Everything in life has two sides. Whether you are interested in buying or selling a property in Crete you need to know what is going on in the market today. Many people have waited for the prices to fall before they buy. Some have been justified by this since few developers announced special offers with 10% deductions for the months of August and September. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate that for the majority, waiting has been more of a loss rather than a benefit.
For example the deduction of 10% was not given to all properties but primarily to properties that have some disadvantages as for example not being in a highly popular location. Or to apartments that are located on the 3rd floor of a building without an elevator.
Other companies or private individuals offer discounts to interested buyers offering cash. However for real estate agencies it is not unusual to negotiate lower prices when cash is involved. So this is not a result of a crisis in the market but common practice.
Another issue is the mortgages or housing loans in Greece at the moment. According to one of Athens most reliable national newspaper on Sunday 14th of September 2008, it is reported that banks now avoid offering finance for more than 60% of the property value. Meaning, that if one wants to buy a property valued at 200.000 Euros they will only receive funding for 120.000 Euros. The remaining amount of 80.000 Euros must come from their own funds.
Therefore, it is harder for anyone that does not have cash to come to Greece and buy a property today. When up to August of 2007 people received funding for up or even more than 90% when buying a property.
At the same time, interest rates have risen significantly when compared to the first half of 2007. For example for a mortgage or housing loan of 150.000 Euros that will be paid over a period of 30 years the monthly payment is now over 800 Euros.
So whoever does not have a significant amount of cash and waited for the prices to fall has probably lost more than what they have gained from delaying their purchase. For people that sell property this also means that a great percentage of prospective buyers are simply gone. So if they were asking for higher than normal prices or rejected reasonable offers in the past they will probably soon regret it.
However, it must be noted that when the location of a property is considered of high demand and the specifications are of high quality, then the prices are unlikely to fall and more likely to rise. Published reports have proved that even in areas around Athens where 100.000 new properties are available for sale - which is considered an extremely large amount of properties - in 2008 in some areas prices have risen by 15% when compared to 2007: Exactly because of their location.
This article is not meant to make you feel bad for your previous decisions but to protect you from losing money in the near future. And delaying your purchase further can make you lose more money.
For the past 3 months the national press in Greece has offered contradictory information regarding the programmed increase of the objective values of properties in Greece by 30%. At this point it must be clarified that the objective value is the value of each property according to the Greek State, which is usually lower than the commercial or real value. All purchase costs such as the notary and lawyer fees or the transfer tax are calculated according to the objective value. So if the rise of objective values materializes from the 1st of January 2009 then you will pay higher purchasing costs.
This is why it makes sense to buy now, within 2008, without risking increasing the cost of your purchase by waiting for 2009.
Andreas Batakis has lived in Greece, Ireland and Cyprus, acquiring a Business Administration Degree in Greece, an International Marketing Diploma and a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management in Ireland. He is also a member of the UK based Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. Andreas has extensive experience in helping people from all over the world to locate a home in Crete and is a founding member of the independent consultancy Talos Properties.
Talos properties was created in order to guide and protect all of you who wish to acquire a property in Crete via offering you a wide range of choices as well as professional advice in property related matters. For more information please access the Talos Properties website at: http://www.talosproperties.com
12/20/2008
Is the Real Estate market in Greece that different from other countries?
There are many analysts in Greece who insist that the Greek Real Estate market has none of the symptoms of the crisis found in other countries as for example in the USA, England or Spain.
The arguments supporting this are briefly presented below and are quite interesting to know.
1. The majority buys property as a permanent residence
Even in Crete, most interested buyers - especially locals - are buying a house in order to live in it on a long term basis. More specifically Greeks buy either to use the property as a permanent residence or in order to rent it out and in the future pass it on to their children to be used as a permanent residence.
Additionally, the largest percentage of citizens from other countries who buy in Crete are looking for a property that will be used as a permanent residence or as a temporary holiday home before they become all year around residents.
Here lies a major difference with other countries that were considered real estate hot spots. In other countries, most people bought a property as a short term investment hoping that they can sell it in 1 or 2 years and make a profit. Spain today, is facing major problems exactly because the vast majorities were buying in order to sell and gain profit in a short period of time.
Today, it is obvious that one of the reasons behind people still continuing to purchase in Crete is because they are not after profit but rather are materializing a long term dream of living under the sun. This is what is keeping the real estate market moving especially around cities as is Chania, along with the belief of Greek buyers that buying a property is always a wise long term investment choice.
However it must be noted that a number of people also came to Crete in order to buy and make a quick profit. It is also a fact, that whoever bought or is planning to buy with the prospect of selling with a profit in 1 year or less will have a hard time achieving it. This was possible and feasible prior to the financial crisis but not now.
2. Low percentage of housing loans
In a article published in the Greek national newspaper, Vima on the 9th of November 2008 it was noted that the percentage of housing loans in Greece are held by only 20% of the families living here. In Western Europe this percentage is up to 80% for some countries. Again the economy here is safer when compared with other countries from the point of view that the number of people who are paying a housing loan is quite smaller. Thus, what has happened in the USA could never happen in Greece.
Greeks today do not wish to get a housing loan, even if they qualify for it, due to the increasing interest rate during 2008. However all banks are expected to decrease their interest rates in 2009 as the president of Alpha Bank stated in an interview with the Greek national newspaper of Kathimerini on the 16th of November 2008. In any case, even today there are ways of buying a property without needing a large amount via a housing loan.
3. Prices in Greece are relatively steady
Yes, construction companies and private individuals selling property are willing to negotiate today - especially the ones that face financial difficulties. Yes, there are construction companies who have announced some deductions of prices. However, in most cases generally in Greece and in Crete the deductions announced refer to specific projects and are not valid across the board. In general analysts of the Greek Real Estate market agree that it is unlikely that prices will increase in 2009, but at the same time they are not likely to decrease. This is another main difference in comparison with what has happened in other countries where prices deductions reached 50% in a period of less than 6 months.
The conclusion one can draw from the above, is that there is demand for properties in Greece and in Crete. This demand may have moved away from holiday homes and may be focusing more on permanent residences but the truth is that this was always the main focus of most buyers in the first place. Currently the main reservation of buyers, especially Greeks, has its roots in the way that the stock market crisis and the world banks issues have been presented by the media, creating a negative psychological barrier. This negativity is not justified especially since Greek banks had a minimum exposure to the subprime related stocks and became even more careful from the time the issues of USA banks became obvious. Most Greek banks have always denied housing loans to individuals for whom their incomes indicated that they may have difficulty in repaying the loan.
One thing is certain: This period can offer great benefit to interested buyers, especially when they have an independent advisor who can guide them through the available properties and negotiate a better deal for them. In the long term whoever buys today will benefit from this purchase in the future. When the world economy improves, housing prices and values will be on the rise once again. * Andreas Batakis has lived in Greece, Ireland and Cyprus, acquiring a Business Administration Degree in Greece, an International Marketing Diploma and a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management in Ireland. He is also a member of the UK based Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and has gained vast experience in the property market. For more information please contact: info@talosproperties.com, http://www.talorproperties.com/
The arguments supporting this are briefly presented below and are quite interesting to know.
1. The majority buys property as a permanent residence
Even in Crete, most interested buyers - especially locals - are buying a house in order to live in it on a long term basis. More specifically Greeks buy either to use the property as a permanent residence or in order to rent it out and in the future pass it on to their children to be used as a permanent residence.
Additionally, the largest percentage of citizens from other countries who buy in Crete are looking for a property that will be used as a permanent residence or as a temporary holiday home before they become all year around residents.
Here lies a major difference with other countries that were considered real estate hot spots. In other countries, most people bought a property as a short term investment hoping that they can sell it in 1 or 2 years and make a profit. Spain today, is facing major problems exactly because the vast majorities were buying in order to sell and gain profit in a short period of time.
Today, it is obvious that one of the reasons behind people still continuing to purchase in Crete is because they are not after profit but rather are materializing a long term dream of living under the sun. This is what is keeping the real estate market moving especially around cities as is Chania, along with the belief of Greek buyers that buying a property is always a wise long term investment choice.
However it must be noted that a number of people also came to Crete in order to buy and make a quick profit. It is also a fact, that whoever bought or is planning to buy with the prospect of selling with a profit in 1 year or less will have a hard time achieving it. This was possible and feasible prior to the financial crisis but not now.
2. Low percentage of housing loans
In a article published in the Greek national newspaper, Vima on the 9th of November 2008 it was noted that the percentage of housing loans in Greece are held by only 20% of the families living here. In Western Europe this percentage is up to 80% for some countries. Again the economy here is safer when compared with other countries from the point of view that the number of people who are paying a housing loan is quite smaller. Thus, what has happened in the USA could never happen in Greece.
Greeks today do not wish to get a housing loan, even if they qualify for it, due to the increasing interest rate during 2008. However all banks are expected to decrease their interest rates in 2009 as the president of Alpha Bank stated in an interview with the Greek national newspaper of Kathimerini on the 16th of November 2008. In any case, even today there are ways of buying a property without needing a large amount via a housing loan.
3. Prices in Greece are relatively steady
Yes, construction companies and private individuals selling property are willing to negotiate today - especially the ones that face financial difficulties. Yes, there are construction companies who have announced some deductions of prices. However, in most cases generally in Greece and in Crete the deductions announced refer to specific projects and are not valid across the board. In general analysts of the Greek Real Estate market agree that it is unlikely that prices will increase in 2009, but at the same time they are not likely to decrease. This is another main difference in comparison with what has happened in other countries where prices deductions reached 50% in a period of less than 6 months.
The conclusion one can draw from the above, is that there is demand for properties in Greece and in Crete. This demand may have moved away from holiday homes and may be focusing more on permanent residences but the truth is that this was always the main focus of most buyers in the first place. Currently the main reservation of buyers, especially Greeks, has its roots in the way that the stock market crisis and the world banks issues have been presented by the media, creating a negative psychological barrier. This negativity is not justified especially since Greek banks had a minimum exposure to the subprime related stocks and became even more careful from the time the issues of USA banks became obvious. Most Greek banks have always denied housing loans to individuals for whom their incomes indicated that they may have difficulty in repaying the loan.
One thing is certain: This period can offer great benefit to interested buyers, especially when they have an independent advisor who can guide them through the available properties and negotiate a better deal for them. In the long term whoever buys today will benefit from this purchase in the future. When the world economy improves, housing prices and values will be on the rise once again. * Andreas Batakis has lived in Greece, Ireland and Cyprus, acquiring a Business Administration Degree in Greece, an International Marketing Diploma and a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management in Ireland. He is also a member of the UK based Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and has gained vast experience in the property market. For more information please contact: info@talosproperties.com, http://www.talorproperties.com/
8/12/2008
Sustainable, ecological or energy efficient homes: What are they all about?
We are currently going through a period of change in many levels. There is a change in the world climate with intense phenomena which were not expected to happen so soon. Our homes are wasting so much energy that they make the problem worse. At the same time there is a change in the world economy increasing the cost of buying and maintaining a property. Sustainable homes may benefit home owners as well as the environment.
In order to understand better what we mean with the term ‘sustainable’ we will refer to the Code for Sustainable Homes as defined in Wikipedia. The Code was officially launched on December 13, 2006, and was introduced as a voluntary standard in England in 2007. The Code complements the system of Energy Performance Certificate for new homes introduced in April 2008 under the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.
The code works by awarding new homes a star rating from 1 to 6, based on their performance against 9 sustainability criteria which are combined to assess the overall environmental impact. One star is entry level above building regulations, and six stars are the highest, reflecting exemplary developments in terms of sustainability.
The sustainability criteria by which new homes are measured are:
Energy and CO2 Emissions – Operational Energy and resulting emissions of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere
Water – The consumption of potable water from the public supply systems or other ground water resources
Materials – The environmental impact of construction materials for key construction elements
Surface Water Run-off – The change in surface water run-off patterns as a result of the development
Waste – Waste generated as a result of the construction process and facilities encouraging recycling of domestic waste in the home
Pollution – Pollution resulting from the operation of the dwelling
Health and Well-Being – The effects that the dwelling’s design and indoor environment has on its occupants
Management – Steps that have been taken to allow good management of the environmental impacts of the construction and operation of the home
Ecology – The impact of the dwelling on the local ecosystem, bio-diversity and land use
So the above sound great about the environment but what about the benefit of the home owner or residents? Research has shown that 75% of the temperature of a property is lost through its walls and roof. This means that maintaining the temperature we want costs us a lot of money either by using heating mechanisms or air conditioning. Especially in countries like Greece where heating oil is used widely for most properties, which at the moment has reached an all time high price due to the oil crisis. At the same time, any artificial type of temperature maintenance has an impact on our human organism. Extensive usage of air conditioning tends to dry off the air or recycle some types of germs. Heating can increase humidity and create breathing problems to an extent.
Having a sustainable home or bio climatic or energy efficient home makes a difference. For example, a study is conducted before constructing the property so that the insulation of the house is done with specialized material; according to the micro climate of the area the house is going to be located. It may cost a little bit more to buy a sustainable home but over time the energy savings will repay the owner. Some analysts have defined this time frame to 10 years. At the end of the day this type of property is better for the world that we will leave to our children, while at the same time it benefits all of us as home owners in terms of savings and quality of life.
Andreas Batakis has lived in Greece, Ireland and Cyprus, acquiring a Business Administration Degree in Greece, an International Marketing Diploma and a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management in Ireland. He is also a member of the UK based Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. Andreas has extensive experience in helping people from all over the world to locate a home in Crete and is a founding member of the independent consultancy Talos Properties.
Talos properties was created in order to guide and protect all of you who wish to acquire a property in Crete via offering you a wide range of choices as well as professional advice in property related matters. For more information please access the Talos Properties website at: http://www.talosproperties.com
In order to understand better what we mean with the term ‘sustainable’ we will refer to the Code for Sustainable Homes as defined in Wikipedia. The Code was officially launched on December 13, 2006, and was introduced as a voluntary standard in England in 2007. The Code complements the system of Energy Performance Certificate for new homes introduced in April 2008 under the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.
The code works by awarding new homes a star rating from 1 to 6, based on their performance against 9 sustainability criteria which are combined to assess the overall environmental impact. One star is entry level above building regulations, and six stars are the highest, reflecting exemplary developments in terms of sustainability.
The sustainability criteria by which new homes are measured are:
Energy and CO2 Emissions – Operational Energy and resulting emissions of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere
Water – The consumption of potable water from the public supply systems or other ground water resources
Materials – The environmental impact of construction materials for key construction elements
Surface Water Run-off – The change in surface water run-off patterns as a result of the development
Waste – Waste generated as a result of the construction process and facilities encouraging recycling of domestic waste in the home
Pollution – Pollution resulting from the operation of the dwelling
Health and Well-Being – The effects that the dwelling’s design and indoor environment has on its occupants
Management – Steps that have been taken to allow good management of the environmental impacts of the construction and operation of the home
Ecology – The impact of the dwelling on the local ecosystem, bio-diversity and land use
So the above sound great about the environment but what about the benefit of the home owner or residents? Research has shown that 75% of the temperature of a property is lost through its walls and roof. This means that maintaining the temperature we want costs us a lot of money either by using heating mechanisms or air conditioning. Especially in countries like Greece where heating oil is used widely for most properties, which at the moment has reached an all time high price due to the oil crisis. At the same time, any artificial type of temperature maintenance has an impact on our human organism. Extensive usage of air conditioning tends to dry off the air or recycle some types of germs. Heating can increase humidity and create breathing problems to an extent.
Having a sustainable home or bio climatic or energy efficient home makes a difference. For example, a study is conducted before constructing the property so that the insulation of the house is done with specialized material; according to the micro climate of the area the house is going to be located. It may cost a little bit more to buy a sustainable home but over time the energy savings will repay the owner. Some analysts have defined this time frame to 10 years. At the end of the day this type of property is better for the world that we will leave to our children, while at the same time it benefits all of us as home owners in terms of savings and quality of life.
Andreas Batakis has lived in Greece, Ireland and Cyprus, acquiring a Business Administration Degree in Greece, an International Marketing Diploma and a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management in Ireland. He is also a member of the UK based Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. Andreas has extensive experience in helping people from all over the world to locate a home in Crete and is a founding member of the independent consultancy Talos Properties.
Talos properties was created in order to guide and protect all of you who wish to acquire a property in Crete via offering you a wide range of choices as well as professional advice in property related matters. For more information please access the Talos Properties website at: http://www.talosproperties.com
8/11/2008
Πέντε πράγματα που πρέπει να προσέξετε όταν αγοράζετε ένα ακίνητο
Αποφασίζοντας να αγοράσετε ένα ακίνητο είτε αυτό είναι γή ή κατοικία, χρειάζεστε μία διαβεβαίωση ότι η απόφαση σας είναι σωστή. Διότι κακά τα ψέμματα η αγορά ακινήτου είναι από τις πιο ακριβές αγορές που κάνουμε στη ζωή μας και αφού υπογραφούν τα συμβόλαια δεν γίνονται επιστροφές. Τα παρακάτω λοιπόν μπορούν να σας φανούν χρήσιμα.
1. Καθορίστε τι ακριβώς θέλετε να αγοράσετε και γιατί: Αγροτεμάχιο, οικόπεδο, μόνιμη κατοικία, παραθεριστική κατοικία ή μία επένδυση. Εάν ψάχνετε για κατοικία σκεφθείτε για παράδειγμα, τις ανάγκες σας ή και της οικογένειας σας σε σχέση με το μέγεθος μίας κατοικίας (π.χ. δύο,τρία ή τέσσερα δωμάτια). Παράλληλα καθορίστε το μέγεθος της γης που επιθυμείτε να έχετε. Π.χ. εάν επιθυμείτε κήπο, πισίνα ή αν είστε επιχειρηματίας και ψάχνετε ένα οικόπεδο που μπορεί να στεγάσει μία βιοτεχνία συγκεκριμένου μεγέθους.
Μη ξεχάσετε το καθορισμό της τοποθεσίας που σας εξυπηρετεί. Εδώ για παράδειγμα μπορείτε να λάβετε υπόψη σας σαν ιδιώτης τα μεταφορικά μέσα που διαθέτετε εσείς ή και η οικογένειά σας, για τις μετακινήσεις σας σε εργασία και σχολεία.
