Hello there – how are you this fine day?

As I gaze out my window in the UK, running through my mind the many things I want to talk to you about, the sky is dull and grey and the rain pours down. Lovely for my beloved little fuchsia plant that peeps into my kitchen window, a gift from very sweet Greece Buying Guide reader, but not exactly what I would have wanted from a summer’s day!

Just as a matter if interest I went into the ubiquitous Internet and Googled in ‘Greek weather’, hotly (wrong word here!!!) followed by ‘English' weather. I leave the following to explain better than I could one reason why so many people are thinking about moving to Greece:

Greece:
Comment: very good.

Monday	35 degrees
Tuesday	38 degrees
Wednesday	38 degrees
Thursday	34 degrees
Friday	34 degrees

England:
Comment: Heavy, thundery showers predicted.

Monday	21 degrees
Tuesday	18 degrees
Wednesday	18 degrees
Thursday	21 degrees
Friday	19 degrees

Need I say more?

And, let’s face it, the warmth goes way beyond the climate...but more about that later.

Let me first tell you what this newsletter brings: I will discuss at greater length what it is that attracts us to the wonderful country of Greece, show you a must-have property, then a word in your ear from our money man Charles Purdy, a bit about the secrets to ‘financial fitness’ (well…it IS Olympic month next month remember…?!!) and then finally a legal line or two…

Please let me have anything that you think may interest other readers – I am always wanting to exchange ideas. If you think it may be of particular interest or if you want to ask something then don’t overlook the Greece Buying Guide forum – that way we can all share your findings or concerns. Just log on to:

http://www.gbg-forum.com

Have fun….

Carol

Carol Dunning
Greece Buying Guide Advisor
The Overseas Guides Company Limited.
mailto:carol@OverseasGuidesCompany.com
Phone 0207 898 0549
1, Hammersmith Grove,
LondonW6 0NB

Mamma Mia….Greek Style!!

I hate to make a song and dance about this ( I know, I know – I stole this pun….and it WAS intended!!) but the musical ‘Mamma Mia’ - now famously filmed starring Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Julie Walters and the adorable Colin Firth, is of course set in… where else but Greece?!! And who knew that all those old songs that we used to sing in the 70’s would still be around today, more popular than ever?

About 200 people moved over to both Skiathos and Skopelos to make the film, including the cinamatographer Haris Zambarloukos, who is of Greek descent. The production company requested extras for the crowd scenes in Skopelos which met with a huge response - who would pass up the opportunity to be filmed with the actress with the highest number of Oscar nominations ever, or the former James Bond after all?

One of the headlines I read said ‘Skopelos: star of Mamma Mia!’ and went on to add that the Greek island in the Sporades is the real star of the new film. I can vouch for its beauty. I mentioned in one of my earlier newsletters I think that a Canadian friend that I had not seen for 20 years came to stay with me in London…well, we met in Greece and went to the island of Skopolos in the 80’s …and very beautiful it was too.

But then aren’t all the Greek islands? Each one seems to have its own siren song that calls people back time after time…which is your special favourite?

Most of the film's locations were the smaller beaches, well off the beaten track. One website I read said that Perivoli, on the sparsely inhabited north coast, has an almost Cornish feel, with jagged rocks and windswept flora. It added that the beach can be reached by taxi or hire car and combined with a few hours in nearby Glossa and that lunch on the terrace of Agnanti is a must.

The author goes on to recommend the excellent restaurant of Ouzeria Anatoli, simple and outdoors, within the low-walled ruins of the Venetian citadel at the highest point of Skopelos town. Rustic food, local wine, wide views and sea air combine to awesome effect with the rembetika of the musician-owner Kostas Kalafatis, who dueted with Benny Andersson at Mamma Mia!'s crew bash…sounds like fun doesn’t it?

But it is info like this that each of us has after a visit to Greece, don’t you agreed? I am sure you have…and have you noticed that mostly it’s not the huge, five star places but the small, intimate ones, where the Greek people show their especial talent for fun and friendship? I don’t know one person who has been back to the same place in Greece more than once that does not consider that they have a friend there….someone who welcomes them warmly, misses them when they go and is delighted when they return…

Evidently in the film (which I freely confess I haven’t seen!) the cast can be seen dashing across white beaches to plunge into a sparkling sea or singing the big song hits at locations such as the monastery of Agios Ioannis on Corfu. I have listed the film locations below – do tell me if you recognise any if and when you see the film.


