Retirement Homes in Greece

GREEK DREAMS AND RETIREMENT HOMES

Everybody loves Greece, the epitome of sun, sea and sand mixed with a rich history and culture culture. Millions of tourists flock to the islands, and fall in love with the romantic Greek dream. Some decide, reasonably enough, to buy a holiday or retirement home, swayed by the relatively low price of Greek property. Greece is a wonderful country for relaxation, but it is important not to let passion sway financial decisions. Take a deep breath and do some research before deciding upon the perfect home.

GHOST TOWNS AND EMPTY SHOPS.

As with any holiday area, many Greek hotspots become deserted in the off-season, and most of the inhabitants return home to pick olives over the winter. If you are buying a holiday property, this is not a major problem. You will find yourself surrounded by an interesting mix of nationalities and languages and will make a lot of long friendships this way. If, however, you are buying with retirement in mind, make sure that you visit in the off-season to check that the place does not become a veritable ghost-town.

CLOSED MENTALITY

The Greeks are amongst the friendliest people on Earth, there are a few villages with a mistrust of outsiders, as with many rural areas. The smiles that you receive as a tourist can disappear when you become a permanent fixture. Again, try to visit for a few weeks and talk to other ex-pats in the area. Bear in mind that there are two types of foreigner living in Greece, so try to place every non-Greek you meet into one of the two categories.

There are those who moan incessantly about the Greeks, complaining about how they have felt alienated. On further investigation, you often find that these people have made no effort to integrate, and expect to move to Greece and live a Northern European or North American lifestyle. The second type of person tries to adapt to the Greek lifestyle, attempts to speak a little Greek and mingles with the locals, rather than hide away in condo’s and gated communities. The second group will be a great source of help and information.

EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS

Everybody loves the tourist spots, but do not write of the rest of Greece, especially if you want authentic Greek culture rather than the jaded tourist version. The major resorts are expensive, crowded, and there is a growing resentment amongst the Greeks that locals are being priced out of the markets. Parts of Northern Greece, the Peloponnese and inland Crete have some genuine bargains, and the locals are usually delighted to have outsiders moving to the village.

A sea-view is always nice, but moving even 10 kilometres inland can unlock a whole new market, and the property can be up to 50 – 60% cheaper. In the Peloponnese, for example, it is possible to buy a village house for less than 40 000 Euros. On the coast, the same house would cost well over 100 000 Euros. Purchase a house inland and buy or hire a car to drive to the beach. It works out to be much cheaper, and there is more life in the interior.

Some of the best places for holiday and retirement homes:

Nafplio – Fairly close to Athens, this beautiful Venetian town has some of the finest beaches in Greece. It can be pricy, because of its proximity to Athens, but is a relaxed and friendly place. Expect to pay at least 200 000 Euros for a detached two or three bedroom property.

Chania – A beautiful town in Western Crete and, for the lower budgets, there are many bargains further inland. In the mountains, you can still find a two or three-bedroom property for less than 100 000 Euros.

Samos – Only 2km from Turkey, this island offers the Greek dream but without the hordes of summer tourists in the high season. Expect to pay between 150 000 and 200 000 Euros for a three-bedroom villa.