2. Πόσα χρήματα διαθέτετε: Ο καθορισμός ενός προϋπολογισμού θα σας βοηθήσει να έχετε ένα συγκεκριμένο στόχο και να μην χάσετε το χρόνο σας κοιτάζοντας ακίνητα που έχουν υψηλότερη τιμή από αυτή που μπορείτε να δώσετε. Μάθετε όμως τις τιμές των διαθέσιμων ακινήτων στην αγορά, (πράγμα που μπορείτε να δείτε ακόμη και από τις μικρές αγγελίες στις εφημερίδες ή ρωτώντας ένα επαγγελματία Σύμβουλο Ακινήτων - κτηματομεσίτη), ώστε να δείτε εάν προσφέρεται αυτό που θέλετε στα χρήματα που διαθέτετε. Διαφορετικά θα πρέπει είτε να αλλάξετε τις απαιτήσεις σας, είτε να μεγαλώσετε τον προυπολογισμό σας.
3. Τα μετρητά σας δίνουν δύναμη: Όλοι διαβάζουμε και ακούμε πως οι τράπεζες έχουν γίνει πιο αυστηρές στις χορηγήσεις στεγαστικών ή άλλου τύπου δανείων. Στις αρχές του 2007 υπήρξαν ιδιώτες που έλαβαν δάνειο σχεδόν μέχρι και για το 90% ακινήτων. Σήμερα σπάνια μία τράπεζα θα δώσει δάνειο για πάνω από το 75%. Παράλληλα τα επιτόκια έχουν ανέβει οπότε τα λιγότερα χρήματα που θα χρειαστεί να δανειστείτε το καλύτερο για εσάς.
Εξίσου σημαντικό όμως είναι ότι όταν έχετε μετρητά έχετε καλύτερες πιθανότητες να πετύχετε και μία καλύτερη τιμή.
4. Χρησιμοποιείστε επαγγελματίες του χώρου: Δικηγόρο, Πολιτικό Μηχανικό, Κτηματομεσίτη: Έχετε ένα δικηγόρο και ένα πολιτικό μηχανικό που μπορούν να αναλάβουν τον έλεγχο του ακινήτου αφού το εντοπίσετε. Ο έλεγχος αυτός είναι πολύ σημαντικός και πρέπει να διεξάγεται πάντα, άσχετα με το πόσο εμπιστοσύνη έχετε στον πωλητή. Ο δικηγόρος αναλαμβάνει τον έλεγχο των τίτλων του ακινήτου που έχετε επιλέξει. Μετά τον έλεγχο στο υποθηκοφυλακείο, θα μάθετε εάν το ακίνητο είναι καθαρό ή εάν έχει βάρη από τρίτους (π.χ. υποθήκες, Τράπεζες, δικαστικές αποφάσεις, κλπ.). Σχετικός έλεγχος γίνεται και μέσω της πολεοδομίας.
Εάν πρόκειται για παλαιό ακίνητο ο Πολιτικός Μηχανικός θα σας συμβουλέψει σε τεχνικά θέματα και θα εντοπίσει τυχόν ανάγκες ανακαίνισης. Εάν πρόκειται για γη θα σας επιβεβαιώσει εάν έχει δυνατότητα δόμησης και θα σας προτείνει ένα Αρχιτέκτονα που μπορεί να σας βοηθήσει με τον σχεδιασμό της κατοικίας που επιθυμείτε.
Εάν βρείτε το ακίνητο χωρίς τη συμβολή κτηματομεσιτικού γραφείου, καλό είναι να ζητήσετε μία εκτίμηση, σε σχέση με την περιοχή ή το τύπο του ακινήτου που επιλέξατε ώστε να έχετε μία ιδέα για την μελλοντική του αξία. Εάν χρησιμοποιήσετε ένα κτηματομεσιτικό γραφείο για να βρείτε το ακίνητο που σας ενδιαφέρει εκτός του ότι θα γλυτώσετε χρόνο από την έρευνα αγοράς θα έχετε μία πρόσθετη ασφάλεια όταν φτάσετε στο στάδιο της αγοράς. Βλέπετε όταν αγοράζετε ένα ακίνητο το ποσό του αρραβώνα δίνεται στο κτηματομεσίτη ο οποίος το κρατάει μέχρι να ολοκληρωθεί ο έλεγχος των χαρτιών του ακινήτου από το δικηγόρο και τον μηχανικό σας. Ανά πάσα στιγμή λοιπόν εάν αποκαλυφθεί κάποιο τεχνικό ή νομικό πρόβλημα σε σχέση με το συγκεκριμένο ακίνητο, τα χρήματα σας επιστρέφονται αμέσως. Τα χρήματα καταλήγουν στα χέρια του πωλητή συνήθως όταν γίνεται το συμβόλαιο για να περάσει το ακίνητο στο όνομα σας ή με την σύσταση προσυμφώνου.
5. Όταν ανακαλύψετε μία ευκαιρία ή αυτό που σας ταιριάζει μην χάσετε χρόνο: Εάν ανακαλύψετε αυτό που πληρεί τις προσδοκίες σας ή που αποτελεί ευκαιρία μην κυριευθείτε από διστακτικότητα ή απληστία θεωρόντας ότι σε 1 μήνα θα είναι ακόμη διαθέσιμο ή ότι θα έχει καλύτερη τιμή. Πάντα για ότι ψάχνετε εσείς ψάχνουν και πολλοί άλλοι ενδιαφερόμενοι που πιθανόν όταν το δουν να μη διστάσουν και έτσι να χάσετε το ακίνητο μέσα από τα χέρια σας.
Από την άλλη οι αλλαγές του οικονομικού περιβάλλοντος είναι συχνά έντονες και γρήγορες με αποτέλεσμα το να περιμένει κανείς να του κοστίζει σε χρήμα. Για παράδειγμα όσοι πήραν δάνειο από μία συγκεκριμένη τράπεζα πριν τις 18 Ιουλίου 2008 μπορούσαν να έχουν επιτόκιο σε στεγαστικό από 3,5%. Μετά από αυτή την ημερομηνία το χαμηλότερο προσφερόμενο έγινε 3,95%. Οπότε όποιος περίμενε για να “πέσει” η τιμή του ακινήτου έχει χάσει από την αναμονή διότι θα πληρώσει παραπάνω τόκους για το δάνειο του.
Ο Ανδρέας Μπατάκης έχει πτυχίο Διοίκησης Επιχειρήσεων, Δίπλωμα στο Διεθνές Marketing καθώς και Bachelor of Science στην Οργάνωση και Διοίκηση Ανθρωπίνων Πόρων. Ειδικά στο χώρο των ακινήτων έχει βοηθήσει δεκάδες ανθρώπους απο όλο το κόσμο να βρουν την κατοικία ή την επένδυση που έψαχναν στη Κρήτη και είναι ιδρυτικό μέλος της Τάλως Κτηματομεσιτική – Talos Properties. Η Τάλως δημιουργήθηκε στα Χανιά προκειμένου να προστατεύσει και να βοηθήσει όλους τους υπαρκτούς και πιθανούς ιδιοκτήτες ακινήτης περιουσίας που επιθυμούν είτε να πουλήσουν, είτε να αγοράσουν στη Κρήτη. Για περισσότερες πληροφορίες: Ανδρέας Μπατάκης, Νεκταρία Κλαδίτη, www.talosproperties.com, Τηλ. 28210 52473, Ε mail. info@talosproperties.com
1. Καθορίστε τι ακριβώς θέλετε να αγοράσετε και γιατί: Αγροτεμάχιο, οικόπεδο, μόνιμη κατοικία, παραθεριστική κατοικία ή μία επένδυση. Εάν ψάχνετε για κατοικία σκεφθείτε για παράδειγμα, τις ανάγκες σας ή και της οικογένειας σας σε σχέση με το μέγεθος μίας κατοικίας (π.χ. δύο,τρία ή τέσσερα δωμάτια). Παράλληλα καθορίστε το μέγεθος της γης που επιθυμείτε να έχετε. Π.χ. εάν επιθυμείτε κήπο, πισίνα ή αν είστε επιχειρηματίας και ψάχνετε ένα οικόπεδο που μπορεί να στεγάσει μία βιοτεχνία συγκεκριμένου μεγέθους.
Μη ξεχάσετε το καθορισμό της τοποθεσίας που σας εξυπηρετεί. Εδώ για παράδειγμα μπορείτε να λάβετε υπόψη σας σαν ιδιώτης τα μεταφορικά μέσα που διαθέτετε εσείς ή και η οικογένειά σας, για τις μετακινήσεις σας σε εργασία και σχολεία.
2. Πόσα χρήματα διαθέτετε: Ο καθορισμός ενός προϋπολογισμού θα σας βοηθήσει να έχετε ένα συγκεκριμένο στόχο και να μην χάσετε το χρόνο σας κοιτάζοντας ακίνητα που έχουν υψηλότερη τιμή από αυτή που μπορείτε να δώσετε. Μάθετε όμως τις τιμές των διαθέσιμων ακινήτων στην αγορά, (πράγμα που μπορείτε να δείτε ακόμη και από τις μικρές αγγελίες στις εφημερίδες ή ρωτώντας ένα επαγγελματία Σύμβουλο Ακινήτων - κτηματομεσίτη), ώστε να δείτε εάν προσφέρεται αυτό που θέλετε στα χρήματα που διαθέτετε. Διαφορετικά θα πρέπει είτε να αλλάξετε τις απαιτήσεις σας, είτε να μεγαλώσετε τον προυπολογισμό σας.
3. Τα μετρητά σας δίνουν δύναμη: Όλοι διαβάζουμε και ακούμε πως οι τράπεζες έχουν γίνει πιο αυστηρές στις χορηγήσεις στεγαστικών ή άλλου τύπου δανείων. Στις αρχές του 2007 υπήρξαν ιδιώτες που έλαβαν δάνειο σχεδόν μέχρι και για το 90% ακινήτων. Σήμερα σπάνια μία τράπεζα θα δώσει δάνειο για πάνω από το 75%. Παράλληλα τα επιτόκια έχουν ανέβει οπότε τα λιγότερα χρήματα που θα χρειαστεί να δανειστείτε το καλύτερο για εσάς.
Εξίσου σημαντικό όμως είναι ότι όταν έχετε μετρητά έχετε καλύτερες πιθανότητες να πετύχετε και μία καλύτερη τιμή.
4. Χρησιμοποιείστε επαγγελματίες του χώρου: Δικηγόρο, Πολιτικό Μηχανικό, Κτηματομεσίτη: Έχετε ένα δικηγόρο και ένα πολιτικό μηχανικό που μπορούν να αναλάβουν τον έλεγχο του ακινήτου αφού το εντοπίσετε. Ο έλεγχος αυτός είναι πολύ σημαντικός και πρέπει να διεξάγεται πάντα, άσχετα με το πόσο εμπιστοσύνη έχετε στον πωλητή. Ο δικηγόρος αναλαμβάνει τον έλεγχο των τίτλων του ακινήτου που έχετε επιλέξει. Μετά τον έλεγχο στο υποθηκοφυλακείο, θα μάθετε εάν το ακίνητο είναι καθαρό ή εάν έχει βάρη από τρίτους (π.χ. υποθήκες, Τράπεζες, δικαστικές αποφάσεις, κλπ.). Σχετικός έλεγχος γίνεται και μέσω της πολεοδομίας.
Εάν πρόκειται για παλαιό ακίνητο ο Πολιτικός Μηχανικός θα σας συμβουλέψει σε τεχνικά θέματα και θα εντοπίσει τυχόν ανάγκες ανακαίνισης. Εάν πρόκειται για γη θα σας επιβεβαιώσει εάν έχει δυνατότητα δόμησης και θα σας προτείνει ένα Αρχιτέκτονα που μπορεί να σας βοηθήσει με τον σχεδιασμό της κατοικίας που επιθυμείτε.
Εάν βρείτε το ακίνητο χωρίς τη συμβολή κτηματομεσιτικού γραφείου, καλό είναι να ζητήσετε μία εκτίμηση, σε σχέση με την περιοχή ή το τύπο του ακινήτου που επιλέξατε ώστε να έχετε μία ιδέα για την μελλοντική του αξία. Εάν χρησιμοποιήσετε ένα κτηματομεσιτικό γραφείο για να βρείτε το ακίνητο που σας ενδιαφέρει εκτός του ότι θα γλυτώσετε χρόνο από την έρευνα αγοράς θα έχετε μία πρόσθετη ασφάλεια όταν φτάσετε στο στάδιο της αγοράς. Βλέπετε όταν αγοράζετε ένα ακίνητο το ποσό του αρραβώνα δίνεται στο κτηματομεσίτη ο οποίος το κρατάει μέχρι να ολοκληρωθεί ο έλεγχος των χαρτιών του ακινήτου από το δικηγόρο και τον μηχανικό σας. Ανά πάσα στιγμή λοιπόν εάν αποκαλυφθεί κάποιο τεχνικό ή νομικό πρόβλημα σε σχέση με το συγκεκριμένο ακίνητο, τα χρήματα σας επιστρέφονται αμέσως. Τα χρήματα καταλήγουν στα χέρια του πωλητή συνήθως όταν γίνεται το συμβόλαιο για να περάσει το ακίνητο στο όνομα σας ή με την σύσταση προσυμφώνου.
5. Όταν ανακαλύψετε μία ευκαιρία ή αυτό που σας ταιριάζει μην χάσετε χρόνο: Εάν ανακαλύψετε αυτό που πληρεί τις προσδοκίες σας ή που αποτελεί ευκαιρία μην κυριευθείτε από διστακτικότητα ή απληστία θεωρόντας ότι σε 1 μήνα θα είναι ακόμη διαθέσιμο ή ότι θα έχει καλύτερη τιμή. Πάντα για ότι ψάχνετε εσείς ψάχνουν και πολλοί άλλοι ενδιαφερόμενοι που πιθανόν όταν το δουν να μη διστάσουν και έτσι να χάσετε το ακίνητο μέσα από τα χέρια σας.
Από την άλλη οι αλλαγές του οικονομικού περιβάλλοντος είναι συχνά έντονες και γρήγορες με αποτέλεσμα το να περιμένει κανείς να του κοστίζει σε χρήμα. Για παράδειγμα όσοι πήραν δάνειο από μία συγκεκριμένη τράπεζα πριν τις 18 Ιουλίου 2008 μπορούσαν να έχουν επιτόκιο σε στεγαστικό από 3,5%. Μετά από αυτή την ημερομηνία το χαμηλότερο προσφερόμενο έγινε 3,95%. Οπότε όποιος περίμενε για να “πέσει” η τιμή του ακινήτου έχει χάσει από την αναμονή διότι θα πληρώσει παραπάνω τόκους για το δάνειο του.
Ο Ανδρέας Μπατάκης έχει πτυχίο Διοίκησης Επιχειρήσεων, Δίπλωμα στο Διεθνές Marketing καθώς και Bachelor of Science στην Οργάνωση και Διοίκηση Ανθρωπίνων Πόρων. Ειδικά στο χώρο των ακινήτων έχει βοηθήσει δεκάδες ανθρώπους απο όλο το κόσμο να βρουν την κατοικία ή την επένδυση που έψαχναν στη Κρήτη και είναι ιδρυτικό μέλος της Τάλως Κτηματομεσιτική – Talos Properties. Η Τάλως δημιουργήθηκε στα Χανιά προκειμένου να προστατεύσει και να βοηθήσει όλους τους υπαρκτούς και πιθανούς ιδιοκτήτες ακινήτης περιουσίας που επιθυμούν είτε να πουλήσουν, είτε να αγοράσουν στη Κρήτη. Για περισσότερες πληροφορίες: Ανδρέας Μπατάκης, Νεκταρία Κλαδίτη, www.talosproperties.com, Τηλ. 28210 52473, Ε mail. info@talosproperties.com
Χανιά, Κρήτη: Υπάρχουν ακόμη πελάτες που ενδιαφέρονται να αγοράσουν ακίνητα;
Είναι γνωστό ότι οι πωλήσεις ακινήτων έχουν μειωθεί αρκετά. Δημοσιεύματα σε άρθρα ελληνικών ιστοσελίδων που ασχολούνται με την αγορά ακινήτων αναφέρουν ότι η μείωση τον Ιούνιο και τον Ιούλιο του 2008 σε σχέση με πέρυσι έχει φθάσει το 60% στην Ελλάδα. Φυσικά η συγκεκριμένη καταγραφή δεν αναφερόταν συγκεκριμένα στη Κρήτη ή στα Χανιά αλλά η πλειοψηφία όσων πουλούν ακίνητα στο τόπο μας νιώθουν ότι υπάρχει μία μείωση της ζήτησης η οποία είναι αρκετά μεγάλη. Παρόλη αυτή τη διαφορά στη ζήτηση όμως μία έρευνα που διεξήχθη από ιδιωτική εταιρεία με γραφεία στην Αθήνα, Θεσσαλονίκη και Κύπρο, έδειξε ότι η πλειοφηφία των κατασκευαστών στην Ελλάδα δεν μείωσε τις τιμές κατά το πρώτο εξάμηνο του 2008.
Άρα λοιπόν προκύπτει το ερώτημα: Υπάρχουν ακόμη πελάτες που ενδιαφέρονται να αγοράσουν ακίνητα;
Για να δωθεί κάποια απάντηση πρέπει να δούμε τι συνέβαινε μέχρι πρόσφατα. Τα τελευταία χρόνια πολλές εταιρείες, κατασκευαστές, κτηματομεσίτες αλλά και ιδιώτες στα Χανιά είχαν ως στόχο την πώληση σε πελάτες του εξωτερικού. Φθάνοντας μάλιστα να θεωρούν δεδομένη την αύξηση της ζήτησης τόσο για κατοικίες, όσο και για οικόπεδα από χρόνο σε χρόνο. Οι πωλήσεις αυξάνονταν και ταυτόχρονα οι τιμές ανέβαιναν. Έτσι πολλοί επαγγελματίες βάλθηκαν να κατασκευάζουν όλο και περισσότερες κατοικίες πιστεύοντας ότι θα έχουν την αντίστοιχη ζήτηση την επόμενη χρονιά.