• Corfu (Kerkyra) - Agios Ioannis Chapel
• Pelion Region – Damouchari
• Skopelos - Kastani Beach, Agios Ioannis, Amarantos, Nisi Glisteri

And don’t forget what happened to Kefalalonia after the filming of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin: prices rose off the clock, so if you are thinking of buying, especially in Skopelos, Skiathos or Corfu now would be the time I would think!! Just go to:

http://www.greecebuyingguide.com/property.htm

Or alternatively you can email mail me at mailto:carol@OverseasGuidesCompany.com, or pick up the phone – number below - and I will recommend my really excellent property boffs to you.

Talking of the Greek warmth and friendliness, I think probably one of the best demonstrations of the Greek character came on 17th August 1999, and it makes fascinating reading. I was reminded of this listening to reports of an earthquake deep beneath the sea near Rhodes recently - Greece is one of the most seismically active countries in the world, but most of the quakes do not cause damage or injuries. Lessons have been learnt about solid, seismically correct buildings and this has really made all the difference.

Anyway, in 1999 there was an enormous earthquake in Turkey - 7.4 on the Richter scale: 17,000 people were to die in this cataclysmic event, with 27,000 injured. On the same day of the quake, the Greek foreign minister George Papandreou immediately telephoned his Turkish counterpart, Ismail Cem, to offer whatever help Turkey needed, and then rapidly sent rescue workers, ships, and planes loaded with relief supplies and streams of messages pledging solidarity with the victims. Remember that for years the two countries had been at daggers drawn with one another – sometimes quite literally so.

Also Greek television crews rushed to the ruins and began broadcasting live. Countless Greeks shared the grief of parents whose families had been killed, the suffering of those who waited tearfully for rescue workers to find their loved ones, and the exhilaration of watching victims being pulled alive from the rubble. This was a deeply intimate experience that shook Greeks to their emotional core – anyone who knows the Greeks knows their devotion to family and their hearts really went out to the Turkish people. The Turks' perception of Greece underwent a dramatic change, wiping away generations of resentment in a matter of days.

Actually, I was in correspondence with a chap my son John and I had just met in Istanbul when we stayed there just after John graduated. The earthquake happened just after we left and he had been called up into the army – he was in north western Turkey, where it happened, and the army of course rushed to help rescue people. He expressed enormous gratitude to the Greeks in his letters.

Then, only twenty-seven days later, an earthquake struck in Greece—a much smaller one, but powerful enough to give Turks and Greeks a sense of shared fate. Now it was Turkish volunteers who flew to the rescue. Greek and Turkish rescue workers joined forces to search for survivors of the earthquake in Athens, less than a month after they had done the same in Turkey.
Turks in red uniforms and Greeks in blue worked slowly across collapsed buildings together, listening for signs of life with equipment brought from Turkey, so sensitive it could pick up the heartbeat of someone far below the surface.

"We feel great sadness at the disaster that has struck our neighbour and friend Greece and we offer our condolences to the Greek people," Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Sermet Atacanli told reporters.

"The friendship and help shown by the Greek government and people after the Marmara earthquake created very warm feelings in Turkey," he said.

Have you got tales to tell of the hand of friendship extended to you in Greece? I know I have – often I have been fed, cared for, cheered up, made to dance, taken to my ferry and generally treated like…well, like a friend or family member.

Please remember that if you are seriously thinking of making your dream of moving to Greece come true, we can help you. I have gathered together over the years a number of reliable and reputable people to help: these include estate agents, a lawyer, people to advise you on insurance, removal…and what ever you do, don’t forget Smart Currency Exchange for those all important currency transfers abroad. Just go to:

http://www.greecebuyingguide.com/resources.htm

or alternatively you can email mail me at mailto:carol@OverseasGuidesCompany.com, or pick up the phone – number below - and I will phone you for a chat to discuss your requirements.

A few kind words:

"Dear Carol,

I am very busy; I have only read certain parts of your buying guide. Nonetheless, I have already learned some new things and found a number of suspected and known issues confirmed.

