Hello there

Forgive the subject line – I thought it was funny at the time. Maybe you had to be there….?

Hey – Easter has come and gone again. What did you do over this lovely long weekend? I was hoping to go to Dubai and spend it with my grandchildren but this was not to be…so I put my feet up and really relaxed. An Easter egg had been sent winging its way across to me from the family so I did not feel totally forgotten.

That, and a lovely meal with my son and his partner, ending with feet up in front of the telly next to a crackling fire watching The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, made for a great day. Incidentally, did you watch this show? As an African – I grew up in South Africa – I found it not altogether to my liking. The critics hated it. One called it "twee, quaint, shallow, possibly patronising . . .set in an African country where smiley, happy people, cardboard cut-out characters, go about their business with good humour, hard work, morality and diligence. . . It has no passion, no depth, no edge, no nothing". A little harsh, but I did find myself thinking that I couldn’t have put it better myself….I am just sorry that this is the great, kind hearted Anthony Minghella's swan song.

As you doubtless know, Easter in Greece falls on April 27th this year – are any of you going to be there? I would love to hear how it is celebrated in your particular corner of heaven. I once spent Easter on the Cycladic island of Sifnos, and it just reinforced how utterly delightful the Greek people are.

I was alone on the island, and had taken to dining every evening at the same small family run restaurant. At first I sat alone, but on my second evening there the dog joined me, followed by the child of the family and finally the adorable Greek grandparents, who spoke not a word of English, squeezed into seats at my table.

Come Easter, I was led by the whole family up to the nearby church, where we walked around the alter while greeting each other with the traditional "Christ is risen" ("Hristos Anesti") with the answer "Truly he is risen" ("Alithinos Anesti"). We then returned to the restaurant, where I was plied with red-dyed eggs ("kokkina pashalina avga") - red like the blood of Christ - and the utterly wonderful Easter lamb dish that I am completely addicted to.

To change the subject utterly….about the ‘earthquake’ we had here in the UK on the 27th February: it was the largest earthquake in Britain for 24 years - the tremor, measuring 5.2 on the Richter scale, lasted up to 15 seconds. Compare this to the earthquake that struck southern Greece, shaking buildings over an area from the southern Peloponnese region to Athens. Geologists said its magnitude was between 6.5 and 6.7 – there was no panic and almost no damage. The Greeks have learnt the lesson of earthquakes and now build to withstand them.

Okay, here is what is coming up in this newsletter: I am attaching an account of how one of our Greece Buying Guide readers spends Easter on the lovely island of Corfu – he has it down to something of a fine art!! A wonderful property offer follows to whet your appetite, the Smart talking financial guru gives you the benefit of his advice and then help is at hand to care for that nest egg – ‘scuse the Easter references!

You will read about the benefits of talking to an independent financial advisor - not only will you be able to make your money work harder for you, it will give you peace of mind knowing that you have done the best with your hard earned money and assets. Finally, an extremely important piece of advice on the new Greek taxation laws re property in Greece. I hope you enjoy it all and remember to keep in touch – I love hearing your news and discussing your plans.

Greek Greetings,

Karolina (aka Carol!) and Kim.
Greece Buying Guide Advisor
The Overseas Guides Company Limited.
0207 898 0549 (call me!)
mailto:carol@OverseasGuidesCompany.com

A smashing time is had by all…Easter on Corfu

Tony Bovill, a retired journalist and a Greece Buying Guide reader, has provided us with a personal account of exactly how to get the best out of an Easter spent on Corfu:

The Town of Kerkyra at Easter

"All Greece celebrates Easter more than Christmas, but particularly on Corfu - the birthplace of Judas, which is why they mark it with the largest Saint Spiridon Parade followed at 11 am on the Saturday by the famous pot throwing ceremony.

Virtually all of the 110,000 population plus us 5,000 British ex-pats plus another 3,000 French, Italians, Dutch and Germans who live there turn up, plus several hundred coaches from the mainland and a couple of cruise ships. But, despite the crowds, The Town of Kerkyra at Easter it's such a fun event - particularly if you know where to go.

Arrive at the New Port by 08.00 - parking is free, and there are shuttle busses into Corfu Town, or, as we prefer to do, just walk. The atmosphere is electric. Everyone is in high spirits - no jostling or pushing and no Police presence - everyone is perfectly behaved - they show us a thing or two in this respect.

