Greek tourism up and key reforms to facilitate property investment
Tourists are flocking back to Greece’s sun-drenched islands, drawn by sharply lower prices on offer for Aegean holidays. Visitors to Greece’s islands and ancient monuments account for nearly a sixth of the economy and one in five jobs, so a strong tourist sector is crucial to Athen’s plan to emerge next year from its worst recession in forty years. The most popular Greek destination is Crete where holiday arrivals are up 15% this year.
George Drakopoulos, General Manager of Greece’s main tourism industry body, SETE says, “The European Commission has said that Greece must agree by the end of August on law to facilitate easier investment in resorts, marinas and real estate. These key reforms include accelerated land registration to attract buyers from the UK and other European countries to purchase properties in Greece because it has so much to offer – sun, security and an affordable lifestyle.”
Says Mike Saunders, Marketing Director at Snobby Homes, “Despite all the bad press about Greece, this year Snobby has seen a steady rise in enquiries. There’s definitely a more positive attitude from potential buyers we are seeing from the UK. Gone are the days of buying a home overseas, just for holidays. The market has now changed. People in their 50’s and 60’s, who are coming up to retirement are planning to make a permanent move to Crete, knowing they can afford a far better lifestyle on their pension than if they were to live in the UK.
Snobby has been quick to react to this change to include the most important criteria the market is now seeking – small private developments set quietly away, with a mini-market, a place to eat and a bus service all within walking distance. People are also seeking real value with features such as ample storage, and a high specification to include air conditioning and luxuries such as a dishwasher and ‘fridge freezer – all included as standard. Snobbys feature all this, PLUS we are the only builder in Crete to include all purchase costs within the price, so you know precisely what to budget for.”
Snobby have just announced a new development in Pano Gerani, within a 5minute drive of the beach resorts of Gerani and Platanias in western Crete. Set quietly away, in a lane just off the village square, Pano Gerani has a mini-market, taverna, kafenion and a regular bus service. The development – Village Walk – is set in a citrus grove and comprises just three Snobbys – two detached 2 bedroom bungalows and one, original two storey detached Snobby with its mezzanine floor. You also have the option of having your own swimming pool built too!
Pano Gerani is a traditional working village, yet within a few minutes’ drive you can be at the beach, or 15 minutes to the wonderful old stone city of Chania and just half an hour from Chania International Airport with direct UK flights by EasyJet and other carriers.
Prices: Two storey det. house 129,950 euros. Two bed det. bungalow 142,950 euros and bungalow with en suite 149,950 euros.
For more information, visit snobbyhomes.co.uk.