As my partner is Greek with family and friends in Athens, we are probably not exactly the average customer buying properties in Greece. We have been talking to our Greek network about our plans for some time now and have adjusted our expectations and plans accordingly. However, your buying guide brings it all together nicely.

The most important lesson I learned from your guide is about currency conversion. I already lost some money some three years ago, when I transferred Euros to Pounds in order to buy a property in the UK. I always thought that there must be a better way, but did not come across any of the currency experts that you are talking about. The financial and currency conversion guide that you are linking to gave me some very valuable information how to do better next time.

The other important information was about the earthquake safety standards of buildings in Greece. I knew that they existed, but your guide contained the details. Furthermore, you give some details about building costs and employment opportunities that I found valuable. In other words, your guide covers all aspects of buying, moving to and living in Greece and at 20 pounds for the pdf version it is really value for money. I recommend your guide to anyone buying properties in Greece.

Thanks for your interest and your help.

Kind regards.
Elke Duncker"

The UK house price gloom and doom….

by Smart Currency’s Charles Purdy.

We are all aware that UK house prices are falling. How far this fall will be is the question. My feeling is that there was a need for sanity to return to the UK housing market as prices all over the country have increased out off all proportion over the last few years. But difficulty in selling a UK property is causing a problem for those who want to say good bye to Gordon Brown and head off for a happier life style elsewhere.

There are some positives in the current environment. More people are renting rather than buying and this means that a property in the right area will rent very quickly. Also prices elsewhere in the world are coming down. Spain for example is in a far worse situation with a much bigger drop in house prices - property bargains there are becoming more plentiful. And finally, would you prefer to hold a euro or sterling backed asset? My preference longer term would be a euro asset because here in the UK we have some very serious economic problems which, even though Euro land isn’t immune, means that sterling will have further downward pressure in the coming months and years.

So how can people still follow their dream? I would recommend talking to a range of experts. Some financial, such as Smart on currency and an IFA on financial planning, and others such as a property agents who are experts in the region you are interested in. The current climate means that you have to take your time, plan very carefully and listen to those who really know the market before acting. If done properly, you can still live your dream.

To read the latest currency update go to: http://www.GreeceBuyingGuide.com/Currency240708.htm

“I was introduced to smart currency exchange by the very helpful Carol Dunning of the overseasguidescompany.com

Myself and my partner are building a house on the island of Kefalonia and recently needed to send the money over to fund the project.

We contacted sce who explained their services, answered our questions, gave us good advice and, most importantly, an excellent exchange rate which saved us several thousand euros compared to bank and post office rates. Within 48 hours of sending a “chaps wire transfer” to sce the money was in our Greek bank account. At each stage we were sent e-mails which we found very reassuring. It was an absolute pleasure to deal with this company. We have already recommended sce to friends building abroad and hope we can recommend them to many more.

Kind regards, Bill and Jen “

Why overseas property buyers lose money...
...and how you can avoid it!

This 10-page educational report outlines:

• Case Study: When Property Buyer, Mr Reed, Purchased an Overseas Property, he Made Three Mistakes that Cost Him £10,256...learn how you can avoid them...
  
  
• How the Banks make HUGE profits from their long-standing unsuspecting customers
  
  
• Ways to safeguard yourself against adverse fluctuations in exchange rates (or in other words, helping you to keep your money in your pocket)
  
  
• The entire process of moving money from the UK to any overseas location, so that you're armed with all the knowledge you need to make intelligent decisions about your money
  
  
• How you can ultimately save £100’s and £1000’s so that you have ample money to buy furniture and white goods…
  
  
• More case studies of people that lost money due to foreign currency strengthening against the pound, so that you learn from other peoples mistakes rather than your own!
  

And just a couple remarks about the report from our readers...

" We have found your free report to be extremely helpful... Wendy Watson"

"I have read and absorbed the information in the stories outlining the mistakes which the uninitiated can make when transferring currency. It is very illuminating and essential that any one,like myself, who is in the process of buying an overseas property should be aware of. I would go so far as to say that every agent selling overseas properties should be compelled to advise their prospective purchasers that it is paramount that they use a currency expert such as yourselves. Regards, Eric Thomas"

To get a copy of the report at no charge go to: http://www.smartcurrencyexchange.com/freereport.htm

To get a Better-than-Bank rate go to: http://www.smartCurrencyExchange.com/smartsquotation.htm
or call Carl on 08081 630 102 freephone.

