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LifeStyleHomes > FAQ
1.
How much does it cost to buy land?
2.
How much land will I need?
3.
How long will it take to build my house?
4.
Who will organise the building permit?
5.
Who will build my house?
6.
What style of house can I have?
7.
Can I influence the design of my house?
8.
What about the drainage system?
9.
What guarantees do I get with my new home?
10.
What do I do about a solicitor?
11.
How will I stay in the loop if I am back in the UK?
12.
Can I take out a mortgage?
13.
What fees will I have to pay?
14.
Will I have to pay the whole amount in one go?
15.
What about renting out my house?
16.
Can I see a finished property or show house?
The cost
of land very much depends of where it is, surprise, surprise.
The closer to amenities and facilities the plot is the more it
costs. A beach side plot, if you can find one would be very
expensive. There are many plots of land available on Crete and
it is very easy to pick up a bargain if you are prepared to do a
little leg work. Of course, Lifestyle Homes has already done
extensive leg work and has built a land bank of plots. We are
confident that we can find you the perfect plot for your new
home.
As you might expect, things are not simple when it comes to plot
sizes versus house sizes. Put very simply there are three main
categories, inside a village or town boundary, outside and “on
the cusp”.
If you have land inside a boundary you are able to build up to
70% of the size of the plot. So let’s say you have 300 square
metres of land you could put very good sized three bedroom house
on it.
If you want to build a house outside the town boundary then you
must have 4 “strema”, approximately an acre. This allows you to
build up to 200 square metres of roofed property on it.
On the cusp or edge of the boundary is a little more complex as
it varies from place to place, so best ask us when you think it
is relevant!
A house
build is not just a question of laying a concrete foundation and
some walls, at least not in Greece! First we have to apply for a
building permit once you have decided on a plot and house style
and size etc. This can take up to 4 months to be approved. Once
we have obtained a permit number we are able to proceed with the
build. The time taken to build the main structure will very much
depend on the method of construction chosen. A steel framed
house for example would be the quickest method we offer. We can
talk you through the most suitable methods at a later stage, but
suffice to say about 12 months is a realistic time frame for a
full build process. A completion date for you new home is
mutually agreed and inserted into the contract at the
appropriate stage.
Once you
have agreed on a plot and a house style that suits your budget
the architect will apply for the building permit. Lifestyle
Homes takes care of the entire permit and licensing side of
things. If you plan to rent out your villa you will need an EOT
license, it is a sensible to apply at this stage also.
Lifestyle
Homes will build your house. We are responsible for the entire
operation. Once you return to the UK we will keep you up to date
with building progress. We will send you documentary and
photographic evidence as each milestone of the build is reached.
Lifestyle
Homes build a number of different styles of house. We build in
concrete, steel frame and natural stone. Although you will need
to have picked out your plot first, you will probably have some
strong ideas of what your dream home looks like. We will do
everything we can to make sure that is what you end up with,
budget allowing.
Lifestyle
Homes offers a full
bespoke design
package. Working closely with an
experience architect you will have plenty of creative input if
you choose to.
Not a
pretty subject but one that is close to everyone’s heart! All
Lifestyle Homes properties are built with wide diameter drainage
pipes. That means there is no need for a bin next to the loo!
See our Building
Specification page for more information on
plumbing.
All
Lifestyle Homes properties come with a two year
guarantee against faulty workmanship in
and around the house. The structures are guaranteed for life. We
want you to have a wonderful home and a carefree life here on
Crete. If you are happy then we know that you will rave about
your new home. This can only be good for our business.
It is
always advisable to have an English speaking lawyer to act for
you when purchasing property abroad. There are many such lawyers
on Crete who are very experienced in conveyancing and who speak
excellent English. We would be happy to give you a list or make
a recommendation if you do not already have a lawyer.
A very
common practice in Greece is for a foreign purchaser to appoint
power of attorney
to an English speaking lawyer. This way the lawyer can act on
your behalf for any number of things. You remain in control at
all times; they simply are able to carry out your instructions
without you having to be on Crete to sign for certain things.
“Things” may include signing for a utility company, or arranging
for the bank to pass on monies from a recently granted mortgage.
There are
a large number of lenders in Greece who will be happy to
consider you for a mortgage. (Mortgage
page link). Greek rates are often much
less than those available in the UK. Lifestyle Homes will be
glad to help you with your application and accompany you to the
bank should you wish, although 70% of Cretans speak very good
English. Of course, all the usual terms and conditions apply as
you would expect.
The price
that Lifestyle Homes advertises or quotes you for the plot and
house of your choice will include all the fees. There is one
exception and that is the fee that you would pay to your lawyer.
This fee is separate as they act on your behalf. The fee is
worked out on a percentage basis for example - total purchase
price of 200,000 euros; fee should be around 1200 euros plus 120
euros for the Notary to do the paperwork.
We usually
ask for a 10% deposit at the beginning of the purchase. You pay
this once you have returned home and have had time to sort out
your finances. When we are at the contract stage we draw up a
staged payment plan. Payments are made as we progress with
building your house and reach certain milestones. The payment
plan is agreed mutually and committed to the contract which in
turn is reviewed by your lawyer before signing.
We have no
doubt that you have already researched the possibilities of
renting villas and houses in Crete. There are many companies,
agents and websites who will promote your property to the right
market. You will need an
EOT license in order to comply with
regulations. EOT exists as a regulatory process to ensure that
property offered for rent throughout Greece is of a certain
standard. It has nothing to do with building permits etc.
Yes, of
course. We would be delighted to show you finished properties
and also ones under construction. Call our sales office on +30
6973 490344 or go to the
contact page
on this site and send us a request. We look forward to meeting
you in person.
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