Many developers offer low-priced inspection trips that allow you to see their properties. As an example, you might be offered three days in Greece with your airfare and accommodation paid for as low as £200. Others will deduct your travelling expenses if you buy property through them, with certain restrictions of course. It all sounds great, but there are a number of things that you need to bear in mind.

For a start, it’s no secret that times are tough these days, especially in Greece. Developers will want to recoup their money. That means that they will want you to buy a property, and to that end the free or rebated inspection trip is going to be a fairly ‘hard sell’ experience. Plus you would be naive not to realise that the cost of your trip will probably be included in the price of the property they are promoting…

The developer is investing quite a bit of time, energy and money in you and if you don’t buy, they make nothing. As far as I’m concerned, this puts you in an invidious position. For a start, you are forced to accept the price they quote on the property. Remember that sometimes more than one developer or estate agent may be presenting the same property at differing – and sometimes lower - prices.

The other point is this. As you travel around you may well see something that catches your fancy more than the properties your developer is showing you. However, you will not be able to view them unless you are prepared to awake the wrath of the Gods! The developer paying for your trip will take a very dim view if you use the time they have paid for to view other properties, and frankly I can’t say I blame them.

If you do decide to take up the option of an inspection trip with a developer I suggest that you make it very clear to them exactly what you are looking for well in advance of your trip. Provide them with your property requirements and request that they send you a sample of what they have to offer that meets your needs. If you see several properties that look suitable and you are confident that no one else is marketing them at a lower price then, and only then, book a trip.

If you do decide to purchase, you may be introduced to architects, mortgage brokers, removal companies, interior design companies and so forth. You may also be introduced to a lawyer – but will they not have divided loyalties? It may be wise to retain your own independent lawyer or one that comes recommended by an external party. 

To my mind a better option may be to retain the services of a really good estate agent in the area you are looking at. The estate agent is likely to have a range of developments and smaller private properties on their books – a mix of resale properties plus new builds. And if you get a good agent, they will ensure that the developer DOES provide good service and is reputable as their reputation will be on the line too. 

Again, prior to booking with an estate agent or agents, you should ensure that they understand your requirements and have the properties that fit your requirements. Always make sure that, if you are interested in a particular property they are advertising, it is still available – at the price mentioned - prior to flying out to view it.

One word of caution about estate agents – you don’t want one that only shows particular developments where they make the most commission. Agents make far less commission on resale properties and some of the less ethical agents will try and dissuade you from buying an older property, specially in these financially stressful times – do NOT fall for this ploy. 

If you book a visit with more than one agent you’ll run the risk of seeing the same properties. Most agents list as many properties as possible and work with most developers. No problem – ask to see a list of the properties you will be seeing in advance. If you recognise one that you have already seen, say so. Do check the price first though as you have a legal obligation to buy the property through the person who shows the property to you first. You would therefore be wiser to go with the agent offering you the cheaper price, or insist that your agent meets the cheaper price.

Bear in mind that any person performing estate agency activities in Greece must hold a valid licence to do this. This applies to non-resident estate agents too.
 
If you’d like speak to a recommended agency that can help you arrange a viewing trip in Greece please call the Overseas Guides Company Resource Team and they will help you. The number is 0207 898 0549.

Start your hunt for a home in Greece here…
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http://www.greecebuyingguide.com/content/greece-properties