fees usually amount to approximately 0.475% of the property's value.

Maximising Value on GBP to EUR International Money Transfers

To ensure you're getting the best value on your international money transfers, consider the following tips:

1. Use a currency exchange specialist: These specialists often provide competitive rates, saving you money on your transfers.
2. Set up a forward contract: This allows you to lock in an exchange rate for a future transfer, protecting you from potential currency fluctuations.
3. Monitor exchange rates: Keep a close eye on the GBP to EUR exchange rate to transfer funds when the rate is most favourable.

Summary

Purchasing property in Greece from the UK is an exciting and potentially advantageous endeavour. By understanding the property buying process and utilising currency exchange specialists for your international money transfers, you can optimise the value of your investment and realise your dream of owning a Greek property. With attentive planning and an eye for detail, you'll soon be experiencing all that Greece has to offer. Take the first step towards your Greek property journey today and open the door to a world of possibilities.