The objective of this section of our web site is to explain, as simply as possible, how the buying process works for houses, plots of land or any property in Crete. One of the first things that you need to understand is thet the process is different from that in other European Countries. It is most similar to the French system. However, whilst different, it is as safe as buying a home in Britain, Germany or elsewhere.

Working with East Crete Property and our legal and business partners removes as much of the risk as is humanly possible. Before we even accept a property for sale, we have done a lot of background checking to make sure that the sale stands a good chance of smooth completion. We recommend Thespina Kanavaki, an English speaking lawyer, who lives in Makrygialos and practices in Sitia. She is very experienced in propery conveyancing to foreign nationals and will help you avoid problems. The Notary that we tend to use, Ioanna Fournaraki, is almost universally disliked by the property sellers as she has amazing attention for detail and will not allow the smallest problem to be overlooked. Our civil engineering partner Manolis Nikolaidis will carry out any topography and survey work that you require, efficiently and accurately. His company also offers architectural and building services. Whilst we recommend these professionals, you are, of course, free to choose others, and we can provide a comprehensive list of people to choose from.

The main legal provisions relating to property law are found in the Greek Civil Code. It declares that non-Greek nationals must be treated in the same manner as Greek nationals. Greek law MUST always govern the sale and purchase of a property located in Greece. Where two or more people have a piece of land or other property in common they will always own it in undivided shares. Ownership of property is transferred between buyer and seller by the signing of a sale contract and it's registration at the Land Registry. There are two Land Registries in Greece, National and Local.

The normal steps in property transfer are:

• Agreement to Purchase
• Payment of Deposit (normally 5-10%)
• Drawing of Topographical Plan
• Checks on Ownership
• Checks on Debts Attaching to the Property
• Payment of Property Purchase Tax
• Payment of Price and Contract Signing