BUILDING REGULATIONS

The current Greek Building Code/Regulations (NOK) came into effect in July 2011.

A unique identification code is now provided to every new building or renovation project which includes all relevant plans and documents.

The Regulations now cover inter alia the following matters:

Energy Performance Certificate (*EPC ΠΕΑ)

Since 2012, it is mandatory under the 'European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive' for a property owner in Greece to have an Energy Efficiency Audit prepared, and an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) issued, before:

• a Building Permit is issued,
• the building can be used for rental purposes, or
• a building is sold

These Certificates are issued in accordance with The Greek Regulations for the Energy Efficiency of Buildings (KENAK).  You’re Architect/Engineer can arrange for an EPC to be prepared and issued by a certified professional, the cost will depend on the size/area of the building.

These EPC's are valid for a period of 10 years.

Seismic/Static Study

Building Regulations in Greece are very comprehensive in relation to the earthquake resistance of new structures.

You’re Architect/Engineer may have to undertake a structural 'static' analysis of the proposed sub-structure and superstructure design to demonstrate that it can withstand earthquakes.

The extent of this Study will depend on the nature of the proposed construction works.

Illegal building activity

This problem is often encountered, and is not of course unique to Greece, and ranges from structures which have no Planning Permission, to problems which are more ‘change of use’ issues (e.g. ‘enclosed’ balconies, external stores which are now habitable space etc.).

It is important to note that a change of property ownership is prohibited if illegal building structure(s) exists.

Due to the historic extent of illegal building work in Crete over the years, current legislation does permit property owners to settle illegally built structures by paying a fine, the amount being dependant on the year of construction, property value, building usage and building size.

We have also seen in Hania in recent years the commendable demolition, by the Municipality, of illegal structures built abutting, or adjacent to, the Old City walls, and in 2016 the demolition of the structure built behind the imposing Ottoman Kucjk Hassan Mosque (or Mosque of the Janissaries) in Hania Harbour.