European Union citizens are allowed to purchase property in Crete. It is no more difficult to buy here than in the UK and Hellenic Homes supports their customers through the process.  

If you decide to purchase a property during your visit you will need to sign power of attorney over to a Crete based lawyer. There will be a 50 euro fee payable to the lawyer for this service, and the only documentation you will need to bring along is your passport.  Hellenic Homes can introduce you to a number of totally independent English speaking lawyers whose charges will be covered within the 5% Legal and Other Costs fee.

Your lawyer will manage all the legal processes on your behalf.  Firstly, they will obtain a Greek tax number and open a personal bank account for you. Then, with your prior approval, they will make the stage payments, arrange utilities such as electric and water, and check licences etc. They will also be able to help you with the arrangement of a mortgage should you require.

While you are at our head quarters, you will have the opportunity to view and select from our wide range of room fittings. Bathroom, kitchen and terrace tiles are all kept in stock, as well as kitchen units and worktops, including granite and the very latest CORIAN hard wearing surfaces.  Our displays will allow you to really feel the style and quality of the finish in YOUR new Hellenic Home. Our interior designers will be available to guide you through the fun of adding you own personal touches.

Before you leave us, we will reserve the property you have selected with a reservation fee of 3,000 euros and prepare a detailed purchase agreement.  The reservation fee is non-refundable but is transferable.  The agreement will indicate the exact plot, house type, sizes and any optional extras you may have specified.  Everything will be priced to ensure that you know exactly what the final cost will be. This figure is legally binding and guaranteed not to increase so there will be no hidden costs.

You will then be required to pay a 10% deposit, minus the 3,000 euro reservation fee, on or before the date arranged in your agreement. This is usually 21 days after the signing of the agreement. The remainder can either be paid in stages, or at the completion of your home (5% handling fee applies). See our “Money, Money, Money” section for exact details.

When transferring money to Crete you are given 'pink slips' from your Cretan bank, which confirms that you have transferred the money from abroad, and not earned this money in Greece.  It is essential to keep these pink slips for your tax declaration at the end of each year to cover the assessed value of your property.

If you have enjoyed reading this guide and have found it useful, contact: sales@hellenichomes.com. Let us make your dreams a reality.