Ύστερα όμως τα πράγματα άλλαξαν. Όλα ξεκίνησαν με την κρίση των επισφαλών δανείων από την Αμερική. Ύστερα το αντίκτυπο αυτής χτύπησε την αγορά της Αγγλίας. Αυτό ήταν και ένα βασικό πλήγμα για την κτηματαγορά στη Κρήτη αφού κατά κανόνα η πλειοψηφία των αγοραστών από το εξωτερικό έως το 2006 ήταν από το Ηνωμένο Βασίλειο. Σε γνωστό αγγλικό περιοδικό για επαγγελματίες και επιχειρήσεις αναφέρεται σε άρθρο στις 26 Ιουνίου 2008: «Καθώς η αγορά κατοικίας επιβραδύνθηκε τα παραρτήματα κτηματομεσιτικών έφθασαν να κλείνουν κατά 150 ανα εβδομάδα στην Αγγλία, ενώ περίπου 4.000 θέσεις εργασίας σε αυτό το τομέα χάθηκαν από την αρχή του 2008». Βλέπετε οι Άγγλοι πολίτες συνήθως πριν αγοράσουν εδώ ήθελαν να πουλήσουν μία κατοικία τους στην Αγγλία. Τώρα όμως αυτό έχει γίνει ιδιαίτερα δύσκολο και κατά επέκταση η απόφαση τους να αγοράσουν εδώ αναβλήθηκε ή ματαιώθηκε.
Εδώ στα Χανιά λοιπόν το κυνήγι του στόχου να πουληθούν ακίνητα σε ενδιαφερόμενους του εξωτερικού είχε γίνει ιδιαιτέρως έντονο. Σε κάποιες περιπτώσεις μάλιστα είχε οδηγήσει τις τιμές σε υψηλότερα επίπεδα πιστεύοντας ότι οι ενδιαφερόμενοι πελάτες από το εξωτερικό είχαν πάντοτε περισσότερα χρήματα διαθέσιμα. Υπό μία έννοια αυτό οδήγησε κάποιους επαγγελματίες αλλά και ιδιώτες στο να παραμελήσουν την σημασία των εγχώριων ενδιαφερομένων. Διότι δεν είναι τυχαίο ότι η Ελλάδα έχει ένα από τα υψηλότερα ποσοστά ιδιοκτητών κατοικίας στην Ευρώπη. Ειδικά στη Κρήτη η απόκτηση δικής μας ιδιοκτησίας είναι κάτι ριζωμένο στη κουλτούρα μας πλέον. Η πλειοψηφία των οικογενειών έχει ως στόχο να κατασκευάσει τουλάχιστον μία κατοικία, είτε για δική της χρήση, είτε για τα παιδιά της.
Παράλληλα υπάρχουν πάντοτε άνθρωποι οι οποίοι έχουν λάβει το εφάπαξ τους, διότι εργάζονταν στο Δημόσιο, επιθυμόντας με αυτά τα χρήματα να αγοράσουν ένα ακίνητο ως επένδυση. Οι άνθρωποι αυτοί αποτελούν όχι απλά ενδιαφερόμενους αγοραστές, αλλά ενδιαφερόμενους αγοραστές με μετρητά.
Φυσικά και οι πελάτες του εξωτερικού υφίστανται αλλά λόγω της παγκόσμιας κρίσης και κάποιων θεμάτων που έχουν δημιουργηθεί στο παρελθόν σε σχέση με βίλλες και οικόπεδα που πουλήθηκαν, είναι τώρα πιο απαιτητικοί και προσεκτικοί από ποτέ πριν.
Άρα λοιπόν πελάτες υπάρχουν. Απλά δεν υπάρχει αυτή η ιδιαιτέρως υψηλή ζήτηση στην οποία όλοι μας στην αγορά είχαμε συνηθίσει ή η ευπιστία από την πλευρά των ενδιαφερόμενων. Τώρα όλοι πρέπει να μπορούμε να δικαιολογήσουμε τις τιμές στις οποίες πουλάμε. Ακόμη περισσότερο οι κτηματομεσίτες και Σύμβουλοι Ακινήτων έχουμε ευθύνη να προτείνουμε τιμές οι οποιες ανταποκρίνονται στην αξία του κάθε ακινήτου. Παρόλο που πάντοτε η τελική απόφαση για την τιμή πώλησης ενός ακινήτου αποφασίζεται από τον ιδιοκτήτη του, είναι σημαντικό να συνειδητοποιήσουν οι ιδιοκτήτες ακινήτων ότι δεν έχουν το περιθώριο να ζητούν υπερβολικά υψηλές τιμές διαπραγμάτευσης όπως έκαναν στο παρελθόν. Ο λόγος είναι ότι εκτός εάν διαθέτουν κάτι πραγματικά σπάνιο και εξαιρετικό, οι ενδιαφερόμενοι αγοραστές, Έλληνες ή κάτοικοι του εξωτερικού, δεν θα μπουν καν στο κόπο να ζητήσουν πληροφορίες για ακίνητα των οποίων η αξία δεν ανταποκρίνεται στη τιμή πώλησης τους. Όπως επίσης και οι ενδιαφερόμενοι αγοραστές πρέπει να έχουν λογικές προσδοκίες, ανάλογες των χρημάτων που διαθέτουν και να μην προσδοκούν υπερβολικές μειώσεις τιμών. Έτσι ώστε να διατηρηθεί η ισορροπία που απαιτείται για να συνεχίσουν να γίνονται πωλήσεις προς κέρδος τόσο των πωλητών όσο και των αγοραστών ακίνητης περιουσίας.
Ο Ανδρέας Μπατάκης έχει ζήσει στην Ελλάδα, την Ιρλανδία και την Κύπρο αποκτώντας πτυχίο Διοίκησης Επιχειρήσεων στην Ελλάδα, ένα Δίπλωμα στο Διεθνές Marketing καθώς και ένα Bachelor of Science στην Οργάνωση και Διοίκηση Ανθρωπίνων Πόρων στην Ιρλανδία. Είναι μέλος του Επιμελητηρίου Προσωπικού και Ανάπτυξης με έδρα την Αγγλία και κατέχει ευρεία εμπειρία στο χώρο των πωλήσεων και της εξυπηρέτησης πελατών τόσο στην Ελλάδα, όσο και στο εξωτερικό. Ειδικά στο χώρο των ακινήτων έχει βοηθήσει δεκάδες ανθρώπους απο όλο το κόσμο να βρουν την κατοικία ή την επένδυση που έψαχναν στη Κρήτη και είναι ιδρυτικό μέλος της Τάλως Κτηματομεσιτική – Talos Properties. Η Τάλως δημιουργήθηκε στα Χανιά προκειμένου να προστατεύσει και να βοηθήσει όλους τους υπαρκτούς και πιθανούς ιδιοκτήτες ακινήτης περιουσίας που επιθυμούν είτε να πουλήσουν, είτε να αγοράσουν στη Κρήτη. Για περισσότερες πληροφορίες: Ανδρέας Μπατάκης, Νεκταρία Κλαδίτη, www.talosproperties.com, Τηλ. 28210 52473, Ε mail. info@talosproperties.com
Άρα λοιπόν προκύπτει το ερώτημα: Υπάρχουν ακόμη πελάτες που ενδιαφέρονται να αγοράσουν ακίνητα;
Για να δωθεί κάποια απάντηση πρέπει να δούμε τι συνέβαινε μέχρι πρόσφατα. Τα τελευταία χρόνια πολλές εταιρείες, κατασκευαστές, κτηματομεσίτες αλλά και ιδιώτες στα Χανιά είχαν ως στόχο την πώληση σε πελάτες του εξωτερικού. Φθάνοντας μάλιστα να θεωρούν δεδομένη την αύξηση της ζήτησης τόσο για κατοικίες, όσο και για οικόπεδα από χρόνο σε χρόνο. Οι πωλήσεις αυξάνονταν και ταυτόχρονα οι τιμές ανέβαιναν. Έτσι πολλοί επαγγελματίες βάλθηκαν να κατασκευάζουν όλο και περισσότερες κατοικίες πιστεύοντας ότι θα έχουν την αντίστοιχη ζήτηση την επόμενη χρονιά.
Ύστερα όμως τα πράγματα άλλαξαν. Όλα ξεκίνησαν με την κρίση των επισφαλών δανείων από την Αμερική. Ύστερα το αντίκτυπο αυτής χτύπησε την αγορά της Αγγλίας. Αυτό ήταν και ένα βασικό πλήγμα για την κτηματαγορά στη Κρήτη αφού κατά κανόνα η πλειοψηφία των αγοραστών από το εξωτερικό έως το 2006 ήταν από το Ηνωμένο Βασίλειο. Σε γνωστό αγγλικό περιοδικό για επαγγελματίες και επιχειρήσεις αναφέρεται σε άρθρο στις 26 Ιουνίου 2008: «Καθώς η αγορά κατοικίας επιβραδύνθηκε τα παραρτήματα κτηματομεσιτικών έφθασαν να κλείνουν κατά 150 ανα εβδομάδα στην Αγγλία, ενώ περίπου 4.000 θέσεις εργασίας σε αυτό το τομέα χάθηκαν από την αρχή του 2008». Βλέπετε οι Άγγλοι πολίτες συνήθως πριν αγοράσουν εδώ ήθελαν να πουλήσουν μία κατοικία τους στην Αγγλία. Τώρα όμως αυτό έχει γίνει ιδιαίτερα δύσκολο και κατά επέκταση η απόφαση τους να αγοράσουν εδώ αναβλήθηκε ή ματαιώθηκε.
Εδώ στα Χανιά λοιπόν το κυνήγι του στόχου να πουληθούν ακίνητα σε ενδιαφερόμενους του εξωτερικού είχε γίνει ιδιαιτέρως έντονο. Σε κάποιες περιπτώσεις μάλιστα είχε οδηγήσει τις τιμές σε υψηλότερα επίπεδα πιστεύοντας ότι οι ενδιαφερόμενοι πελάτες από το εξωτερικό είχαν πάντοτε περισσότερα χρήματα διαθέσιμα. Υπό μία έννοια αυτό οδήγησε κάποιους επαγγελματίες αλλά και ιδιώτες στο να παραμελήσουν την σημασία των εγχώριων ενδιαφερομένων. Διότι δεν είναι τυχαίο ότι η Ελλάδα έχει ένα από τα υψηλότερα ποσοστά ιδιοκτητών κατοικίας στην Ευρώπη. Ειδικά στη Κρήτη η απόκτηση δικής μας ιδιοκτησίας είναι κάτι ριζωμένο στη κουλτούρα μας πλέον. Η πλειοψηφία των οικογενειών έχει ως στόχο να κατασκευάσει τουλάχιστον μία κατοικία, είτε για δική της χρήση, είτε για τα παιδιά της.
Παράλληλα υπάρχουν πάντοτε άνθρωποι οι οποίοι έχουν λάβει το εφάπαξ τους, διότι εργάζονταν στο Δημόσιο, επιθυμόντας με αυτά τα χρήματα να αγοράσουν ένα ακίνητο ως επένδυση. Οι άνθρωποι αυτοί αποτελούν όχι απλά ενδιαφερόμενους αγοραστές, αλλά ενδιαφερόμενους αγοραστές με μετρητά.
Φυσικά και οι πελάτες του εξωτερικού υφίστανται αλλά λόγω της παγκόσμιας κρίσης και κάποιων θεμάτων που έχουν δημιουργηθεί στο παρελθόν σε σχέση με βίλλες και οικόπεδα που πουλήθηκαν, είναι τώρα πιο απαιτητικοί και προσεκτικοί από ποτέ πριν.
Άρα λοιπόν πελάτες υπάρχουν. Απλά δεν υπάρχει αυτή η ιδιαιτέρως υψηλή ζήτηση στην οποία όλοι μας στην αγορά είχαμε συνηθίσει ή η ευπιστία από την πλευρά των ενδιαφερόμενων. Τώρα όλοι πρέπει να μπορούμε να δικαιολογήσουμε τις τιμές στις οποίες πουλάμε. Ακόμη περισσότερο οι κτηματομεσίτες και Σύμβουλοι Ακινήτων έχουμε ευθύνη να προτείνουμε τιμές οι οποιες ανταποκρίνονται στην αξία του κάθε ακινήτου. Παρόλο που πάντοτε η τελική απόφαση για την τιμή πώλησης ενός ακινήτου αποφασίζεται από τον ιδιοκτήτη του, είναι σημαντικό να συνειδητοποιήσουν οι ιδιοκτήτες ακινήτων ότι δεν έχουν το περιθώριο να ζητούν υπερβολικά υψηλές τιμές διαπραγμάτευσης όπως έκαναν στο παρελθόν. Ο λόγος είναι ότι εκτός εάν διαθέτουν κάτι πραγματικά σπάνιο και εξαιρετικό, οι ενδιαφερόμενοι αγοραστές, Έλληνες ή κάτοικοι του εξωτερικού, δεν θα μπουν καν στο κόπο να ζητήσουν πληροφορίες για ακίνητα των οποίων η αξία δεν ανταποκρίνεται στη τιμή πώλησης τους. Όπως επίσης και οι ενδιαφερόμενοι αγοραστές πρέπει να έχουν λογικές προσδοκίες, ανάλογες των χρημάτων που διαθέτουν και να μην προσδοκούν υπερβολικές μειώσεις τιμών. Έτσι ώστε να διατηρηθεί η ισορροπία που απαιτείται για να συνεχίσουν να γίνονται πωλήσεις προς κέρδος τόσο των πωλητών όσο και των αγοραστών ακίνητης περιουσίας.
Ο Ανδρέας Μπατάκης έχει ζήσει στην Ελλάδα, την Ιρλανδία και την Κύπρο αποκτώντας πτυχίο Διοίκησης Επιχειρήσεων στην Ελλάδα, ένα Δίπλωμα στο Διεθνές Marketing καθώς και ένα Bachelor of Science στην Οργάνωση και Διοίκηση Ανθρωπίνων Πόρων στην Ιρλανδία. Είναι μέλος του Επιμελητηρίου Προσωπικού και Ανάπτυξης με έδρα την Αγγλία και κατέχει ευρεία εμπειρία στο χώρο των πωλήσεων και της εξυπηρέτησης πελατών τόσο στην Ελλάδα, όσο και στο εξωτερικό. Ειδικά στο χώρο των ακινήτων έχει βοηθήσει δεκάδες ανθρώπους απο όλο το κόσμο να βρουν την κατοικία ή την επένδυση που έψαχναν στη Κρήτη και είναι ιδρυτικό μέλος της Τάλως Κτηματομεσιτική – Talos Properties. Η Τάλως δημιουργήθηκε στα Χανιά προκειμένου να προστατεύσει και να βοηθήσει όλους τους υπαρκτούς και πιθανούς ιδιοκτήτες ακινήτης περιουσίας που επιθυμούν είτε να πουλήσουν, είτε να αγοράσουν στη Κρήτη. Για περισσότερες πληροφορίες: Ανδρέας Μπατάκης, Νεκταρία Κλαδίτη, www.talosproperties.com, Τηλ. 28210 52473, Ε mail. info@talosproperties.com
Τι είναι επιτέλους αυτό το Real Estate και γιατί συμβαίνει στη Κρήτη;
Είναι χαρακτηριστικό ότι ανοίγοντας κανείς διάφορες εφημερίδες και περιοδικά διαβάζει συχνά τις αγγλικές λέξεις Real Estate (Ρίαλ Εστέϊτ) ή τις βλέπει σε καταχωρήσεις και διαφημίσεις. Πολύ συχνά οι αρθογράφοι ή υπέυθυνοι μίας διαφημιστικής καμπάνιας θεωρούν δεδομένο ότι οι αναγνώστες τους γνωρίζουν τι σημαίνουν. Σε αυτό το άρθρο προσεγγίζεται τόσο η ετυμολογία όσο και ο λόγος για τον οποίο η Ελλάδα και η Κρήτη αναφέρονται συχνά ως τόποι ενδιαφέροντος real estate.
Ξεκινώντας από την ετυμολογία των λέξεων το real σημαίνει πραγματικό ενώ το estate σημαίνει κτήμα. Επειδή όμως η φράση Πραγματικό Κτήμα δεν έχει ιδιαίτερο νόημα, η απόδοση που δίδεται στο Real Estate είναι: Ακίνητη Περιουσία. Ο ορισμός αυτός αναφέρεται σε διάφορα Αγγλοελληνικά λεξικά όπως αυτό των εκδόσεων Φυτράκη (2007). Το Real Estate λοιπόν ως όρος αναφέρεται στην αγορά ακίνητης περιουσίας ή κτηματαγορά. Για αυτό και εκείνοι οι οποίοι διαφημίζουν ότι ασχολούνται με το real estate, ουσιαστικά ασχολούνται με τη παροχή κτηματομεσιτικών υπηρεσιών. Δηλαδή την προώθηση και πώληση ακίνητης περιουσίας.
Παρότι στην Ελλάδα υπάρχει μία τάση υιοθέτησης ξένων όρων για τομείς που έτσι και αλλιώς υπάρχουν αντίστοιχοι ελληνικοί, στη συγκεκριμένη περίπτωση υπάρχει μία λογική εξήγηση. Φυσικά το κατά πόσο αυτή η λογική αιτιολογεί τη χρήση ξενόγλωσσου όρου αφήνεται στη κρίση σας. Τα τελευταία 8 χρόνια έχει ξεκινήσει η εκδήλωση έντονου ενδιαφέροντος από κατοίκους του εξωτερικού για αγορά παραθεριστικής ή μόνιμης κατοικίας στην Ελλάδα. Έτσι λοιπόν πολλές εταιρείες που θέλησαν να απευθυνθούν και σε Έλληνες, αλλά και σε ενδιαφερόμενους του εξωτερικού υιοθέτησαν τον όρο Real Estate ώστε να επιδείξουν την δυνατότητα εξυπηρέτησης πελατών από όλο το κόσμο - αλλά και για λόγους προβολής.
Τα ταξίδια πολλών επαγγελματιών σε διάφορες χώρες για την προώθηση των ακινήτων τους επίσης τους εξοικείωσε με την χρήση του όρου. Ένας από τους χώρους ανάπτυξης της κτηματαγοράς ή real estate είναι και το νησί της Κρήτης, όπου εκατοντάδες κατοικίες κάθε είδους έχουν πλέον πουληθεί σε πολίτες που ταξιδεύουν από άλλες χώρες. Έτσι η Κρήτη έχει αύξηση στον πλυθησμό κάποιων χωριών στα Χανιά έως 15% στα τελευταία 5 χρόνια.