A really wonderfully priced property on Rhodes…

House For Sale In Kritinia , Atavirou District, Rhodes:

Price: € 100,000 / £ 79,395 *

Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 1
Property size: 79 sq.m.
Land size: 109 sq.m.

This is something special! A house with character, beautifully renovated in 1995, in the peaceful village of Kritinia, just a few kms from the famous Kritinia castle on the lovely island of Rhodes. With a total living space of 79 sqm it features 2 bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen and a living room with fireplace. This property brings traditional living into the modern day with a comfortable 30sqm courtyard and comes for sale fully furnished and equipped.

Distance from the beach: 2.6km

Distance from central town: 0km

Distance from the airport: 28km

I must say that I love the look of this adorable house. It also goes to show that even in the more expensive islands – and I count Rhodes amongst those – prices are still reasonable. This island has it all: good accessibility, wonderful climate, a cultural background second to none and of course the fact that you will always be able to sell your property should you ever want to…and that’s what sometimes pushes the price up. But it is also what makes it a good investment to buy here….

Our recommended agents on the island have lots more where that came from so do let us know if you would like them to get in touch with you. Please phone Elaine on 0207 898 0549 if you want to have them contact you...

5 secrets to financial fitness

Next month sees the start of the Olympic Games, here are a few secrets to your own financial fitness!!

Get motivated
Set yourself realistic goals and work out what you need to do to achieve them. Get a financial personal trainer to whip you into shape. Use them to help you come up with an effective wealth and fitness program. Have a clear vision of what you are trying to achieve and make sure your game plan is always on track.

Get active
Take an active interest in your finances. Keep yourself informed. Book yourself in for a full financial health check. Regularly review your policies and investments. Make sure you know exactly what plans and policies you have and why you have them. The financial landscape is always changing…make sure your portfolio matches the market and your current plans.

Look after your health
There is nothing more important than your health. In order to earn the income you use to fuel your financial planning you need to be fit and well. Stay healthy and make sure you have planning in place to provide quality healthcare and financial security in the event of ill health.

Cut out bad habits
Just like health and fitness, a bit of discipline is necessary to get your money in tip top condition. Review your bank statements to ensure you aren’t wasting any money. Draw up a budget with an allowance for financial planning. Minimise and manage your debts. Make it a top priority to be debt-free.

Build strength and balance
Now that you’ve got the basics sorted, it’s time to make you financially stronger. Pump that financial iron! Gradually accumulate capital through regular saving. Balance your portfolio with investment in different asset classes and products with different levels and classes of risk.

We have a wonderful Independent Financial Advisor (or IFA) to help you achieve the maximum financial benefit for your finances, both now and into the future – the key is knowing what to do with your funds, and when.

If you need their assistance, please go to:

http://www.greecebuyingguide.com/resources.htm

and drop me a line. I will get them to contact you…

Greek Law Update

I have just received this, hot off the press from our recommended lawyer:

The Implementation of the second phase of The National Cadastre (National Land Registry) in Greece

Greece's long-delayed land registry project, dubbed the Hellenic National Cadastre, got underway on Tuesday the 17th of June 2008, when land registry offices began to accept declarations of real estate ownership by property owners. The property registration process will last until September 30th 2008 for residents of Greece and 30th of December 2008 for non residents in 107 regions in the prefectures of Attica (the greater Athens area) and Thessaloniki, as well as in prefecture capitals not included in previous national cadastre projects.

If you have acquired any real estate property in any of the 107 areas listed whether by purchase, gift, or inheritance then you must declare your right to that property or properties by the deadlines prescribed by the National Cadastre Authority.

The Implementation of the second phase of The National Cadastre (National Land Registry) in Greece

The areas of the Prefectures of Athens, Thessaloniki and the capitals of all the Prefectures of Greece which have to date not been included in the National Land Registry are the target of the National Land Registry for the next 4 years. In total 107 areas all over Greece are included in this second phase. (note from Carol: I have this list if you need it – just phone Elaine on 0207 898 0549).

