The purchase process was relatively painless as we had the fortunate services of George Konidaris; a Greek gentleman born on Lefkada, deals with real estate here and in Athans and who speaks perfect English.
Without a doubt we would not have had the confidence to attempt purchasing a property in Greece with language barriers, without this support.
George offered a full package and was able to negotiate a good purchase price and 'hand held' us through the complicated dealings with the relevant professionals. (Notary public, tax office accountant, bank, Greek residency, building engineer/consultant, relevant labourers, and material suppliers). We were shocked at the efficiency and swift process. From viewing to signing for ownership, took just two weeks.
The moment we saw it we knew that 'this is the one'.
The property built in 1914 (carved above the door) was a two bed-roomed stone cottage on the upper level with below storage, housing a donkey, wine, oil, honey, a sunken pit for goats in the winter and a rat run.
There was also a bread oven, which over the years had sooted the wooden beams above. The main cottage had not been lived in for over two years other than woodworm and had no mains water. The kitchen and toilet were separate buildings outside; this being typical of Greek living in the past. The property did have mains electricity and a telephone line.
We decided to get building estimates and was advised by an English builder living on the island to 'knock it down to the lower level and start again, rendering with concrete and plaster'.
Our hearts sank, our bubble burst as the beauty that appealed to us was the original stone walls.
Our second visitors were a Greek Constructional Engineer and Albanian Stone-workers, who began laughing when we pointed out the condition of the walls; not only were beams of light streaming through, but the walls were not actually connected to each other. Confused with their expressions and the language barriers we thought we had made the biggest financial mistake of our lives and I wanted to burst into tears.
George promptly reassured us the they were laughing as it was "Ohi provlima",. The Stone-workers said it was "No problem" to them and the Constructional Engineer felt the cottage was not even classed as a ruin.
So renovations began....the very next day!!!
George Konidaris - Real Estate Agency Lefkada and Athens.
Tel; (Whatsapp/Viber) +30 694 948 7102
Email; vecoike@gmail.com
Facebook Group; Greek Country Living
Email; tinahastie5@gmail.com
Tel; (+30) 698 211 5958
www.greekcountryliving.blogspot.com
Comments
Post a Comment