Στο ερώτημα πως προέκυψε αυτό το ενδιαφέρον μία απάντηση των ειδικών του χώρου είναι η εξής: Ο δημοφιλής τουριστικός προορισμός του σήμερα, είναι ο δημοφιλής χώρος αγοράς ακίνητης περιουσίας του αύριο. Αυτό επιβεβαιώνεται από τον τεράστιο αριθμό ιδοκτητών ακίνητης περισουσίας στη Κρήτη που λένε ότι ερχόντουσαν για διακοπές επί πολλά έτη, ώσπου στο τέλος αποφάσισαν στη σύνταξη τους να μετακομίσουν εδώ.
Πέρα από τα εμφανή “τουριστικά” πλεονεκτήματα της Κρήτης που είναι το κλίμα και η φυσική ομορφιά του τόπου, μεγάλη διαφορά κατά γενική ομολογία όλων των ενδιαφερόμενων κάνει και η κουλτούρα των ανθρώπων εδώ. Η ζεστασιά, η ανθρωπιά αλλά και το πάθος που συναντιέται σε αυτό το νησί με όσα αυτά συνεπάγονται. Διότι στο τέλος της ημέρας πάντα οι άνθρωποι γοητεύονται περισσότερο από τους ανθρώπους, παρά από τα αντικείμενα, είτε αυτά είναι οικόπεδα, βίλλες ή όμορφες παραλίες. Έτσι λοιπόν κατά μία έννοια για την ανάπτυξη του λεγόμενου real estate έχουμε συμβάλλει λίγο, πολύ όλοι μας. Όπως όλοι μας ευθυνόμαστε για την αντιμετώπιση όλων των παραδόσεων, του πολιτισμού, του τόπου μας αλλά και αυτών των ενδιαφερόμενων, που συχνά επιθυμούν να γίνουν μέρος της κουλτούρας μας, με σεβασμό.
Ο Ανδρέας Μπατάκης έχει ζήσει στην Ελλάδα, την Ιρλανδία και την Κύπρο αποκτώντας πτυχίο Διοίκησης Επιχειρήσεων στην Ελλάδα, ένα Δίπλωμα στο Διεθνές Marketing καθώς και ένα Bachelor of Science στην Οργάνωση και Διοίκηση Ανθρωπίνων Πόρων στην Ιρλανδία. Είναι μέλος του Επιμελητηρίου Προσωπικού και Ανάπτυξης με έδρα την Αγγλία και κατέχει ευρεία εμπειρία στο χώρο των πωλήσεων και της εξυπηρέτησης πελατών τόσο στην Ελλάδα, όσο και στο εξωτερικό. Ειδικά στο χώρο των ακινήτων έχει βοηθήσει δεκάδες ανθρώπους απο όλο το κόσμο να βρουν την κατοικία ή την επένδυση που έψαχναν στη Κρήτη και είναι ιδρυτικό μέλος της Τάλως Κτηματομεσιτική – Talos Properties.
Η Τάλως δημιουργήθηκε στα Χανιά προκειμένου να προστατεύσει και να βοηθήσει όλους τους υπαρκτούς και πιθανούς ιδιοκτήτες ακινήτης περιουσίας που επιθυμούν είτε να πουλήσουν, είτε να αγοράσουν στη Κρήτη. Για περισσότερες πληροφορίες: www.talosproperties.com, Τηλ. 28210 52473, Ε mail. info@talosproperties.com
Ξεκινώντας από την ετυμολογία των λέξεων το real σημαίνει πραγματικό ενώ το estate σημαίνει κτήμα. Επειδή όμως η φράση Πραγματικό Κτήμα δεν έχει ιδιαίτερο νόημα, η απόδοση που δίδεται στο Real Estate είναι: Ακίνητη Περιουσία. Ο ορισμός αυτός αναφέρεται σε διάφορα Αγγλοελληνικά λεξικά όπως αυτό των εκδόσεων Φυτράκη (2007). Το Real Estate λοιπόν ως όρος αναφέρεται στην αγορά ακίνητης περιουσίας ή κτηματαγορά. Για αυτό και εκείνοι οι οποίοι διαφημίζουν ότι ασχολούνται με το real estate, ουσιαστικά ασχολούνται με τη παροχή κτηματομεσιτικών υπηρεσιών. Δηλαδή την προώθηση και πώληση ακίνητης περιουσίας.
Παρότι στην Ελλάδα υπάρχει μία τάση υιοθέτησης ξένων όρων για τομείς που έτσι και αλλιώς υπάρχουν αντίστοιχοι ελληνικοί, στη συγκεκριμένη περίπτωση υπάρχει μία λογική εξήγηση. Φυσικά το κατά πόσο αυτή η λογική αιτιολογεί τη χρήση ξενόγλωσσου όρου αφήνεται στη κρίση σας. Τα τελευταία 8 χρόνια έχει ξεκινήσει η εκδήλωση έντονου ενδιαφέροντος από κατοίκους του εξωτερικού για αγορά παραθεριστικής ή μόνιμης κατοικίας στην Ελλάδα. Έτσι λοιπόν πολλές εταιρείες που θέλησαν να απευθυνθούν και σε Έλληνες, αλλά και σε ενδιαφερόμενους του εξωτερικού υιοθέτησαν τον όρο Real Estate ώστε να επιδείξουν την δυνατότητα εξυπηρέτησης πελατών από όλο το κόσμο - αλλά και για λόγους προβολής.
Τα ταξίδια πολλών επαγγελματιών σε διάφορες χώρες για την προώθηση των ακινήτων τους επίσης τους εξοικείωσε με την χρήση του όρου. Ένας από τους χώρους ανάπτυξης της κτηματαγοράς ή real estate είναι και το νησί της Κρήτης, όπου εκατοντάδες κατοικίες κάθε είδους έχουν πλέον πουληθεί σε πολίτες που ταξιδεύουν από άλλες χώρες. Έτσι η Κρήτη έχει αύξηση στον πλυθησμό κάποιων χωριών στα Χανιά έως 15% στα τελευταία 5 χρόνια.
Στο ερώτημα πως προέκυψε αυτό το ενδιαφέρον μία απάντηση των ειδικών του χώρου είναι η εξής: Ο δημοφιλής τουριστικός προορισμός του σήμερα, είναι ο δημοφιλής χώρος αγοράς ακίνητης περιουσίας του αύριο. Αυτό επιβεβαιώνεται από τον τεράστιο αριθμό ιδοκτητών ακίνητης περισουσίας στη Κρήτη που λένε ότι ερχόντουσαν για διακοπές επί πολλά έτη, ώσπου στο τέλος αποφάσισαν στη σύνταξη τους να μετακομίσουν εδώ.
Πέρα από τα εμφανή “τουριστικά” πλεονεκτήματα της Κρήτης που είναι το κλίμα και η φυσική ομορφιά του τόπου, μεγάλη διαφορά κατά γενική ομολογία όλων των ενδιαφερόμενων κάνει και η κουλτούρα των ανθρώπων εδώ. Η ζεστασιά, η ανθρωπιά αλλά και το πάθος που συναντιέται σε αυτό το νησί με όσα αυτά συνεπάγονται. Διότι στο τέλος της ημέρας πάντα οι άνθρωποι γοητεύονται περισσότερο από τους ανθρώπους, παρά από τα αντικείμενα, είτε αυτά είναι οικόπεδα, βίλλες ή όμορφες παραλίες. Έτσι λοιπόν κατά μία έννοια για την ανάπτυξη του λεγόμενου real estate έχουμε συμβάλλει λίγο, πολύ όλοι μας. Όπως όλοι μας ευθυνόμαστε για την αντιμετώπιση όλων των παραδόσεων, του πολιτισμού, του τόπου μας αλλά και αυτών των ενδιαφερόμενων, που συχνά επιθυμούν να γίνουν μέρος της κουλτούρας μας, με σεβασμό.
Ο Ανδρέας Μπατάκης έχει ζήσει στην Ελλάδα, την Ιρλανδία και την Κύπρο αποκτώντας πτυχίο Διοίκησης Επιχειρήσεων στην Ελλάδα, ένα Δίπλωμα στο Διεθνές Marketing καθώς και ένα Bachelor of Science στην Οργάνωση και Διοίκηση Ανθρωπίνων Πόρων στην Ιρλανδία. Είναι μέλος του Επιμελητηρίου Προσωπικού και Ανάπτυξης με έδρα την Αγγλία και κατέχει ευρεία εμπειρία στο χώρο των πωλήσεων και της εξυπηρέτησης πελατών τόσο στην Ελλάδα, όσο και στο εξωτερικό. Ειδικά στο χώρο των ακινήτων έχει βοηθήσει δεκάδες ανθρώπους απο όλο το κόσμο να βρουν την κατοικία ή την επένδυση που έψαχναν στη Κρήτη και είναι ιδρυτικό μέλος της Τάλως Κτηματομεσιτική – Talos Properties.
Η Τάλως δημιουργήθηκε στα Χανιά προκειμένου να προστατεύσει και να βοηθήσει όλους τους υπαρκτούς και πιθανούς ιδιοκτήτες ακινήτης περιουσίας που επιθυμούν είτε να πουλήσουν, είτε να αγοράσουν στη Κρήτη. Για περισσότερες πληροφορίες: www.talosproperties.com, Τηλ. 28210 52473, Ε mail. info@talosproperties.com
6/30/2008
Πέφτουν οι τιμές ακινήτων στη Κρήτη;
Το ερώτημα αυτό είναι φλέγον για όλους όσους ασχολούνται με την κατασκευή και πώληση ακινήτων αλλά είναι πάντα εξίσου σημαντικό για εκείνους που αναζητούν να αγοράσουν στη Κρήτη. Το συγκεκριμένο άρθρο επιχειρεί να δώσει μία εικόνα για το τι συμβαίνει σήμερα και τι μπορεί να συμβεί στο σύντομο μέλλον με επιχειρήματα και χωρίς απλά να απαντήσει Ναι ή Όχι.
Είναι χαρακτηριστικό ότι όλοι όσοι δραστηριοποιούμαστε στο χώρο της κτηματαγοράς είτε ως κτηματομεσικές, είτε ως κατασκευαστικές προσπαθούμε να διατηρήσουμε ένα κλίμα ψυχραιμίας και σύναισης. Πράγμα λογικό και κατανοητό. Το θέμα όμως είναι ότι η πραγματικότητα πιέζει και οφείλουμε όλοι να κοιτάξουμε κατάματα την αλήθεια και να ενημερώσουμε όλους τους ενδιαφερόμενους ιδιώτες – πωλητές και αγοραστές.
Ας κοιτάξουμε κάποια δημοσιεύματα ώστε να έχουμε μία βάση για την διαμόρφωση άποψης. Στην εφημερίδα Πρώτο Θέμα της 24ης Φεβρουαρίου 2008 σε άρθρο του Κωστή Πλάντζου αναφέρεται ότι την τελευταία 10ετία σύμφωνα με στοιχεία της Τράπεζας της Ελλάδος η μέση αύξηση των τιμών των ακινήτων στην Ελλάδα κυμαίνονταν μεταξύ 10% και 15%. Είναι αυτά τα ποσοστά που είχαν δημιουργήσει τον καθησυχασμό και την ευχαρίστηση τόσο των πωλητών όσο και των αγοραστών που ήξεραν ότι η αγορά ακινήτου ήταν καλή κίνηση.
Παράλληλα όμως σε άρθρο στην ιστοσελίδα της Καθημερινής αναφέρθηκε το Μάρτιο του 2008 ότι το μέσο κόστος κατασκευής αυξήθηκε κατά 5,6% σε σχέση με τον Μάρτιο του 2007, ως αποτέλεσμα της γνωστής αύξησης του πετρελαίου. Αυτό σημαίνει ότι οι κατασκευαστές έχουν την επιλογή ή να μειώσουν τα κέρδη τους ή να αυξήσουν πιο συγκρατημένα τις τιμές των ακινήτων τους υπό μελέτη ή κατασκευή.
Στην τοπική εφημερίδα των Χανίων Νέος Κύρηκας στο ένθετο Ιδιοκτησία της 10ης Ιουνίου αναφέρεται ότι υπάρχει «βουτιά στη ζήτηση, αλλά οι τιμές “κρατάνε”» με κατασκευαστές που δεν υποφέρουν από υπέρογκους δανεισμούς να κάνουν υπομονή και να νοικιάζουν μέρος των αδιάθετων κατοικιών. Ο κ. Χαρδούβελης, καθηγητής του Πανεπιστημίου Πειραιά αναφέρει στο συγκεκριμένο άρθρο «Ειδικά όσον αφορά την κατοικία είναι πιθανό να προχωρήσουν σε μείωση των τιμών όχι πάνω από 5%, ενώ στο τομέα επαγγελματικών ακινήτων προβλέπεται ζήτηση και άρα ελαφρά άνοδο τιμών».
Στο ένθετο Ιδιοκτησία πάλι του Νέου Κύρηκα της 24ης Ιουνίου υπάρχει τίτλος «Έρχεται “βουτιά” έως και 15% στις τιμές των ακινήτων». Εδώ ο καθηγητής κ. Μαλλιαρόπουλος αναφέρει ότι η επίδραση των αύξησης των επιτοκίων σε συνδυασμό με την υπερβάλλουσα προσφορά κατοικίας στην Ελλάδα και την αύξηση του πληθωρισμού θα οδηγήσει σταδιακά σε μία διόρθωση των τιμών των ακινήτων κατά 10-15%. Σε αυτό το άρθρο αναφέρεται ότι προς το παρών η κυριότερη μορφή έκπτωσης που προσφέρεται είναι τα δώρα στους αγοραστές όπως π.χ. μία πέργκολα, επίπλωση μπάνιου, μονάδες κλιματισμού, κ.λ.π. ώστε οι διαφημιζόμενες τιμές να μείνουν σταθερές.
Όσο και να θέλουμε να πιστεύουμε ότι η Κρήτη αποτελεί ιδιάζουσα περίπτωση, ειδικά λόγω του έντονου ενδιαφέροντος από πελάτες του εξωτερικού την τελευταία 10ετία, η αλήθεια είναι ότι δεν μπορούμε να ξεφύγουμε από αυτό που συμβαίνει. Έτσι και αλλιώς το 1ο εξάμηνο του 2008 απέδειξε ότι το ενδιαφέρον των αγοραστών από το εξωτερικό έχει μειωθεί έντονα σε σχέση με το προηγούμενο έτος, με αντίστοιχη μείωση και των πωλήσεων. Αρκούν οι στατιστικές που έχουν δημοσιευθεί στα Χανιώτικα Νέα για μείωση των αφίξεων επισκεπτών έως 35% σε σχέση με την ίδια περίοδο του 2007. Μην ξεχνάμε ότι η αγορά παραθεριστικής κατοικίας στο εξωτερικό είναι επιλογή πολυτέλειας για οποινδήποτε, οπουδήποτε στο κόσμο, οπότε είναι λογικό όσοι ενδιαφερόντουσαν τώρα να περιμένουν λόγω της παγκόσμιας κατάστασης στην οικονομία.
Τι σημαίνει αυτό για τους πωλητές; Ότι πρέπει να δείξουν ιδιαίτερη προσοχή στην τιμολόγηση διότι η διαφήμιση υψηλών τιμών τώρα θα μπορούσε να δώσει το τελειωτικό χτύπημα στους ενδιαφερόμενους, είτε του εσωτερικού, είτε του εξωτερικού. Ειδικά οι ιδιώτες οφείλουν να μην ζητούν υπερβολικά ποσά για την ακίνητη περιουσία τους ενώ οι κτηματομεσίτες είμαστε υποχρεωμένοι να μην ενθαρύνουμε την αύξηση των τιμών.
Τι σημαίνει αυτό για τους αγοραστές; Βρίσκονται σε μία θέση ισχύος όπου η διαπραγμάτευση είναι πιθανή και μπορούν μόνο να κερδίσουν από την τρέχουσα κατάσταση. Άρα τώρα είναι μία καλή περίοδος για αγορές – ειδικά πρόσφατα κατασκευασμένων ακινήτων ή οικοπέδων. Αλλά οι αγοραστές πρέπει να θυμούνται ότι οποιαδήποτε κρίση δημιουργεί ευκαιρίες αλλά η απληστία τις καταστρέφει. Όπως και ότι οι ευκαιρίες δεν είναι διαθέσιμες για πολύ οπότε όταν βρίσκονται πρέπει να αρπάζονται. Και εδώ όμως ο ρόλος μας ως κτηματομεσίτες και Σύμβουλοι Ακινήτων είναι σημαντικός διότι μπορούμε να βοηθάμε την διατήρηση των ισσοροπιών ώστε στο τέλος της ημέρας ούτε ο πωλητής, ούτε ο αγοραστής να νιώθει χαμένος από μία συναλλαγή.
Για περισσότερες πληροφορίες αναζητήστε το άρθρο:
«Χανιά, Κρήτη: Γιατί τώρα είναι η κατάλληλη στιγμή για αγορά ακινήτου»
Ο Ανδρέας Μπατάκης έχει ζήσει στην Ελλάδα, την Ιρλανδία και την Κύπρο αποκτώντας πτυχίο Διοίκησης Επιχειρήσεων στην Ελλάδα, ένα Δίπλωμα στο Διεθνές Marketing καθώς και ένα Bachelor of Science στην Οργάνωση και Διοίκηση Ανθρωπίνων Πόρων στην Ιρλανδία. Είναι μέλος του Επιμελητηρίου Προσωπικού και Ανάπτυξης με έδρα την Αγγλία και κατέχει ευρεία εμπειρία στο χώρο των πωλήσεων και της εξυπηρέτησης πελατών τόσο στην Ελλάδα, όσο και στο εξωτερικό. Ειδικά στο χώρο των ακινήτων έχει βοηθήσει δεκάδες ανθρώπους απο όλο το κόσμο να βρουν την κατοικία ή την επένδυση που έψαχναν στη Κρήτη και είναι ιδρυτικό μέλος της Τάλως Κτηματομεσιτική – Talos Properties.
