GREEK LAWYER

Appoint a Greek Lawyer

Unless you plan to make frequent visits to Crete during this ‘pre-purchase’ period, I recommend that you consider appointing a Lawyer, and giving him/her a limited Power of Attorney (do not appoint a Lawyer that has been recommended by the Vendor).

This procedure can generally be arranged at fairly short notice, is relatively inexpensive and is executed in the presence of a Notary Public. This will enable your Lawyer to sign official forms and papers on your behalf.

Red tape and local business practices can make buying a plot of land, renovating or building your home a complex procedure, and so ensure you retain a reputable lawyer who is well versed in local By-Laws, specifically dealing with property and land.

Your Lawyer at this stage should:

verify that the property belongs to the Vendor(s), or that they have the legal authority to sell,
make sure there are no ‘tenants’, and if there are, ensuring that you will have vacant possession,
investigate ‘Inheritance Papers’,
carry out checks at the ‘Land Registry’,
carry out checks for existing mortgages on the property,
check that all Tax liens have been paid,
carry out checks for any other claims that may exist on the land or property