Frequently Asked Questions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: ARE YOU ABLE TO ARRANGE INSPECTION VISITS?

"Whether you are familiar with the island or not we would definitely recommend an inspection trip in order that you can view the properties which you are interested in with us. Whatever time of year you decide you would like to visit we will be happy to advise you on travel arrangements and we have negotiated special rates with local hotels. Should you wish we can also meet you from the airport or arrange car hire for you.

If you are planning to live on the Island permanently and have never visited in the winter period before, this can be an ideal way of discovering what island life is like outside of the tourist season and ensure that this is the island of your dreams! We will discuss your requirements with you, answer any questions which you may have and guide you through the entire purchase process once you have found what you are looking for. At whatever time of year you come to the island with the intention of viewing properties we would recommend that you are here for at least two working days. Of course you will also have plenty of time to soak up the local culture and beautiful scenery."

WOULD WE BE LEFT TO FIND AND VIEW PROPERTY/LAND BY OURSELVES? "

You would be accompanied by a member of our experienced staff throughout any viewing trips, and we would be on hand to answer any questions or queries you may have. We pride ourselves on our customer service throughout the whole process, and initial viewing is only the start of our valuable relationship with all our clients."

WHAT IS THE PROCESS AFTER WE HAVE CHOSEN A PARTICULAR PLOT OF LAND OR PROPERTY?

"Our lawyers would of course check out all aspects of the vendors title to the land or property, the validity of any building permissions in place, Land Registry checks, etc etc prior to any commitment from a prospective purchaser. In the case of land purchase, we would also have initial discussions with our team of architects, to ensure that, within the building constraints, you are able to build your particular dream home on the land, again, prior to any commitment. Only when we are 100% certain that everything regarding the process is right for our client, would we then arrange for contracts to be drawn up, and for the purchase to be finalized."

HOW WOULD WE FIND A LAWYER, NOTARY, ETC ETC?

"Again, we would arrange for a lawyer to act on your behalf, arrange for appointments with the notary etc, and organize all aspects of the legal process for you".

HOW EASY IS IT TO ARRANGE A MORTGAGE?

"We work very closely with several banks here in Kefalonia, and as long as you meet the borrowing criteria of the bank, we would be able to arrange a mortgage on your behalf, and tailor make it to suit your particular circumstances and needs".

CAN YOU ARRANGE INSURANCE?

"As with the banks, we would arrange house insurance on your behalf, and liaise with the insurance company, regarding premiums etc."

IS IT POSSIBLE TO BUILD ANYTHING WE WISH IN KEFALONIA?

"Unfortunately not. There are many factors which determine what can be built in Kefalonia, depending on the location, size of plot, topography of land etc etc, so it is very important to ensure any restrictions are taken into consideration prior to any commitment to buy. It is these restrictions which ultimately help to protect this wonderful island of Kefalonia, and ensure anything which is built, complies with stringent building regulations."

WHAT ARE THE MAIN FACTORS WE SHOULD CONSIDER WHEN PURCHASING A PLOT/HOUSE?

"There are many factors to take into consideration, such as the views; positioning of a house so that any views could not be obstructed with any future build; ease of access; proximity to services; size of plot (a plot which is very large may be difficult to maintain, and a plot which is too small may be difficult to position a property); proximity to hospitals, schools, shops, airport if you are planning to live on the island. Factors such as these will be advised upon at the viewing stage of any purchase."

ARE THERE ANY GENERAL RULES REGARDING WHAT CAN BE BUILT AND WHERE?

"Generally, if a plot is within the village boundary, approx 70% of it's area can be built upon. Outside the village boundary, it is possible to obtain permission to build 200m2 on a plot of 4000m2 plus basement area, if the topography of the land allows."

WHAT ARE THE NORMAL FEES ASSOCIATED WITH THE PURCHASE OF LAND?

"The legal fees, based on the contract price are: 8% - 12%Transfer tax (although the tax may be much less in certain instances, due to recent legislation), 2% Notary fee, 1% Lawyers Association fee, Land registry fee of less than 1%, 2% Real Estate agent fee."

IS BUYING OFF PLAN A GOOD IDEA?

The purchase of a home in one of our projects can give you several advantages over buying a pre existing home. Some of the benefits include that you pay the price which is set when you agree to buy the house, rather than the price of when it is actually completed, that you have the advantage of choice for getting the best plot, best overall location and for getting the fittings, layout and furnishing that you want and that you can also be involved with the finishing touches of your home. Buying off plan allows you time to save up before the big move, so that you can get everything that you need to make your new house perfect. Payments are usually made in pre-agreed stages, with an initial deposit and set stage payments, and the final balance is paid once the home is complete.perty will benefit from approx 15% capital growth at present; you can get a rental return of approx 10% per annum on your capital investment by building the right kind of property; you can benefit from interest rates which are much lower than in the UK and offset any mortgage re-payments with rental income. Invariably, any purchase you choose to make will be much more than just an investment, it will be the realization of a dream. Voted among the top ten most beautiful locations in the world, renowned for it's natural un-spoilt beauty, it's fantastic Mediterranean climate and the friendliness of it's people, Kefalonia will always be the perfect place to realize that dream."