Η Τάλως δημιουργήθηκε στα Χανιά προκειμένου να προστατεύσει και να βοηθήσει όλους τους υπαρκτούς και πιθανούς ιδιοκτήτες ακινήτης περιουσίας που επιθυμούν είτε να πουλήσουν, είτε να αγοράσουν στη Κρήτη. Για περισσότερες πληροφορίες: http://www.talosproperties.com/, Τηλ. 28210 52473, Ε mail. info@talosproperties.com
Είναι χαρακτηριστικό ότι όλοι όσοι δραστηριοποιούμαστε στο χώρο της κτηματαγοράς είτε ως κτηματομεσικές, είτε ως κατασκευαστικές προσπαθούμε να διατηρήσουμε ένα κλίμα ψυχραιμίας και σύναισης. Πράγμα λογικό και κατανοητό. Το θέμα όμως είναι ότι η πραγματικότητα πιέζει και οφείλουμε όλοι να κοιτάξουμε κατάματα την αλήθεια και να ενημερώσουμε όλους τους ενδιαφερόμενους ιδιώτες – πωλητές και αγοραστές.
Ας κοιτάξουμε κάποια δημοσιεύματα ώστε να έχουμε μία βάση για την διαμόρφωση άποψης. Στην εφημερίδα Πρώτο Θέμα της 24ης Φεβρουαρίου 2008 σε άρθρο του Κωστή Πλάντζου αναφέρεται ότι την τελευταία 10ετία σύμφωνα με στοιχεία της Τράπεζας της Ελλάδος η μέση αύξηση των τιμών των ακινήτων στην Ελλάδα κυμαίνονταν μεταξύ 10% και 15%. Είναι αυτά τα ποσοστά που είχαν δημιουργήσει τον καθησυχασμό και την ευχαρίστηση τόσο των πωλητών όσο και των αγοραστών που ήξεραν ότι η αγορά ακινήτου ήταν καλή κίνηση.
Παράλληλα όμως σε άρθρο στην ιστοσελίδα της Καθημερινής αναφέρθηκε το Μάρτιο του 2008 ότι το μέσο κόστος κατασκευής αυξήθηκε κατά 5,6% σε σχέση με τον Μάρτιο του 2007, ως αποτέλεσμα της γνωστής αύξησης του πετρελαίου. Αυτό σημαίνει ότι οι κατασκευαστές έχουν την επιλογή ή να μειώσουν τα κέρδη τους ή να αυξήσουν πιο συγκρατημένα τις τιμές των ακινήτων τους υπό μελέτη ή κατασκευή.
Στην τοπική εφημερίδα των Χανίων Νέος Κύρηκας στο ένθετο Ιδιοκτησία της 10ης Ιουνίου αναφέρεται ότι υπάρχει «βουτιά στη ζήτηση, αλλά οι τιμές “κρατάνε”» με κατασκευαστές που δεν υποφέρουν από υπέρογκους δανεισμούς να κάνουν υπομονή και να νοικιάζουν μέρος των αδιάθετων κατοικιών. Ο κ. Χαρδούβελης, καθηγητής του Πανεπιστημίου Πειραιά αναφέρει στο συγκεκριμένο άρθρο «Ειδικά όσον αφορά την κατοικία είναι πιθανό να προχωρήσουν σε μείωση των τιμών όχι πάνω από 5%, ενώ στο τομέα επαγγελματικών ακινήτων προβλέπεται ζήτηση και άρα ελαφρά άνοδο τιμών».
Στο ένθετο Ιδιοκτησία πάλι του Νέου Κύρηκα της 24ης Ιουνίου υπάρχει τίτλος «Έρχεται “βουτιά” έως και 15% στις τιμές των ακινήτων». Εδώ ο καθηγητής κ. Μαλλιαρόπουλος αναφέρει ότι η επίδραση των αύξησης των επιτοκίων σε συνδυασμό με την υπερβάλλουσα προσφορά κατοικίας στην Ελλάδα και την αύξηση του πληθωρισμού θα οδηγήσει σταδιακά σε μία διόρθωση των τιμών των ακινήτων κατά 10-15%. Σε αυτό το άρθρο αναφέρεται ότι προς το παρών η κυριότερη μορφή έκπτωσης που προσφέρεται είναι τα δώρα στους αγοραστές όπως π.χ. μία πέργκολα, επίπλωση μπάνιου, μονάδες κλιματισμού, κ.λ.π. ώστε οι διαφημιζόμενες τιμές να μείνουν σταθερές.
Όσο και να θέλουμε να πιστεύουμε ότι η Κρήτη αποτελεί ιδιάζουσα περίπτωση, ειδικά λόγω του έντονου ενδιαφέροντος από πελάτες του εξωτερικού την τελευταία 10ετία, η αλήθεια είναι ότι δεν μπορούμε να ξεφύγουμε από αυτό που συμβαίνει. Έτσι και αλλιώς το 1ο εξάμηνο του 2008 απέδειξε ότι το ενδιαφέρον των αγοραστών από το εξωτερικό έχει μειωθεί έντονα σε σχέση με το προηγούμενο έτος, με αντίστοιχη μείωση και των πωλήσεων. Αρκούν οι στατιστικές που έχουν δημοσιευθεί στα Χανιώτικα Νέα για μείωση των αφίξεων επισκεπτών έως 35% σε σχέση με την ίδια περίοδο του 2007. Μην ξεχνάμε ότι η αγορά παραθεριστικής κατοικίας στο εξωτερικό είναι επιλογή πολυτέλειας για οποινδήποτε, οπουδήποτε στο κόσμο, οπότε είναι λογικό όσοι ενδιαφερόντουσαν τώρα να περιμένουν λόγω της παγκόσμιας κατάστασης στην οικονομία.
Τι σημαίνει αυτό για τους πωλητές; Ότι πρέπει να δείξουν ιδιαίτερη προσοχή στην τιμολόγηση διότι η διαφήμιση υψηλών τιμών τώρα θα μπορούσε να δώσει το τελειωτικό χτύπημα στους ενδιαφερόμενους, είτε του εσωτερικού, είτε του εξωτερικού. Ειδικά οι ιδιώτες οφείλουν να μην ζητούν υπερβολικά ποσά για την ακίνητη περιουσία τους ενώ οι κτηματομεσίτες είμαστε υποχρεωμένοι να μην ενθαρύνουμε την αύξηση των τιμών.
Τι σημαίνει αυτό για τους αγοραστές; Βρίσκονται σε μία θέση ισχύος όπου η διαπραγμάτευση είναι πιθανή και μπορούν μόνο να κερδίσουν από την τρέχουσα κατάσταση. Άρα τώρα είναι μία καλή περίοδος για αγορές – ειδικά πρόσφατα κατασκευασμένων ακινήτων ή οικοπέδων. Αλλά οι αγοραστές πρέπει να θυμούνται ότι οποιαδήποτε κρίση δημιουργεί ευκαιρίες αλλά η απληστία τις καταστρέφει. Όπως και ότι οι ευκαιρίες δεν είναι διαθέσιμες για πολύ οπότε όταν βρίσκονται πρέπει να αρπάζονται. Και εδώ όμως ο ρόλος μας ως κτηματομεσίτες και Σύμβουλοι Ακινήτων είναι σημαντικός διότι μπορούμε να βοηθάμε την διατήρηση των ισσοροπιών ώστε στο τέλος της ημέρας ούτε ο πωλητής, ούτε ο αγοραστής να νιώθει χαμένος από μία συναλλαγή.
Για περισσότερες πληροφορίες αναζητήστε το άρθρο:
«Χανιά, Κρήτη: Γιατί τώρα είναι η κατάλληλη στιγμή για αγορά ακινήτου»
Ο Ανδρέας Μπατάκης έχει ζήσει στην Ελλάδα, την Ιρλανδία και την Κύπρο αποκτώντας πτυχίο Διοίκησης Επιχειρήσεων στην Ελλάδα, ένα Δίπλωμα στο Διεθνές Marketing καθώς και ένα Bachelor of Science στην Οργάνωση και Διοίκηση Ανθρωπίνων Πόρων στην Ιρλανδία. Είναι μέλος του Επιμελητηρίου Προσωπικού και Ανάπτυξης με έδρα την Αγγλία και κατέχει ευρεία εμπειρία στο χώρο των πωλήσεων και της εξυπηρέτησης πελατών τόσο στην Ελλάδα, όσο και στο εξωτερικό. Ειδικά στο χώρο των ακινήτων έχει βοηθήσει δεκάδες ανθρώπους απο όλο το κόσμο να βρουν την κατοικία ή την επένδυση που έψαχναν στη Κρήτη και είναι ιδρυτικό μέλος της Τάλως Κτηματομεσιτική – Talos Properties.
Η Τάλως δημιουργήθηκε στα Χανιά προκειμένου να προστατεύσει και να βοηθήσει όλους τους υπαρκτούς και πιθανούς ιδιοκτήτες ακινήτης περιουσίας που επιθυμούν είτε να πουλήσουν, είτε να αγοράσουν στη Κρήτη. Για περισσότερες πληροφορίες: http://www.talosproperties.com/, Τηλ. 28210 52473, Ε mail. info@talosproperties.com
6/10/2008
Real Estate and earthquakes in Greece: Why are buildings collapsing?
The recent earthquake in Greece has the world media showing people suffering from it. However, there are individual civil engineers in Greece that refer to the state construction rules as equally strict with the ones in Japan when it comes to earthquake resistance. So why is it that a number of buildings collapse every time?
The answer is not that complicated, as one may expect. The reasons have to do with the year the buildings had been constructed. The Greek Anti Seismic Code was established for the first time in 1959 as a law of the state and became active immediately. In 1984 it was partly reviewed, while in 1992 a new law was passed which replaced the original of 1959. The 1992 law was further updated with the Anti Seismic Code of 2000 which became effective in 2001.
So basically any buildings constructed prior to 1959 were not bound by any formal earthquake resistance standards. As a result these buildings are the ones that suffer great damage every time there is an earthquake. As long as there are no victims, one may say that it is for the best since the Greek state immediately evaluates all buildings after any major event and decides which buildings are no longer suitable. When the Civil Engineers give this verdict these buildings are immediately demolished. In order to prevent the creation of homeless people, the Greek state has pre constructed houses available which are sent to an area in order to replace the houses demolished.
The Greek Anti Seismic Code (EAK 2000) refers to a “special seismic–geologic–geotechnical–structural study” which is conducted for every building prior to construction. The study takes into account the specific area and land formation where the building is to be placed. Its philosophy is to ensure that the building will not collapse from the expected maximum earthquake in the specific area for the lifespan of the building (60 years).
Most recent constructions which have been built according to this regulation have proved that they are quite resistant to damages from seismic activity. Needless to say that Civil Engineers are legally obliged to observe all main construction stages and are liable if the standards defined are not met. Naturally the professionalism and ethics of the Civil Engineers body is extremely high in Greece and as such, ensures the quality of work offered.
This is why the Real Estate market in every part of Greece is confident that the houses offered for sale are quality builds meeting all safety and earthquake resistance regulations.
Andreas Batakis has lived in Greece, Ireland and Cyprus, acquiring a Business Administration Degree in Greece, an International Marketing Diploma and a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management in Ireland. He is also a member of the UK based Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. Andreas has extensive experience in helping people from all over the world to locate a home in Crete and is a founding member of the independent consultancy Talos Properties.
Talos properties was created in order to guide and protect all of you who wish to acquire a property in Crete via offering you a wide range of choices as well as professional advice in property related matters. For more information please access the Talos Properties website at: http://www.talosproperties.com
The answer is not that complicated, as one may expect. The reasons have to do with the year the buildings had been constructed. The Greek Anti Seismic Code was established for the first time in 1959 as a law of the state and became active immediately. In 1984 it was partly reviewed, while in 1992 a new law was passed which replaced the original of 1959. The 1992 law was further updated with the Anti Seismic Code of 2000 which became effective in 2001.
So basically any buildings constructed prior to 1959 were not bound by any formal earthquake resistance standards. As a result these buildings are the ones that suffer great damage every time there is an earthquake. As long as there are no victims, one may say that it is for the best since the Greek state immediately evaluates all buildings after any major event and decides which buildings are no longer suitable. When the Civil Engineers give this verdict these buildings are immediately demolished. In order to prevent the creation of homeless people, the Greek state has pre constructed houses available which are sent to an area in order to replace the houses demolished.
The Greek Anti Seismic Code (EAK 2000) refers to a “special seismic–geologic–geotechnical–structural study” which is conducted for every building prior to construction. The study takes into account the specific area and land formation where the building is to be placed. Its philosophy is to ensure that the building will not collapse from the expected maximum earthquake in the specific area for the lifespan of the building (60 years).
Most recent constructions which have been built according to this regulation have proved that they are quite resistant to damages from seismic activity. Needless to say that Civil Engineers are legally obliged to observe all main construction stages and are liable if the standards defined are not met. Naturally the professionalism and ethics of the Civil Engineers body is extremely high in Greece and as such, ensures the quality of work offered.
This is why the Real Estate market in every part of Greece is confident that the houses offered for sale are quality builds meeting all safety and earthquake resistance regulations.
Andreas Batakis has lived in Greece, Ireland and Cyprus, acquiring a Business Administration Degree in Greece, an International Marketing Diploma and a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management in Ireland. He is also a member of the UK based Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. Andreas has extensive experience in helping people from all over the world to locate a home in Crete and is a founding member of the independent consultancy Talos Properties.
Talos properties was created in order to guide and protect all of you who wish to acquire a property in Crete via offering you a wide range of choices as well as professional advice in property related matters. For more information please access the Talos Properties website at: http://www.talosproperties.com
5/11/2008
Real Estate in Crete: Investment opportunity or potential disaster?
Crete in Greece is considered an upcoming Real Estate hot spot and in the current climate of the world economy it is about time that some hard questions are answered regarding its potential.
Crete and Chania have been extremely popular for the past few years attracting great numbers of interested people from many countries in Europe and mainly from England, Ireland, Norway, Denmark, France, Belgium, Holland, Germany and many more as well as from Russia. The real estate market has given birth to an increasing number of construction companies and even more real estate agencies. Naturally when you are talking to most of these professionals about it they will tell you that buying a home, a villa, an apartment or any type of property in Crete is the best thing that can ever happen to you or maybe even imply that it will make you richer in the long term.
First of all, it is extremely important for you to have organized in your mind your reasoning behind your decision to buy a property abroad.
■ Why do you want to buy a property abroad?
Are you just looking for a holiday home, a retirement villa or investment in real estate? Your criteria will vary widely for any of these categories. If it is a property for personal usage, only then must you take into account your individual needs. But if you are looking at it as an investment, things are different. There are many factors to consider and advice from an independent Real Estate agent or Property Consultant, rather than from a specific builder or constructor, would be of great usage to you.
■ Country and place of interest
Crete and the Chania region is objectively speaking a unique place which combines all types of views (sea, mountain, country side) and amenities (cities, large hospital, international airport, commercial port, etc). But is it the right place for you that you are looking for something to use personally? Make sure that you visit, look around and ensure that you personally, like it.
■ How much do you want to spend?
Everybody has a minimum they would like to pay as well as a maximum. However before you define that you need to do a bit of research through available re sales, new builds, off plan etc so that you can have a realistic idea of what to expect. Having a budget will also help you when you ask people for help. Remember that apart from the selling price of a property there are also the legal and other expenses which you also have to calculate.
Defining the above will be great help to you. But what about the question
How will property value in Crete evolve in the future?
The hard truth is that realistic predictions are not possible in the long term. Many will claim that they have the answer for a five year period or slightly more but if you ask anyone about a ten years period their confidence will waive. Properties are not like some expensive wines.
They do not increase in value over time. So you need to ensure that two things are secured when you are looking for a property: Location and Quality of construction. At the end of the day these are the factors that define the value of properties in any place in the world. The good news is that in Chania and in Crete the location and climate are superb while there are some high standards properties available. Additionally there are qualified real estate agents or property consultants that will offer you professional, fair and independent advice without limiting your options to specific products and that is something that you can use in order to make the best decision for you.
Andreas Batakis has lived in Greece, Ireland and Cyprus, acquiring a Business Administration Degree in Greece, an International Marketing Diploma and a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management in Ireland. He is also a member of the UK based Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. Andreas has extensive experience in helping people from all over the world to locate a home in Crete and is a founding member of the independent consultancy Talos Properties.
Talos properties was created in order to guide and protect all of you who wish to acquire a property in Crete via offering you a wide range of choices as well as professional advice in property related matters. For more information please access the Talos Properties website at: http://www.talosproperties.com
Crete and Chania have been extremely popular for the past few years attracting great numbers of interested people from many countries in Europe and mainly from England, Ireland, Norway, Denmark, France, Belgium, Holland, Germany and many more as well as from Russia. The real estate market has given birth to an increasing number of construction companies and even more real estate agencies. Naturally when you are talking to most of these professionals about it they will tell you that buying a home, a villa, an apartment or any type of property in Crete is the best thing that can ever happen to you or maybe even imply that it will make you richer in the long term.
First of all, it is extremely important for you to have organized in your mind your reasoning behind your decision to buy a property abroad.
■ Why do you want to buy a property abroad?
Are you just looking for a holiday home, a retirement villa or investment in real estate? Your criteria will vary widely for any of these categories. If it is a property for personal usage, only then must you take into account your individual needs. But if you are looking at it as an investment, things are different. There are many factors to consider and advice from an independent Real Estate agent or Property Consultant, rather than from a specific builder or constructor, would be of great usage to you.
■ Country and place of interest
Crete and the Chania region is objectively speaking a unique place which combines all types of views (sea, mountain, country side) and amenities (cities, large hospital, international airport, commercial port, etc). But is it the right place for you that you are looking for something to use personally? Make sure that you visit, look around and ensure that you personally, like it.
■ How much do you want to spend?
Everybody has a minimum they would like to pay as well as a maximum. However before you define that you need to do a bit of research through available re sales, new builds, off plan etc so that you can have a realistic idea of what to expect. Having a budget will also help you when you ask people for help. Remember that apart from the selling price of a property there are also the legal and other expenses which you also have to calculate.
Defining the above will be great help to you. But what about the question
How will property value in Crete evolve in the future?
The hard truth is that realistic predictions are not possible in the long term. Many will claim that they have the answer for a five year period or slightly more but if you ask anyone about a ten years period their confidence will waive. Properties are not like some expensive wines.
