A step-by-step guide to buying a property

Buying a property in Greece can be a complicated process. This step-by-step guide has been designed to walk you through the process of buying a property.

1. Register your interest
2. Finding the right property
3. Viewing the property
4. Making an offer
5. Offer agreed
6. Obtaining a Power of Attorney, Tax number and a Greek bank account
7. Conveyancing
8. Signing a pre-contract
9. Drawing-up final contracts
10.Completion

Step 1 Register your interest

The first step to finding the right property for you, is to register your interest with us. This can be done in several ways: online through our website enquiry form at www.kefalonianproperty.com ; by e mailing us at vinieris@kefalonianproperty.com ; by telephoning our office on 0030 26710 24202 ; by visiting our offices, where you can discuss personally your property requirements with us.

Step 2 Finding the right property

Once we have a clear understanding of all aspects of your requirements, we shall use our extensive knowledge and experience to provide you with a selection of properties that match your criteria. We can also keep you constantly up-to-date via email and SMS alerts when the latest properties become available.

Step 3 Viewing a property

When you have decided that a particular property on our listings meets your requirements, we will then arrange an appointment for you to view the property, accompanied by ourselves.

Step 4 Making an offer

After you have identified the property of your dreams, we will then need to put an offer forward to the vendor, stating any special conditions. There is no legal obligation on either side at this point, until contracts are signed.

Step 5 Offer agreed

Our extensive experience, and given that we are legally bound to act fairly on behalf of both parties, we can help to negotiate an agreed purchase price between the buyer and vendor.

Step 6 Obtaining a Power of Attorney, Tax number and a Greek bank account

Following an agreement on the price, you will need to obtain a Power of Attorney with a lawyer, a Greek Tax Number and open a Greek bank account, all of which we shall organise for you, in order to proceed to the next step.

Step 7 Conveyancing

Your lawyer, together with ourselves, shall begin the process of obtaining all the necessary information/documentation regarding the property, in order to proceed to a pre-contract. These searches will confirm that clear title exists on the property, and that there are no outstanding charges (for example mortgages, taxes, etc.). In the case of a building plot, will include confirmation that building is permitted. Where additional consents are required (for example, from the Forestry Commission) these will also be obtained during this period.

Step 8 Pre-Contract

A pre-contract will then be prepared and signed by both parties at the Notary Public, usually by their prospective lawyers. This commits both the buyer and vendor to a price and a date for completion of the sale. At the time of signing the pre-contract, the buyer pays an agreed deposit which is usually around 10% of the purchase price. This deposit (less handling charges) is refundable in the event that the buyers’ lawyer is unable satisfy himself with respect to the searches mentioned above. However, should the buyer wish to cancel the sale for any other reason, the deposit is forfeited.

Step 9 Drawing up the Final Contract

The Notary Public, together with the respective lawyers, will draw up the final contract prior to the completion of the process. The final contract will encompass and include all detailed information regarding the property to be bought. Prior to signing the Final Contract, a tax declaration is signed and the amount of tax shown becomes payable. This is known as the Transfer Tax, and is payable to the Government

Step 10 Completion

On the day of the Final Contract, which takes place at the office of the Notary Public, the relevant paperwork is signed by both parties, or their respective lawyers. The balance of the agreed price is paid by the buyer, and the contracts are completed. The contracts are then lodged at the main Land Registry Offices, with the Notary retaining a copy. Certified copies are also issued to the buyer and vendor.

Our Testimonials

"We thank George & Adonis Vinieris for being so helpful in handling the purchase of the house. Your friendly advice and patience whilst we visited several properties was appreciated. The additional help with the tax office, finding a solicitor and accountant saved us a lot of time and worry. I haven't know a house purchase to be that straightforward."

Susan & Mike Booker

"Everyone at Vinieris has been so helpful from the moment we first enquired about purchasing a property on our dream island of Kefalonia. From our first meeting with Adonis and then all the help provided by Christina, Dawn and Elina they have helped guide us through all the steps of buying a property. They have helped us in so many ways and continue to do so. Even though we have completed our purchase we always get a friendly welcome when we drop in to say hello. They help with each step of the process from getting a Greek Tax Id, a Greek Bank Account, Solicitor and Accountant, they even introduced us to a Kitchen Company who have been great as well. We would thoroughly recommend using Vinieris to start your dream of a property in the sunshine of Kefalonia."

Duncan & Sue Banks

"From the very first contact we had with Vinieris we were treated in a friendly and professional manner. Nothing was too much trouble for them in answering all our questions and queries and their help in introducing other professional contacts was willing and easy and has proved invaluable. When you are looking to buy property in the sun it is easy to let your heart rule your head but the way George and the team run the business they allow you to enjoy the journey whilst they make sure everything is covered. If you are looking for property in Kefalonia there is only one place to look - Vinieris. Two new happy Kefalonians"

Steve & Dot Corke

"Nothing was too much trouble for George and the team and I can’t recommend them enough. They made a very daunting idea of buying a property in Greece into the easiest and most straightforward task for me. They handled absolutely everything in a professional, accommodating, friendly and helpful way. I think a lot of UK estate agents could learn a lot from George and the team! Thank you George, Dawn and Christina – you made my dream a reality!"

Catherine McKenzie

"We bought our villa in the beautiful village of Tselendata, near Fiscardo in September 2014. Being our first overseas purchase we were full of concern as to the whole property buying process. Fortunately, help was at hand in the guise of Vinieris Real Estate. Throughout the whole process from finding our lovely villa to the completion of formalities, Adonis and his wonderful team were there to hold our hands. We still keep in touch and we regard Adonis and the team as our friends."

Alison & Colin Chattaway

"Although the Villa is finished our involvement with the Vinieris team has not, as we now rent the Villa, through their website. This not only provides an income which pays the Villa bills but gives us peace of mind that someone from the team is always around keeping an eye on the place. We have totally fallen in love with the villa and the islands way of life, so much so, that we are now planning to move out permanently."

Martin Ling & Lynne Harrississ

"During the whole process, every one of the team at Vinieris Real Estate acted in a thoroughly professional, helpful and courteous manner. They really were interested in helping us find our dream home in Kefalonia and made sure that everything went smoothly and efficiently in order for it to happen. We look forward to using them in the management and upkeep of our house. We cannot recommend them and their services highly enough and would suggest that these are the people to visit if you are looking for a property in Kefalonia. They will undoubtedly look after you."

Martin Wykes & Joanne Steere

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