FAQ
- 1. How much does it cost to buy land?
- 2. How much land will I need?
- 3. How long will it take to build my house?
- 4. Who will organise the building permit?
- 5. Who will build my house?
- 6. What style of house can I have?
- 7. Can I influence the design of my house?
- 8. What about the drainage system?
- 9. What guarantees do I get with my new home?
- 10. What do I do about a solicitor?
- 11. How will I stay in the loop if I am back in the UK?
- 12. Can I take out a mortgage?
- 13. What fees will I have to pay?
- 14. Will I have to pay the whole amount in one go?
- 15. What about renting out my house?
- 16. Can I see a finished property or show house?
How much does it cost to buy land?
The cost of land very much depends of where it is, surprise, surprise. The closer to amenities and facilities the plot is the more it costs. A beach side plot, if you can find one would be very expensive. There are many plots of land available on Crete and it is very easy to pick up a bargain if you are prepared to do a little leg work. Of course, Lifestyle Homes has already done extensive leg work and has built a land bank of plots. We are confident that we can find you the perfect plot for your new home.
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How much land will I need?
As you might expect, things are not simple when it comes to plot sizes versus house sizes. Put very simply there are three main categories, inside a village or town boundary, outside and “on the cusp”. If you have land inside a boundary you are able to build up to 70% of the size of the plot. So let’s say you have 300 square metres of land you could put very good sized three bedroom house on it. If you want to build a house outside the town boundary then you must have 4 “strema”, approximately an acre. This allows you to build up to 200 square metres of roofed property on it. On the cusp or edge of the boundary is a little more complex as it varies from place to place, so best ask us when you think it is relevant!
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How long will it take to build my house?
A house build is not just a question of laying a concrete foundation and some walls, at least not in Greece! First we have to apply for a building permit once you have decided on a plot and house style and size etc. This can take up to 4 months to be approved. Once we have obtained a permit number we are able to proceed with the build. The time taken to build the main structure will very much depend on the method of construction chosen. A steel framed house for example would be the quickest method we offer. We can talk you through the most suitable methods at a later stage, but suffice to say about 12 months is a realistic time frame for a full build process. A completion date for you new home is mutually agreed and inserted into the contract at the appropriate stage.
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Who will organise the building permit?
Once you have agreed on a plot and a house style that suits your budget the architect will apply for the building permit. Lifestyle Homes takes care of the entire permit and licensing side of things. If you plan to rent out your villa you will need an EOT license, it is a sensible to apply at this stage also.
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Who will build my house?
Lifestyle Homes will build your house. We are responsible for the entire operation. Once you return to the UK we will keep you up to date with building progress. We will send you documentary and photographic evidence as each milestone of the build is reached.
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What style of house can I have?
Lifestyle Homes build a number of different styles of house. We build in concrete, steel frame and natural stone. Although you will need to have picked out your plot first, you will probably have some strong ideas of what your dream home looks like. We will do everything we can to make sure that is what you end up with, budget allowing.
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Can I influence the design of my house?
Lifestyle Homes offers a full bespoke design package. Working closely with an experience architect you will have plenty of creative input if you choose to.
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What about the drainage system?
Not a pretty subject but one that is close to everyone’s heart! All Lifestyle Homes properties are built with wide diameter drainage pipes. That means there is no need for a bin next to the loo! See our Building Specification page for more information on plumbing.
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What guarantees do I get with my new home?
All Lifestyle Homes properties come with a two year guarantee against faulty workmanship in and around the house. The structures are guaranteed for life. We want you to have a wonderful home and a carefree life here on Crete. If you are happy then we know that you will rave about your new home. This can only be good for our business.
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What do I do about a solicitor?
It is always advisable to have an English speaking lawyer to act for you when purchasing property abroad. There are many such lawyers on Crete who are very experienced in conveyancing and who speak excellent English. We would be happy to give you a list or make a recommendation if you do not already have a lawyer.
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How will I stay in the loop if I am back in the UK
A very common practice in Greece is for a foreign purchaser to appoint power of attorney to an English speaking lawyer. This way the lawyer can act on your behalf for any number of things. You remain in control at all times; they simply are able to carry out your instructions without you having to be on Crete to sign for certain things. “Things” may include signing for a utility company, or arranging for the bank to pass on monies from a recently granted mortgage.
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Can I take out a mortgage?
There are a large number of lenders in Greece who will be happy to consider you for a mortgage. (Mortgage page link). Greek rates are often much less than those available in the UK. Lifestyle Homes will be glad to help you with your application and accompany you to the bank should you wish, although 70% of Cretans speak very good English. Of course, all the usual terms and conditions apply as you would expect.
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What fees will I have to pay?
The price that Lifestyle Homes advertises or quotes you for the plot and house of your choice will include all the fees. There is one exception and that is the fee that you would pay to your lawyer. This fee is separate as they act on your behalf. The fee is worked out on a percentage basis for example - total purchase price of 200,000 euros; fee should be around 1200 euros plus 120 euros for the Notary to do the paperwork.
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Will I have to pay the whole amount in one go?
We usually ask for a 10% deposit at the beginning of the purchase. You pay this once you have returned home and have had time to sort out your finances. When we are at the contract stage we draw up a staged payment plan. Payments are made as we progress with building your house and reach certain milestones. The payment plan is agreed mutually and committed to the contract which in turn is reviewed by your lawyer before signing.
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What about renting out my house?
We have no doubt that you have already researched the possibilities of renting villas and houses in Crete. There are many companies, agents and websites who will promote your property to the right market. You will need an EOT license in order to comply with regulations. EOT exists as a regulatory process to ensure that property offered for rent throughout Greece is of a certain standard. It has nothing to do with building permits etc.
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Can I see a finished property or show house?
Yes, of course. We would be delighted to show you finished properties and also ones under construction. Call our sales office on +30 6973 490344 or go to the contact page on this site and send us a request. We look forward to meeting you in person.