They do not increase in value over time. So you need to ensure that two things are secured when you are looking for a property: Location and Quality of construction. At the end of the day these are the factors that define the value of properties in any place in the world. The good news is that in Chania and in Crete the location and climate are superb while there are some high standards properties available. Additionally there are qualified real estate agents or property consultants that will offer you professional, fair and independent advice without limiting your options to specific products and that is something that you can use in order to make the best decision for you.
Andreas Batakis has lived in Greece, Ireland and Cyprus, acquiring a Business Administration Degree in Greece, an International Marketing Diploma and a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management in Ireland. He is also a member of the UK based Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. Andreas has extensive experience in helping people from all over the world to locate a home in Crete and is a founding member of the independent consultancy Talos Properties.
Talos properties was created in order to guide and protect all of you who wish to acquire a property in Crete via offering you a wide range of choices as well as professional advice in property related matters. For more information please access the Talos Properties website at: http://www.talosproperties.com
4/20/2008
Buying a home and living in Crete: Property owners express their opinion on why they chose Chania
Most articles published, refer to why Crete in Greece is a good choice for people looking for a property abroad. This article refers not to results of surveys or opinions of experts but what existing home owners say. Especially in a time when Crete is becoming a Real Estate hot spot.
Ten years ago people from abroad looking for property in Crete were not that many. However, real estate develops and today it is quite a popular destination. Among the reasons attracting villa and property seekers in a place, is its unique character and natural landscape. Therefore, a question is generated: what happens today, when most areas have more and more houses built not for locals but other nationalities too?
In an article published in the local Cretan newspaper “Haniotika Nea” on the 19th of April, 2008, the testimony of Tony and Mary Shuttleworth is featured, a couple from Wales in Britain. Tony and Mary bought a property in the area of Apokoronas and moved into their property on January 2008.
Tony said “We had visited other places in Spain, Portogual and Turkey but this was the one. We were coming to Crete for holidays for ten years. When we retired, we decided that we wanted to live here permanently. First of all, people here are special and friendly. We recall the day we were expecting some of our belongings to arrive from Wales and the banks were closed so we could not withdraw money to pay the transport company. They delivered them to us and said not to worry about it and that we can pay them whenever we have the money. This is something that would never happen in England!”
Mary also added that “Of course the weather is excellent as well”. Tony agreed and mentioned that when he sent some photographs from his house to some friends from the south, the snow caped mountains could be seen, while from the north laid the sea and Souda Bay. “My friends were amazed on how a single place can enjoy a winter view combined with a summer view.”
Another aspect in which they both agreed was security. “Criminality in Crete is so small compared to England. Additionally, in the village we can find most of the things we need while the city of Chania is only 20km away”. Originally most people they knew told them they could not understand how they could leave their families and home town to move to Crete. Now they tell them they are very lucky to live in a place with such excellent weather conditions. Many, still ask them “Is it worth it?”. Tony and Mary answer: “Yes but you need to be careful when selecting the company you are going to work with. We also recommend coming here for holidays first and then in deciding if it suits you”.
Another interesting aspect is supplied by some local neighbors and friends of Tony and Mary: Vasili and Eleni. Eleni says “The majority of the people coming here become part of the local society by building relationships and learning the traditions, customs and even the language. They are also impressed by things like the Free State owned Health or Medical Center services offered. In their home countries they were used to paying for everything”.
From the above, it becomes obvious that the real estate development has not tempered with the Cretan spirit or its culture. At the same time the strict legislation confining building outside housing plan has helped in maintaining with the originality of the landscape.
However, the article in “Haniotika Nea” also mentions how there has been an increase in complaints from international citizens who bought new build houses from construction companies and are facing problems.
This is where Real Estate offices may supply substantial help to all property seekers with additional options of key ready houses or advice on how to deal with construction companies. They may also operate as an additional local communication channel for the home owner. So buying a property and living in Chania, Crete, either permanently or for holidays, can be an excellent experience as long as you choose the right persons to help you do it.
Nektaria Kladitis is a Greek Canadian who has lived in Canada, Greece and England, acquiring a Bachelor of Arts, a Masters of Science as well as years of experience in properties overseas. Nektaria is also the creator of the property consultancy - Talos Properties.
Talos properties was created in order to guide and protect all of you who wish to acquire a property in Crete via offering you a wide range of choices as well as professional advice in property related matters and tips on how to enjoy life in Crete. For more information please access the Talos Properties website at: http://www.talosproperties.com
Ten years ago people from abroad looking for property in Crete were not that many. However, real estate develops and today it is quite a popular destination. Among the reasons attracting villa and property seekers in a place, is its unique character and natural landscape. Therefore, a question is generated: what happens today, when most areas have more and more houses built not for locals but other nationalities too?
In an article published in the local Cretan newspaper “Haniotika Nea” on the 19th of April, 2008, the testimony of Tony and Mary Shuttleworth is featured, a couple from Wales in Britain. Tony and Mary bought a property in the area of Apokoronas and moved into their property on January 2008.
Tony said “We had visited other places in Spain, Portogual and Turkey but this was the one. We were coming to Crete for holidays for ten years. When we retired, we decided that we wanted to live here permanently. First of all, people here are special and friendly. We recall the day we were expecting some of our belongings to arrive from Wales and the banks were closed so we could not withdraw money to pay the transport company. They delivered them to us and said not to worry about it and that we can pay them whenever we have the money. This is something that would never happen in England!”
Mary also added that “Of course the weather is excellent as well”. Tony agreed and mentioned that when he sent some photographs from his house to some friends from the south, the snow caped mountains could be seen, while from the north laid the sea and Souda Bay. “My friends were amazed on how a single place can enjoy a winter view combined with a summer view.”
Another aspect in which they both agreed was security. “Criminality in Crete is so small compared to England. Additionally, in the village we can find most of the things we need while the city of Chania is only 20km away”. Originally most people they knew told them they could not understand how they could leave their families and home town to move to Crete. Now they tell them they are very lucky to live in a place with such excellent weather conditions. Many, still ask them “Is it worth it?”. Tony and Mary answer: “Yes but you need to be careful when selecting the company you are going to work with. We also recommend coming here for holidays first and then in deciding if it suits you”.
Another interesting aspect is supplied by some local neighbors and friends of Tony and Mary: Vasili and Eleni. Eleni says “The majority of the people coming here become part of the local society by building relationships and learning the traditions, customs and even the language. They are also impressed by things like the Free State owned Health or Medical Center services offered. In their home countries they were used to paying for everything”.
From the above, it becomes obvious that the real estate development has not tempered with the Cretan spirit or its culture. At the same time the strict legislation confining building outside housing plan has helped in maintaining with the originality of the landscape.
However, the article in “Haniotika Nea” also mentions how there has been an increase in complaints from international citizens who bought new build houses from construction companies and are facing problems.
This is where Real Estate offices may supply substantial help to all property seekers with additional options of key ready houses or advice on how to deal with construction companies. They may also operate as an additional local communication channel for the home owner. So buying a property and living in Chania, Crete, either permanently or for holidays, can be an excellent experience as long as you choose the right persons to help you do it.
Nektaria Kladitis is a Greek Canadian who has lived in Canada, Greece and England, acquiring a Bachelor of Arts, a Masters of Science as well as years of experience in properties overseas. Nektaria is also the creator of the property consultancy - Talos Properties.
Talos properties was created in order to guide and protect all of you who wish to acquire a property in Crete via offering you a wide range of choices as well as professional advice in property related matters and tips on how to enjoy life in Crete. For more information please access the Talos Properties website at: http://www.talosproperties.com
4/16/2008
Buying properties in Crete: Buying a re sale is now an option worth looking into
There are a number of articles and arguments about why one should feel comfortable with buying off plan. But considering the benefits of re sales or second hand properties is equally important.
In an article published in the Greek newspaper "Proto Thema" on the 13th of April, 2008 written by Ms Rita Zachariadou a study mentioned provides some interesting data: In 2005 from every 10 properties sold, 8 were new constructions. In 2007 in every 10 houses sold only 4 were new constructions. The other 6 were re sales. This means that re sales have become more attractive. There are 3 main reasons that explain why this trend is appearing now and especially in the Chania area on the island of Crete.
More re sales are available today than ever before
Real Estate in Crete and in Chania is a quite recent market. People that live on the island today say that just 5 years ago when they were asking real estate agents and builders to show them key ready properties there were hardly any show houses available - not to mention re sales. In 2008 this has changed drastically. There are a number of home owners that want to sell their villa or apartment because they want to buy a larger property or want to move nearer to a specific place they became fond of. So today there is a supply of re sales.
Prices are reasonable
In the same article mentioned above, it is stated that the cost of materials has risen by 6,5%. So it is only reasonable that prices of off plan houses are increasing. Home owners that have bought their property some time ago for a much lower price usually do not need to sell expensive. They want to sell their property for a reasonable profit compared to the price they bought it. In other words in most cases, re sales are less expensive to buy than off plan.
A key ready property is something you can use immediately
There are some people that do not want to wait 6 or 12 months for their villa or apartment to be built. They want to be able to use it immediately. They might also want to see what they are buying, finished. As it may be hard imagining how the house will look via plans or 3D computer generated images. Not to mention that a number of re sales are offered partly or fully furnished which means that the whole process is as hassle free as possible. You see it, you like it, you buy it.
The conclusion is that it may be worth while to look into the re sales available in Chania, Crete or in any place you are looking to buy or invest in. Naturally the best way of finding that is via a professional and experienced local Real Estate office. The re sales market is now forming and it is up to you to explore it.
Andreas Batakis has lived in Greece, Ireland and Cyprus, acquiring a Business Administration Degree in Greece, an International Marketing Diploma and a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management in Ireland. He is also a member of the UK based Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. Andreas has extensive experience in helping people from all over the world to locate a home in Crete and is a founding member of the independent consultancy Talos Properties.
Talos properties was created in order to guide and protect all of you who wish to acquire a property in Crete via offering you a wide range of choices as well as professional advice in property related matters. For more information please access the Talos Properties website at: http://www.talosproperties.com
In an article published in the Greek newspaper "Proto Thema" on the 13th of April, 2008 written by Ms Rita Zachariadou a study mentioned provides some interesting data: In 2005 from every 10 properties sold, 8 were new constructions. In 2007 in every 10 houses sold only 4 were new constructions. The other 6 were re sales. This means that re sales have become more attractive. There are 3 main reasons that explain why this trend is appearing now and especially in the Chania area on the island of Crete.
More re sales are available today than ever before
Real Estate in Crete and in Chania is a quite recent market. People that live on the island today say that just 5 years ago when they were asking real estate agents and builders to show them key ready properties there were hardly any show houses available - not to mention re sales. In 2008 this has changed drastically. There are a number of home owners that want to sell their villa or apartment because they want to buy a larger property or want to move nearer to a specific place they became fond of. So today there is a supply of re sales.
Prices are reasonable
In the same article mentioned above, it is stated that the cost of materials has risen by 6,5%. So it is only reasonable that prices of off plan houses are increasing. Home owners that have bought their property some time ago for a much lower price usually do not need to sell expensive. They want to sell their property for a reasonable profit compared to the price they bought it. In other words in most cases, re sales are less expensive to buy than off plan.
A key ready property is something you can use immediately
There are some people that do not want to wait 6 or 12 months for their villa or apartment to be built. They want to be able to use it immediately. They might also want to see what they are buying, finished. As it may be hard imagining how the house will look via plans or 3D computer generated images. Not to mention that a number of re sales are offered partly or fully furnished which means that the whole process is as hassle free as possible. You see it, you like it, you buy it.
The conclusion is that it may be worth while to look into the re sales available in Chania, Crete or in any place you are looking to buy or invest in. Naturally the best way of finding that is via a professional and experienced local Real Estate office. The re sales market is now forming and it is up to you to explore it.
Andreas Batakis has lived in Greece, Ireland and Cyprus, acquiring a Business Administration Degree in Greece, an International Marketing Diploma and a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management in Ireland. He is also a member of the UK based Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. Andreas has extensive experience in helping people from all over the world to locate a home in Crete and is a founding member of the independent consultancy Talos Properties.
Talos properties was created in order to guide and protect all of you who wish to acquire a property in Crete via offering you a wide range of choices as well as professional advice in property related matters. For more information please access the Talos Properties website at: http://www.talosproperties.com
4/13/2008
Buying properties in Crete: Buying a re sale is now an option worth looking into
Crete in Greece is a popular destination for international villa seekers, but up to recently most properties on offer were off plan. However, a re sales or second hand homes market is now forming providing interesting options to all.
There are a number of articles and arguments about why one should feel comfortable with buying off plan. But considering the benefits of re sales or second hand properties is equally important.
In an article published in the Greek newspaper “Proto Thema” on the 13th of April, 2008 written by Ms Rita Zachariadou a study mentioned provides some interesting data: In 2005 from every 10 properties sold, 8 were new constructions. In 2007 in every 10 houses sold only 4 were new constructions. The other 6 were re sales. This means that re sales have become more attractive. There are 3 main reasons that explain why this trend is appearing now and especially in the Chania area on the island of Crete.
• More re sales are available today than ever before
Real Estate in Crete and in Chania is a quite recent market. People that live on the island today say that just 5 years ago when they were asking real estate agents and builders to show them key ready properties there were hardly any show houses available – not to mention re sales. In 2008 this has changed drastically. There are a number of home owners that want to sell their villa or apartment because they want to buy a larger property or want to move nearer to a specific place they became fond of. So today there is a supply of re sales.
• Prices are reasonable
In the same article mentioned above, it is stated that the cost of materials has risen by 6,5%. So it is only reasonable that prices of off plan houses are increasing. Home owners that have bought their property some time ago for a much lower price usually do not need to sell expensive. They want to sell their property for a reasonable profit compared to the price they bought it. In other words in most cases, re sales are less expensive to buy than off plan.
• A key ready property is something you can use immediately
There are some people that do not want to wait 6 or 12 months for their villa or apartment to be built. They want to be able to use it immediately. They might also want to see what they are buying, finished. As it may be hard imagining how the house will look via plans or 3D computer generated images. Not to mention that a number of re sales are offered partly or fully furnished which means that the whole process is as hassle free as possible. You see it, you like it, you buy it.
The conclusion is that it may be worth while to look into the re sales available in Chania, Crete or in any place you are looking to buy or invest in. Naturally the best way of finding that is via a professional and experienced local Real Estate office. The re sales market is now forming and it is up to you to explore it.
Andreas Batakis has lived in Greece, Ireland and Cyprus, acquiring a Business Administration Degree in Greece, an International Marketing Diploma and a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management in Ireland. He is also a member of the UK based Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. Andreas has extensive experience in helping people from all over the world to locate a home in Crete and is a founding member of the independent consultancy Talos Properties.
Talos properties was created in order to guide and protect all of you who wish to acquire a property in Crete via offering you a wide range of choices as well as professional advice in property related matters. For more information please access the Talos Properties website at: http://www.talosproperties.com
There are a number of articles and arguments about why one should feel comfortable with buying off plan. But considering the benefits of re sales or second hand properties is equally important.
In an article published in the Greek newspaper “Proto Thema” on the 13th of April, 2008 written by Ms Rita Zachariadou a study mentioned provides some interesting data: In 2005 from every 10 properties sold, 8 were new constructions. In 2007 in every 10 houses sold only 4 were new constructions. The other 6 were re sales. This means that re sales have become more attractive. There are 3 main reasons that explain why this trend is appearing now and especially in the Chania area on the island of Crete.
• More re sales are available today than ever before
Real Estate in Crete and in Chania is a quite recent market. People that live on the island today say that just 5 years ago when they were asking real estate agents and builders to show them key ready properties there were hardly any show houses available – not to mention re sales. In 2008 this has changed drastically. There are a number of home owners that want to sell their villa or apartment because they want to buy a larger property or want to move nearer to a specific place they became fond of. So today there is a supply of re sales.
• Prices are reasonable
In the same article mentioned above, it is stated that the cost of materials has risen by 6,5%. So it is only reasonable that prices of off plan houses are increasing. Home owners that have bought their property some time ago for a much lower price usually do not need to sell expensive. They want to sell their property for a reasonable profit compared to the price they bought it. In other words in most cases, re sales are less expensive to buy than off plan.
• A key ready property is something you can use immediately
There are some people that do not want to wait 6 or 12 months for their villa or apartment to be built. They want to be able to use it immediately. They might also want to see what they are buying, finished. As it may be hard imagining how the house will look via plans or 3D computer generated images. Not to mention that a number of re sales are offered partly or fully furnished which means that the whole process is as hassle free as possible. You see it, you like it, you buy it.
The conclusion is that it may be worth while to look into the re sales available in Chania, Crete or in any place you are looking to buy or invest in. Naturally the best way of finding that is via a professional and experienced local Real Estate office. The re sales market is now forming and it is up to you to explore it.
Andreas Batakis has lived in Greece, Ireland and Cyprus, acquiring a Business Administration Degree in Greece, an International Marketing Diploma and a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management in Ireland. He is also a member of the UK based Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. Andreas has extensive experience in helping people from all over the world to locate a home in Crete and is a founding member of the independent consultancy Talos Properties.
Talos properties was created in order to guide and protect all of you who wish to acquire a property in Crete via offering you a wide range of choices as well as professional advice in property related matters. For more information please access the Talos Properties website at: http://www.talosproperties.com
3/31/2008
Why would you need an independent Property Consultant or Real Estate Agent when buying a home in Crete?
Abstract: Crete in Greece is a popular destination for international villa seekers and there are a number of builders and developers who have their own sales and marketing divisions. So why would anyone look for a Real Estate office in Crete?
Anyone that has ever searched for a home knows that it is a process that takes a lot of time and effort. When we look for a property we are seeking for something that needs to be personalized and tailor made to us. Our involvement is more complicated, exactly because buying a house has many parameters which differentiate it from anything else we buy in our lives. We also know that when we make a decision it needs to be a wise one because a home is something that we do not change that easily, while it is one of the highest investments we will ever make.
Most people have done it in their own country, in areas they have known and lived in for a long time. Even there, the process is not always easy. So it is reasonable that repeating this process abroad is even more challenging. Anyone that has been or will visit Chania in Crete, Greece for example will notice that there is high number of construction and developers available, offering different choices. The obvious choice is to talk to every single one of them and go and see all of their properties and houses, which means that you would need to repeat again and again what you are looking for. Naturally this requires a great amount of energy and time.