1. Those obligated to declare and register their ownership or other real property rights

All natural or legal entities who have a real property right or other right capable of registration in real estate property in any of the 107 new areas which have been included in the implementation of the new National Cadastre (Registry). Such rights include;

- full ownership rights or the power of sale in real estate property
- the bearer of the right of use
- Any rights of personal or real servitudes

It should be noted that the declaration concerns “rights” and not real estate. In particular if a particular plot of real estate which is situated in any of the 107 areas whether in town or in the countryside, whether it has any buildings thereon or whether it is a simple plot of land and which belongs to more then one person then all the persons who have “rights” to this real estate must declare their interest.

Examples of those obligated to declare their rights

a) Where there is joint ownership then each of the owners must declare their interest.
b) In the case of inheritance then each beneficiary must declare their interest or share of interest in the inherited property.
c) Where there is a transfer of the legal power of sale with a holding back of the right of use then both the bearer of the legal power of sale and the bearer of the right of use must declare their interest.
d) Any real “rights of way” or other servitudes must be declared by both the beneficiaries of those rights and by those whom these rights burden.

Deadlines for submission of declarations

For residents of Greece by the 30th of September 2008
For non residents of Greece by the 30th of December 2008

Cost of declarations

A due of 35€ is paid in town areas by the person declaring for each right that is registered.

A due of 20€ is paid for ancillary spaces (storerooms, garages etc)

If you need him to help you with any of this please just get in touch with me. Just go to:
http://www.greecebuyingguide.com/resources.htm
or alternatively you can email mail me at mailto:carol@OverseasGuidesCompany.com, or pick up the phone – number below - and I will ask him to contact you.
Here’s what a Greece Buying Guide reader had to say about him:

'Hi Carol

Thanks for your note and just so you know the lawyer you referred was a great help. Up to last Friday the local lawyer in Levkas still had not produced the title so the exchange was deferred to Monday when it all happened.

Frank is pretty well versed on Greek tax law as well which is very useful! Finally he speaks fluent English. I don't think we would have got the land before Christmas without him and thanks for a first class introduction!

Have a great holiday
Fiona and Andrew Maconie'

Advice on moving….

Here’s what I learnt from one of my recommended estate agents, who has lived in Crete for some while now. She says:

If we had to do it all over again, I would ask potential removal firms the following questions:

1. When you say you are an ‘international’ removal company, what exactly do you mean?

2. Have you any previous experience of removals to Crete? Here you would need to ask about the place/ island YOU are moving to…

3. Will you confirm in writing that your costs include any customs duty when the goods arrive in Greece?

4. Are you responsible for the contract from beginning to end, or will you be handing it over to others? This is particularly important if you are moving to an island…

5. Can you guarantee delivery within the timescale you quote? If there is a delay, do you pay a penalty?

She has not named the removal company she used for obvious reasons! If anyone reading this would like to know who to avoid, please contact me and I will ask her to contact you!! I have a really good removal company that I can highly recommend: just go to:

http://www.greecebuyingguide.com/resources.htm

or alternatively you can email mail me at mailto:carol@OverseasGuidesCompany.com, or pick up the phone – number below - and I will ask them to contact you.

Closing

I was really thrilled to hear from Sarah, one of the Greece Buying Guide readers. She is going to be spending a while in Athens prior to making a final decision to buy. A very wise and well thought out plan …

We discussed a number of things and I was really pleased to hear that she was thinking of taking up the idea of a cruise to Epidauros / Epirotiki Cruise that I mentioned in my last newsletter. It is so nice to get feedback like this – only in that way will I have an idea of what you are interested in, what you find useful and ultimately how I can best help you. So do keep those emails and phone calls coming won’t you?

Finally, some really exciting news: I want to introduce you to Elaine Ferguson. She has joined the Overseas Guides Company specifically to help Greece Buying Guide readers and is dying to hear from YOU!!. Please do contact her at mailto:elaine@overseasguidescompany.com or phone her on 0207 898 0549 and she will be delighted to have a chat to you about your property options.

This comes with all best wishes and warm regards,

Carol

Carol Dunning
Greece Buying Guide Advisor
The Overseas Guides Company Limited.
mailto:carol@OverseasGuidesCompany.com
Phone 0207 898 0549
1, Hammersmith Grove,
LondonW6 0NB