But as with all things in life there are always more than one ways in achieving a goal. Most people ignore the fact that most construction companies and developers have agreements with local independent Property Consultants or Real Estate offices for promoting their properties without the home buyer needing to pay additional fees. This means that when a house seeker goes straight to a builder and developer the price he is going to pay is the same if he purchases through a Real Estate office. This is the result of intense competition in the wider area of Chania in Crete, which is of benefit to all house seekers since it has led some builders or developers in wanting to ensure that their prices are the same via all channels of promotion – including local Real Estate offices.
At the same time there is a number of small to medium size builders who may not be able to communicate in any other language than Greek. Some of these professionals are highly skilled and may offer unique personalized options that are not available by larger developers. The involvement of the local Real Estate agent ensures that what these builders have to offer is available to international seekers while the agent is involved in serving the home buyer up to the point when the house is delivered to him – and beyond.
However, these are not the only reasons for anyone to seek a Real Estate office. Selecting an independent Property Consultant for your research is not just offering you immediate access to more than one builder. It gives you also the options of second hand properties or plots of land, things that developers and builders rarely sell.
If you wish to find a key ready villa or choose your own plot of land to build on rather than being confined to the options given in a development by a specific builder then a Real Estate office will be of much more benefit to you.
Certain builders have very often specific geographical areas and house styles of expertise. By providing your specifications to an independent Property Consultant you are giving yourself a much wider selection while the research that you would do individually is done by your Consultant. Naturally for this to work you will need to locate a professional who knows what he does and is committed in providing high quality of service.
Only in Chania the number of advertised Real Estate agencies is exceeding 150 but you are looking for the best. Differentiating the professionals is not as difficult as it might seem. Professional means that the Real Estate office is qualified by having the license to operate as one, is manned with people that are working in full time positions and do not treat real estate as a part time employment. People trained to listen to what you need, are able to communicate with you properly and are not going to show you things that do not suit your requirements.
Many wonder why a Real Estate office would be really independent when they have collaborations with specific builders. The answer is that a professional Property Consultant knows the simple truth that the person that trusts him is the property seeker. As a result he can not afford putting this trust in jeopardy by offering him anything less than the best.
Andreas Batakis has lived in Greece, Ireland and Cyprus, acquiring a Business Administration Degree in Greece, an International Marketing Diploma and a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management in Ireland. He is also a member of the UK based Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. Andreas has extensive experience in helping people from all over the world to locate a home in Crete and is a founding member of the independent consultancy Talos Properties.
Talos properties was created in order to guide and protect all of you who wish to acquire a property in Crete, the island that has been loved by Gods and humans alike throughout the centuries. When you choose Talos Properties for the search of your property in Crete we can offer you a wide range of choices as well as professional advice in all property related matters. For more information please access the Talos Properties website at: http://www.talosproperties.com
Anyone that has ever searched for a home knows that it is a process that takes a lot of time and effort. When we look for a property we are seeking for something that needs to be personalized and tailor made to us. Our involvement is more complicated, exactly because buying a house has many parameters which differentiate it from anything else we buy in our lives. We also know that when we make a decision it needs to be a wise one because a home is something that we do not change that easily, while it is one of the highest investments we will ever make.
Most people have done it in their own country, in areas they have known and lived in for a long time. Even there, the process is not always easy. So it is reasonable that repeating this process abroad is even more challenging. Anyone that has been or will visit Chania in Crete, Greece for example will notice that there is high number of construction and developers available, offering different choices. The obvious choice is to talk to every single one of them and go and see all of their properties and houses, which means that you would need to repeat again and again what you are looking for. Naturally this requires a great amount of energy and time.
But as with all things in life there are always more than one ways in achieving a goal. Most people ignore the fact that most construction companies and developers have agreements with local independent Property Consultants or Real Estate offices for promoting their properties without the home buyer needing to pay additional fees. This means that when a house seeker goes straight to a builder and developer the price he is going to pay is the same if he purchases through a Real Estate office. This is the result of intense competition in the wider area of Chania in Crete, which is of benefit to all house seekers since it has led some builders or developers in wanting to ensure that their prices are the same via all channels of promotion – including local Real Estate offices.
At the same time there is a number of small to medium size builders who may not be able to communicate in any other language than Greek. Some of these professionals are highly skilled and may offer unique personalized options that are not available by larger developers. The involvement of the local Real Estate agent ensures that what these builders have to offer is available to international seekers while the agent is involved in serving the home buyer up to the point when the house is delivered to him – and beyond.
However, these are not the only reasons for anyone to seek a Real Estate office. Selecting an independent Property Consultant for your research is not just offering you immediate access to more than one builder. It gives you also the options of second hand properties or plots of land, things that developers and builders rarely sell.
If you wish to find a key ready villa or choose your own plot of land to build on rather than being confined to the options given in a development by a specific builder then a Real Estate office will be of much more benefit to you.
Certain builders have very often specific geographical areas and house styles of expertise. By providing your specifications to an independent Property Consultant you are giving yourself a much wider selection while the research that you would do individually is done by your Consultant. Naturally for this to work you will need to locate a professional who knows what he does and is committed in providing high quality of service.
Only in Chania the number of advertised Real Estate agencies is exceeding 150 but you are looking for the best. Differentiating the professionals is not as difficult as it might seem. Professional means that the Real Estate office is qualified by having the license to operate as one, is manned with people that are working in full time positions and do not treat real estate as a part time employment. People trained to listen to what you need, are able to communicate with you properly and are not going to show you things that do not suit your requirements.
Many wonder why a Real Estate office would be really independent when they have collaborations with specific builders. The answer is that a professional Property Consultant knows the simple truth that the person that trusts him is the property seeker. As a result he can not afford putting this trust in jeopardy by offering him anything less than the best.
Andreas Batakis has lived in Greece, Ireland and Cyprus, acquiring a Business Administration Degree in Greece, an International Marketing Diploma and a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management in Ireland. He is also a member of the UK based Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. Andreas has extensive experience in helping people from all over the world to locate a home in Crete and is a founding member of the independent consultancy Talos Properties.
Talos properties was created in order to guide and protect all of you who wish to acquire a property in Crete, the island that has been loved by Gods and humans alike throughout the centuries. When you choose Talos Properties for the search of your property in Crete we can offer you a wide range of choices as well as professional advice in all property related matters. For more information please access the Talos Properties website at: http://www.talosproperties.com
3/23/2008
Is this a good time to buy property abroad and more specifically in Crete?
Abstract: The recent subprime crisis has influenced everybody’s thoughts concerning investment in properties. This article provides a realistic point of view on why should one consider buying a property in Crete, Greece.
In the Greek newspaper ‘Kiriakatiki Eleutherotipia’ of Sunday, 23rd of March 2008 the writer G. Aggeli places a straight forward question ‘Should I buy a property now or not?’. The answer given is probably no surprise: Most experienced analysts would say that it depends on the property and on the area. The so called commercial sizes of 70 to 80 square meters at areas where demand is high are unlikely to decrease in price. One of the reasons being that construction costs increase year after year and builders or developers do not seem willing to sell for less.
The real estate market on the island of Crete in Greece and more specifically in the area of Chania involves a location where demand is high for a number of years now and one can find properties that are built according to high quality standards and designs. As a result despite the recent events in the world economy the number of people from Crete and beyond seeking for a villa or a home in Chania today is steady.
At the same time the developers and constructors in Crete know that they must restrain price increases so that they do not put people off. This mere fact, makes purchasing a property in Crete even more attractive now since the location is ever popular while the prices are still reasonable. So whether one is looking for a holiday home, a retirement villa or an investment property with high commercial value, these can be found in Chania and the best thing is that they can be found for quite reasonable prices.
Nektaria Kladitis is a Greek Canadian who has lived in Canada, Greece and England, acquiring a Bachelor of Arts, a Masters of Science as well as years of experience in properties overseas. Nektaria is also the creator of the property consultancy - Talos Properties.
Talos properties was created in order to guide and protect all of you who wish to acquire your dream property in Crete, the island that has been loved by Gods and humans alike throughout the centuries. When you choose Talos Properties for the search of your property in Crete we can offer you further advice on financial and other matters. For more information please access the Talos Properties website at: http://www.talosproperties.com
In the Greek newspaper ‘Kiriakatiki Eleutherotipia’ of Sunday, 23rd of March 2008 the writer G. Aggeli places a straight forward question ‘Should I buy a property now or not?’. The answer given is probably no surprise: Most experienced analysts would say that it depends on the property and on the area. The so called commercial sizes of 70 to 80 square meters at areas where demand is high are unlikely to decrease in price. One of the reasons being that construction costs increase year after year and builders or developers do not seem willing to sell for less.
The real estate market on the island of Crete in Greece and more specifically in the area of Chania involves a location where demand is high for a number of years now and one can find properties that are built according to high quality standards and designs. As a result despite the recent events in the world economy the number of people from Crete and beyond seeking for a villa or a home in Chania today is steady.
At the same time the developers and constructors in Crete know that they must restrain price increases so that they do not put people off. This mere fact, makes purchasing a property in Crete even more attractive now since the location is ever popular while the prices are still reasonable. So whether one is looking for a holiday home, a retirement villa or an investment property with high commercial value, these can be found in Chania and the best thing is that they can be found for quite reasonable prices.
Nektaria Kladitis is a Greek Canadian who has lived in Canada, Greece and England, acquiring a Bachelor of Arts, a Masters of Science as well as years of experience in properties overseas. Nektaria is also the creator of the property consultancy - Talos Properties.
Talos properties was created in order to guide and protect all of you who wish to acquire your dream property in Crete, the island that has been loved by Gods and humans alike throughout the centuries. When you choose Talos Properties for the search of your property in Crete we can offer you further advice on financial and other matters. For more information please access the Talos Properties website at: http://www.talosproperties.com
3/13/2008
3/12/2008
Greece has become an increasingly attractive destination for people looking for a property overseas
How prices of properties are rising in Greece
According to a 2007 study conducted by "A Place In the Sun" a specialist magazine, through exhibitions devoted to property seekers in Britain, Greece has acquired position No 7 in the top ten most popular countries for a British to purchase a home in the sun. Results of a survey published in January of 2008 in an article in the Greek newspaper "Kathimerini", showed that in Athens and Thessaloniki in the so called "premier areas" the value of properties have increased by 175% between December of 1998 and December of 2006. On average this rise in value equals to a 26% annual increase. At the same time in the less expensive areas, the value of properties has increased by 91% for the same period, which translates to an average percentage of 13% per annum. In other parts of Greece as in Crete, the annual rise of property prices is 10 to 15% despite the fact that on the island of Crete, developments emerge mostly in premier areas. The natural formation of this island offers a large number of plots in what is considered by locals and citizens of the world as premium locations. In the same article mentioned above "Kathimerini", writer Giannis Siotou mentions: According to the experts, renewing a property portofolio according to when it was built and to the current market trends i.e. emerging markets, can protect its value from time. A property is not like wine which gets better as time passes by. Despite regular maintenance its value shrinks as years pass by. However in the Greek property market there is limited experience of investments leading in damages. Two of the main factors that will help a property maintain its value even in times of crisis are highlighted in the above article but are also known to most property seekers these consist of: a) location and b) quality of construction. There are a number of developers who believe that in the wider Chania area in Crete there is now an emerging market where prime location is offered widely. Views of the sea and/or mountain peaks covered with snow are found in the majority of villages while access to sandy beaches is often a matter of a few minutes drive or walk. As a result the factor "location" is covered in the majority of cases. As far as quality of construction is concerned the competition in Chania and Crete is probably more intense when compared to the rest of Greece. The reason behind this is exactly the number of interested buyers attracted and the offer of options through various builders and developers. Naturally selecting a quality builder is vital and property seekers may always remember that people get what they pay for. In general quality and location exist and that is the reason why, while in most areas in Greece prices remain stable the prices in Crete are raising. However, the raise when compared to other areas in Greece or overseas is reasonable and that is a key factor that protects the market and the purchaser. A home seeker or an investor may not forget the importance of real estate companies. They are bound to be professional and guide people by offering them independent advice when conducting a research for them. This article has been written by Nektaria Kladitis, owner of Talos Properties, a real estate company based in Chania, Greece.
According to a 2007 study conducted by "A Place In the Sun" a specialist magazine, through exhibitions devoted to property seekers in Britain, Greece has acquired position No 7 in the top ten most popular countries for a British to purchase a home in the sun. Results of a survey published in January of 2008 in an article in the Greek newspaper "Kathimerini", showed that in Athens and Thessaloniki in the so called "premier areas" the value of properties have increased by 175% between December of 1998 and December of 2006. On average this rise in value equals to a 26% annual increase. At the same time in the less expensive areas, the value of properties has increased by 91% for the same period, which translates to an average percentage of 13% per annum. In other parts of Greece as in Crete, the annual rise of property prices is 10 to 15% despite the fact that on the island of Crete, developments emerge mostly in premier areas. The natural formation of this island offers a large number of plots in what is considered by locals and citizens of the world as premium locations. In the same article mentioned above "Kathimerini", writer Giannis Siotou mentions: According to the experts, renewing a property portofolio according to when it was built and to the current market trends i.e. emerging markets, can protect its value from time. A property is not like wine which gets better as time passes by. Despite regular maintenance its value shrinks as years pass by. However in the Greek property market there is limited experience of investments leading in damages. Two of the main factors that will help a property maintain its value even in times of crisis are highlighted in the above article but are also known to most property seekers these consist of: a) location and b) quality of construction. There are a number of developers who believe that in the wider Chania area in Crete there is now an emerging market where prime location is offered widely. Views of the sea and/or mountain peaks covered with snow are found in the majority of villages while access to sandy beaches is often a matter of a few minutes drive or walk. As a result the factor "location" is covered in the majority of cases. As far as quality of construction is concerned the competition in Chania and Crete is probably more intense when compared to the rest of Greece. The reason behind this is exactly the number of interested buyers attracted and the offer of options through various builders and developers. Naturally selecting a quality builder is vital and property seekers may always remember that people get what they pay for. In general quality and location exist and that is the reason why, while in most areas in Greece prices remain stable the prices in Crete are raising. However, the raise when compared to other areas in Greece or overseas is reasonable and that is a key factor that protects the market and the purchaser. A home seeker or an investor may not forget the importance of real estate companies. They are bound to be professional and guide people by offering them independent advice when conducting a research for them. This article has been written by Nektaria Kladitis, owner of Talos Properties, a real estate company based in Chania, Greece.
Why National Growth is higher in Greece and why investing in properties in Crete is a wise choice.
A line of thought that highlights the importance of the property market and of Greek culture.
At a time of doubt and uncertainty in the world economy, it is encouraging to be presented with positive facts about Europe. In an article in the Greek financial newspaper "Naftemporiki" published on Friday the 15thΒ of February 2008 (pg. 5), the economic growth of all the European Union member states in 2007 is 2,6% when compared with 2006 while Greece had a growth of 3,95%.
Naturally no one can disagree that this growth is decreasing when compared with previous years but it may be considered as leveling off after the explosion of growth which was generated because of the 2004 Olympic Games hosted in Greece. The construction sector was obviously a dynamic element in the growth created during the past five years. The positive factor is that this has evolved in a real estate market for various areas in Greece such as the island of Crete.
It is no secret that builders have become developers because they focused on attracting in Crete, potential home owners from wealthier countries. One of the revelations of the past year is that these companies now realize that Greeks are also looking for properties and realize that the percentage of home owners is quite high when compared with other countries in Europe. By focusing on international clients, companies had forgotten that Β the local culture purchases or builds a house at least once in their lives, for example when one is getting married. Investing in properties for the future generations of a family is equally popular.
A temporary slowing down of the world economy or a sub prime loan generated crisis, can not change the culture of the people in a country, especially when the locals are the Cretans. As a result the purchase of properties is not slowing down exactly because it is also generated from the local market as well as from the international clientele. This means, that the property market has an additional shield of protection and a factor which may convince people to view buying property in Crete as a safe investment.
It may come as a surprise that national or local cultures and beliefs can have an influence in maintaining economic growth in a country. On the other hand, it is important to remember that human resources are behind every economic chart no matter whether it is positive or negative.
Nektaria Kladitis is a Greek Canadian who has lived in Canada, Greece and England, acquiring a Bachelor of Arts, a Masters of Science as well as years of experience in properties overseas. Nektaria is also the creator of the property consultancy - Talos Properties.
Talos properties was created in order to guide and protect all of you who wish to acquire your dream property in Crete, the island that has been loved by Gods and humans alike throughout the centuries.
At a time of doubt and uncertainty in the world economy, it is encouraging to be presented with positive facts about Europe. In an article in the Greek financial newspaper "Naftemporiki" published on Friday the 15thΒ of February 2008 (pg. 5), the economic growth of all the European Union member states in 2007 is 2,6% when compared with 2006 while Greece had a growth of 3,95%.
Naturally no one can disagree that this growth is decreasing when compared with previous years but it may be considered as leveling off after the explosion of growth which was generated because of the 2004 Olympic Games hosted in Greece. The construction sector was obviously a dynamic element in the growth created during the past five years. The positive factor is that this has evolved in a real estate market for various areas in Greece such as the island of Crete.
It is no secret that builders have become developers because they focused on attracting in Crete, potential home owners from wealthier countries. One of the revelations of the past year is that these companies now realize that Greeks are also looking for properties and realize that the percentage of home owners is quite high when compared with other countries in Europe. By focusing on international clients, companies had forgotten that Β the local culture purchases or builds a house at least once in their lives, for example when one is getting married. Investing in properties for the future generations of a family is equally popular.
A temporary slowing down of the world economy or a sub prime loan generated crisis, can not change the culture of the people in a country, especially when the locals are the Cretans. As a result the purchase of properties is not slowing down exactly because it is also generated from the local market as well as from the international clientele. This means, that the property market has an additional shield of protection and a factor which may convince people to view buying property in Crete as a safe investment.
It may come as a surprise that national or local cultures and beliefs can have an influence in maintaining economic growth in a country. On the other hand, it is important to remember that human resources are behind every economic chart no matter whether it is positive or negative.
Nektaria Kladitis is a Greek Canadian who has lived in Canada, Greece and England, acquiring a Bachelor of Arts, a Masters of Science as well as years of experience in properties overseas. Nektaria is also the creator of the property consultancy - Talos Properties.
Talos properties was created in order to guide and protect all of you who wish to acquire your dream property in Crete, the island that has been loved by Gods and humans alike throughout the centuries.
2/11/2008
Why wait when you can change your life today? You can live better and longer in Crete.
Obtaining a better quality of life is probably easier than one may think
It is one of these days when you feel that you had a tough day at work while the whole world seems to be against you. You are walking in a busy street and there is not a single person smiling. Dark grey clouds have covered the sky and the cold is so strong you can feel it in your bones. Maybe you can make it to your car without getting too wet.
You are on your way home - yet it seems like this traffic was put there to make the journey last forever. You have tried the bus or similar mass transportation at times but you were so tired that you fell asleep and missed your stop. At least if you are driving in traffic, sleeping is not an option. It is Friday night and people go out but that is the last thing on your mind after being stressed out for the week. You just want to go home and try to relax. Talk to no one or if you must talk, say as little as possible. You are just worn out. At the same time money seems to be never enough these days, while long hours do not necessarily increase your earnings. It is at moments like this when that thought comes in your mind once again:"I wish I could live somewhere else.... I wish I had a different life..."
Who said that it is not an option? Personal dissatisfaction is the primary source of international real estate. There are so many places in the Mediterranean where anyone can have a better quality of life. Crete in Greece is one of them.
A natural question is "Why Crete?"
First of all, in Crete you can probably have a more comfortable home than the one you are living in at the moment. There are villas sold for just 150,000.00 euros and apartments or town houses for just 100,000.00 euros. Going out for lunch or dinner with starters, a main course, half a kilo of home made wine as well as desert for two people at a local traditional restaurant 'taverna' rarely costs more than 25 to 30 euro. Some may ask what the food tastes like. Crete due to its climate has excellent produce of olive oil, vegetables and free range animals. There is such a variety of vegetarian and meat dishes that it is hard for any one to be left unsatisfied.
Then you have the location and the climate. The weather in Crete is by far the best in Greece. With more than 300 days of sunshine per year and a summer that lasts for more than six months. At the same time there are so many places and especially in the Chania region where you can walk on a beach or at the old Venetian port by the sea and be able to see olive groves and snow caped mountain peaks. Most beaches earn year after year the European Union blue flag symbolizing their safety and sparkling clean waters.
However, there is the issue of communication. Let us face the facts. How many master the Greek language? In Crete tourism is a major source of income for the local economy and as a result the majority of people speak at least English. At the same time the fact that Cretans are so hospitable makes tourism a natural result of their way of life.
Not to mention that there is a great number of non Greek nationals living in Crete already. There is even an International Community association organizing activities and bazaars. Not to mention that Greece is one of these blessed places where films are not dubbed. In the Chania region there are at least 8 winter screens and two summer open cinema theatres where watching a film is an experience in itself.
Crete is not the place to stay in and watch television. If you wish to do thatΒ though, even the Greek T.V. channels have a number of international shows while naturally you can always have a satellite dish installed.
Of course when you are on the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean there are so many gorges, beaches, villages and mountains to explore that even people that live here for their whole life have not seen every corner of this unique place.
If you are looking for a place to buy your holiday place and maybe future retirement home, Crete is also the place to be. But as wise cultures have commented in the past: "I do not understand people from the West. They spend their whole lives working and exhausting themselves so that they can start living at 65, when they retire".
So imagine your self opening your balcony door in the morning and feeling the sun beams softly touching your skin when a slight breeze brings you the aroma of olive groves while you can see green mountains and the bright light blue sea under a clear sky. This is what Crete - and probably life - is really all about.
Nektaria Kladitis is a Greek Canadian who has lived in Canada, Greece and England, acquiring a Bachelor of Arts, a Masters of Science as well as years of experience in properties overseas. Nektaria is also the creator of the property consultancy - Talos Properties.
Talos properties was created in order to guide and protect all of you who wish to acquire your dream property in Crete, the island that has been loved by Gods and humans alike throughout the centuries. When you choose Talos Properties for the search of your property in Crete we can offer you further advice on financial and other matters. http://www.talosproperties.com
It is one of these days when you feel that you had a tough day at work while the whole world seems to be against you. You are walking in a busy street and there is not a single person smiling. Dark grey clouds have covered the sky and the cold is so strong you can feel it in your bones. Maybe you can make it to your car without getting too wet.
You are on your way home - yet it seems like this traffic was put there to make the journey last forever. You have tried the bus or similar mass transportation at times but you were so tired that you fell asleep and missed your stop. At least if you are driving in traffic, sleeping is not an option. It is Friday night and people go out but that is the last thing on your mind after being stressed out for the week. You just want to go home and try to relax. Talk to no one or if you must talk, say as little as possible. You are just worn out. At the same time money seems to be never enough these days, while long hours do not necessarily increase your earnings. It is at moments like this when that thought comes in your mind once again:"I wish I could live somewhere else.... I wish I had a different life..."
Who said that it is not an option? Personal dissatisfaction is the primary source of international real estate. There are so many places in the Mediterranean where anyone can have a better quality of life. Crete in Greece is one of them.
A natural question is "Why Crete?"
First of all, in Crete you can probably have a more comfortable home than the one you are living in at the moment. There are villas sold for just 150,000.00 euros and apartments or town houses for just 100,000.00 euros. Going out for lunch or dinner with starters, a main course, half a kilo of home made wine as well as desert for two people at a local traditional restaurant 'taverna' rarely costs more than 25 to 30 euro. Some may ask what the food tastes like. Crete due to its climate has excellent produce of olive oil, vegetables and free range animals. There is such a variety of vegetarian and meat dishes that it is hard for any one to be left unsatisfied.
Then you have the location and the climate. The weather in Crete is by far the best in Greece. With more than 300 days of sunshine per year and a summer that lasts for more than six months. At the same time there are so many places and especially in the Chania region where you can walk on a beach or at the old Venetian port by the sea and be able to see olive groves and snow caped mountain peaks. Most beaches earn year after year the European Union blue flag symbolizing their safety and sparkling clean waters.
However, there is the issue of communication. Let us face the facts. How many master the Greek language? In Crete tourism is a major source of income for the local economy and as a result the majority of people speak at least English. At the same time the fact that Cretans are so hospitable makes tourism a natural result of their way of life.
Not to mention that there is a great number of non Greek nationals living in Crete already. There is even an International Community association organizing activities and bazaars. Not to mention that Greece is one of these blessed places where films are not dubbed. In the Chania region there are at least 8 winter screens and two summer open cinema theatres where watching a film is an experience in itself.
Crete is not the place to stay in and watch television. If you wish to do thatΒ though, even the Greek T.V. channels have a number of international shows while naturally you can always have a satellite dish installed.
Of course when you are on the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean there are so many gorges, beaches, villages and mountains to explore that even people that live here for their whole life have not seen every corner of this unique place.
If you are looking for a place to buy your holiday place and maybe future retirement home, Crete is also the place to be. But as wise cultures have commented in the past: "I do not understand people from the West. They spend their whole lives working and exhausting themselves so that they can start living at 65, when they retire".
So imagine your self opening your balcony door in the morning and feeling the sun beams softly touching your skin when a slight breeze brings you the aroma of olive groves while you can see green mountains and the bright light blue sea under a clear sky. This is what Crete - and probably life - is really all about.
Nektaria Kladitis is a Greek Canadian who has lived in Canada, Greece and England, acquiring a Bachelor of Arts, a Masters of Science as well as years of experience in properties overseas. Nektaria is also the creator of the property consultancy - Talos Properties.
Talos properties was created in order to guide and protect all of you who wish to acquire your dream property in Crete, the island that has been loved by Gods and humans alike throughout the centuries. When you choose Talos Properties for the search of your property in Crete we can offer you further advice on financial and other matters. http://www.talosproperties.com
2/10/2008
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2/09/2008
Is buying a holiday home overseas with a 100% mortgage a wise move? The Greece example
For the majority of people looking for a holiday home abroad, a housing loan or mortgage that will provide them with 100% of the house value seems like a gift rather than an option. We are at a time where people receive offers of this kind via e mail.
However, it is a well known fact that the higher the mortgage you are looking for, the higher its cost is to you. Naturally, there are always positive options on offer in countries like Greece, one of the countries with a highly attractive real estate market. In this article we will examine Greece more carefully.
Within 2007 the interest rates on offer started from as low as 2,95%. Naturally, this was the base interest rate, not including house, life insurance or the legally required state contribution. A realistic expectation of an interest rate including these additions is between an average of 4% and 5%.
Fixed interest rates on offer start from 1 year and can reach even more than 20 years depending on the bank. Naturally opting for a fixed interest rate for more than 3 years usually guarantees that the interest rate will exceed 5%.
There is not really a minimum mortgage amount (i.e. some banks mention 3.000,00 euro as a starting point) while it is possible to obtain up to 90% or even 100% mortgage of the property value in some cases.
The repayment period for mortgages is up to 40 years, again depending on the bank, while one can repay it up to the age of 75. There are also financial institutions which offer the option of paying only the interest for the first two years of the mortgage. The installments of the housing loan are always paid after the money is released to the applicant. As in most countries, the banks based in Greece usually request for proof of income from the applicants which is usually supplied through their tax declaration documents.
The question remains: Should someone go for a 100% mortgage? First of all, the recent sub prime crisis in the United States of America (USA) apart from creating hundreds of thousands homeless until recently house owners, has also made banks around the world more careful with their housing loan options. Even in Greece articles in various newspapers such as "Kathimerini" or "Proto Thema" highlighted on Sunday 3rd of February 2008 the fact that Greek banks are going to increase the cost of mortgages and reduce the percentage they offer to cover. This implies that, 90% or 100% funding will soon seize to exist as an option while housing interest rates may soon rise.
As expected, Greek banks want to reduce their risk in this way but at the same time they protect the interested purchaser. Despite the protection of the consumer this is not banks top priority, which leads us to answer the initial question put forward in this article. Acquiring a housing loan will always be an option, but as a holiday, permanent or investment home seeker you can always keep in mind that there are two ways of reducing your risk:
Available funds enable you to acquire a smaller mortgage amount and thus pay less interest. Always set a realistic amount as your available budget without over stretching your self. At the same time it would be recommended that a minimum 15% deposit is secured before you commence your research in order to buy a home overseas.
Select a country and most importantly a location with a combination of what you are looking for and relatively low mortgage rates. Greece is the example that has been given so far and Crete could be a suggested location. A location is vital for the long term property value and in the island of Crete the real estate market has a relatively modest raise of 10% to 15% per year which makes it stand out when compared with the rest of Greece as a safe investment destination.
Taking these small steps may protect you while purchasing a property overseas and helping you to turn this process to a more enjoyable and safe experience.
However, it is a well known fact that the higher the mortgage you are looking for, the higher its cost is to you. Naturally, there are always positive options on offer in countries like Greece, one of the countries with a highly attractive real estate market. In this article we will examine Greece more carefully.
Within 2007 the interest rates on offer started from as low as 2,95%. Naturally, this was the base interest rate, not including house, life insurance or the legally required state contribution. A realistic expectation of an interest rate including these additions is between an average of 4% and 5%.
Fixed interest rates on offer start from 1 year and can reach even more than 20 years depending on the bank. Naturally opting for a fixed interest rate for more than 3 years usually guarantees that the interest rate will exceed 5%.
There is not really a minimum mortgage amount (i.e. some banks mention 3.000,00 euro as a starting point) while it is possible to obtain up to 90% or even 100% mortgage of the property value in some cases.
The repayment period for mortgages is up to 40 years, again depending on the bank, while one can repay it up to the age of 75. There are also financial institutions which offer the option of paying only the interest for the first two years of the mortgage. The installments of the housing loan are always paid after the money is released to the applicant. As in most countries, the banks based in Greece usually request for proof of income from the applicants which is usually supplied through their tax declaration documents.
The question remains: Should someone go for a 100% mortgage? First of all, the recent sub prime crisis in the United States of America (USA) apart from creating hundreds of thousands homeless until recently house owners, has also made banks around the world more careful with their housing loan options. Even in Greece articles in various newspapers such as "Kathimerini" or "Proto Thema" highlighted on Sunday 3rd of February 2008 the fact that Greek banks are going to increase the cost of mortgages and reduce the percentage they offer to cover. This implies that, 90% or 100% funding will soon seize to exist as an option while housing interest rates may soon rise.
As expected, Greek banks want to reduce their risk in this way but at the same time they protect the interested purchaser. Despite the protection of the consumer this is not banks top priority, which leads us to answer the initial question put forward in this article. Acquiring a housing loan will always be an option, but as a holiday, permanent or investment home seeker you can always keep in mind that there are two ways of reducing your risk:
Available funds enable you to acquire a smaller mortgage amount and thus pay less interest. Always set a realistic amount as your available budget without over stretching your self. At the same time it would be recommended that a minimum 15% deposit is secured before you commence your research in order to buy a home overseas.
Select a country and most importantly a location with a combination of what you are looking for and relatively low mortgage rates. Greece is the example that has been given so far and Crete could be a suggested location. A location is vital for the long term property value and in the island of Crete the real estate market has a relatively modest raise of 10% to 15% per year which makes it stand out when compared with the rest of Greece as a safe investment destination.
Taking these small steps may protect you while purchasing a property overseas and helping you to turn this process to a more enjoyable and safe experience.
2/08/2008
Greece has become an increasingly attractive destination for people looking for a property overseas.
How prices of properties are rising in Greece
According to a 2007 study conducted by "A Place In the Sun" a specialist magazine, through exhibitions devoted to property seekers in Britain, Greece has acquired position No 7 in the top ten most popular countries for a British to purchase a home in the sun. Results of a survey published in January of 2008 in an article in the Greek newspaper "Kathimerini", showed that in Athens and Thessaloniki in the so called "premier areas" the value of properties have increased by 175% between December of 1998 and December of 2006. On average this rise in value equals to a 26% annual increase. At the same time in the less expensive areas, the value of properties has increased by 91% for the same period, which translates to an average percentage of 13% per annum. In other parts of Greece as in Crete, the annual rise of property prices is 10 to 15% despite the fact that on the island of Crete, developments emerge mostly in premier areas. The natural formation of this island offers a large number of plots in what is considered by locals and citizens of the world as premium locations. In the same article mentioned above "Kathimerini", writer Giannis Siotou mentions: According to the experts, renewing a property portofolio according to when it was built and to the current market trends i.e. emerging markets, can protect its value from time. A property is not like wine which gets better as time passes by. Despite regular maintenance its value shrinks as years pass by. However in the Greek property market there is limited experience of investments leading in damages. Two of the main factors that will help a property maintain its value even in times of crisis are highlighted in the above article but are also known to most property seekers these consist of: a) location and b) quality of construction. There are a number of developers who believe that in the wider Chania area in Crete there is now an emerging market where prime location is offered widely. Views of the sea and/or mountain peaks covered with snow are found in the majority of villages while access to sandy beaches is often a matter of a few minutes drive or walk. As a result the factor "location" is covered in the majority of cases. As far as quality of construction is concerned the competition in Chania and Crete is probably more intense when compared to the rest of Greece. The reason behind this is exactly the number of interested buyers attracted and the offer of options through various builders and developers. Naturally selecting a quality builder is vital and property seekers may always remember that people get what they pay for. In general quality and location exist and that is the reason why, while in most areas in Greece prices remain stable the prices in Crete are raising. However, the raise when compared to other areas in Greece or overseas is reasonable and that is a key factor that protects the market and the purchaser. A home seeker or an investor may not forget the importance of real estate companies. They are bound to be professional and guide people by offering them independent advice when conducting a research for them. This article has been written by Nektaria Kladitis, owner of Talos Properties, a real estate company based in Chania, Greece. www.talosproperties.com info@talosproperties.com
According to a 2007 study conducted by "A Place In the Sun" a specialist magazine, through exhibitions devoted to property seekers in Britain, Greece has acquired position No 7 in the top ten most popular countries for a British to purchase a home in the sun. Results of a survey published in January of 2008 in an article in the Greek newspaper "Kathimerini", showed that in Athens and Thessaloniki in the so called "premier areas" the value of properties have increased by 175% between December of 1998 and December of 2006. On average this rise in value equals to a 26% annual increase. At the same time in the less expensive areas, the value of properties has increased by 91% for the same period, which translates to an average percentage of 13% per annum. In other parts of Greece as in Crete, the annual rise of property prices is 10 to 15% despite the fact that on the island of Crete, developments emerge mostly in premier areas. The natural formation of this island offers a large number of plots in what is considered by locals and citizens of the world as premium locations. In the same article mentioned above "Kathimerini", writer Giannis Siotou mentions: According to the experts, renewing a property portofolio according to when it was built and to the current market trends i.e. emerging markets, can protect its value from time. A property is not like wine which gets better as time passes by. Despite regular maintenance its value shrinks as years pass by. However in the Greek property market there is limited experience of investments leading in damages. Two of the main factors that will help a property maintain its value even in times of crisis are highlighted in the above article but are also known to most property seekers these consist of: a) location and b) quality of construction. There are a number of developers who believe that in the wider Chania area in Crete there is now an emerging market where prime location is offered widely. Views of the sea and/or mountain peaks covered with snow are found in the majority of villages while access to sandy beaches is often a matter of a few minutes drive or walk. As a result the factor "location" is covered in the majority of cases. As far as quality of construction is concerned the competition in Chania and Crete is probably more intense when compared to the rest of Greece. The reason behind this is exactly the number of interested buyers attracted and the offer of options through various builders and developers. Naturally selecting a quality builder is vital and property seekers may always remember that people get what they pay for. In general quality and location exist and that is the reason why, while in most areas in Greece prices remain stable the prices in Crete are raising. However, the raise when compared to other areas in Greece or overseas is reasonable and that is a key factor that protects the market and the purchaser. A home seeker or an investor may not forget the importance of real estate companies. They are bound to be professional and guide people by offering them independent advice when conducting a research for them. This article has been written by Nektaria Kladitis, owner of Talos Properties, a real estate company based in Chania, Greece. www.talosproperties.com info@talosproperties.com
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