Walk round the coast road and up to The Listern (do not go through the centre of town it's far too crowded). Get to the Old Parliament Building (now a museum and conference centre) just through the Listern Arch on the left and overlooking the Cricket ground. This is the best place to watch the Parade.

The St Spiridon parade starts at around 0900 by the Old Fort and wends it way round the Cricket Ground, through the Court Yard of the old Parliament building (where we stand) and along the Listern.

Every town on Corfu has its own brass band, there are some 20 bands taking part, each competing with one another both in volume and in the splendour of their uniforms. The parade is lead by the Papas in their high black hats and habits ranging from black to deep purple according to rank. Then comes the silver casket containing the mummified body of St Spiridon, the patron Saint of Corfu (which explains why 50% of the males on the Island are called Spiros - and most of the rest are either Gorgus, Yannis or Stathis!)

This silver casket, about 3 ft high, normally lives in St Spiridon Church in the centre of the old, Venetian part of Corfu Town or Kerkyra. The casket has a stained glass opening through which you can see the Pharaoh-like remains of the Saint. He is paraded round the Town four times a year - Easter being the most important ceremony.

Behind the casket, held aloft by Island dignitaries dressed in medieval costume, comes the first band, followed by the school kids from each band's town or village all dressed up in their best school uniform - as smart as pins and seriously well behaved. Then, even before the first band is out of earshot, comes the next, and the next and so on - the atmosphere is not only electric, but very, very noisy !!

Then exit left into the gardens and left again to The Arts Cafe - bag a seat under the trees overlooking the Falaraki (the old Customs House, now a bar/restaurant) and the harbour entrance - order their Mezis and a bottle of Retsina to while away the time till the pot throwing ceremony. Then at 10.50 make your way across the Cricket Ground towards the Listern - that's far enough, do not enter the crowd.

Again the atmosphere is electric, the chattering loud, the expectation profound. But then, at 10.59, total silence, as everyone awaits the clock of St Spiridon Church to strike the hour. Scan the balconies of all the Venetian houses above the Listern - on every one are families with terracotta pots poised to throw into the street below - usually the biggest pots, 6 ft high, are balanced on the railings by small boys half that height. Everyone holds their breath, then Clang! the bell rings out, and a thousand pots crash onto the pavings below with a sound that is not so much a crash, or a bang, more thunderous whooof !!

And there's another good reason for not getting too close: traditionally the pots should be filled with red wine - the blood of Christ - but today they are filled with red dye and water - makes a right mess of your clothes if you are too close!!

This noisy custom originated in Corfu town but has extended to the villages. It is derived from the Venetians who, on New Year's day, used to throw their old things from the windows in order to receive new ones for the New Year. The Corfiots adopted this custom to celebrate the most important Greek holiday, the Greek Easter. Nowadays, the old things have been replaced by pots and jugs full of water, which make for an even louder noise upon impact. It is thought that the peculiar custom may also have roots in the biblical passage "Thou, O Lord, raise me up, that I may crush them as a potter's vessel", and as Easter falls in the beginning of the plantation season, the time when newly-harvested produce from the land was stored in new pots and the old ones were destroyed.

Then run back to The Arts Cafe before all the locals make it and nick your seats. Another Mezi and a couple of Retsinas are then needed to kill an hour or two to avoid the traffic and crowds departing. Come back at 11 pm for the fireworks - or, as we do, attend one of the candle lit street parades in any of the principal towns - Acharavi on the north coast is our favourite.

Greek Easter coincides with ours every 4 years, as it did last time. This year ours is on 23rd March, Corfu's is April 28th, and in 2009 it's April 19th, and 2010 April 4th (same again).”

Not to forget our mutual passion, that of property in Greece, I do have the most wonderful property agents on Corfu – a number of Greece Buying Guide readers have visited them and indeed bought the home of their dreams through them. Please go to:

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

If you fill in the form and send it to me I will ask them to contact you.

If you would like help with arranging your trip re airlines etc please go to: http://www.GreeceBuyingGuide.com/links.htm

"The best of times, the worst of times..." Currency Update

by Smart Currency’s Charles Purdy.

"The best of times, the worst of times..."As I write it certainly feels like the latter for sterling. Having hit €1.50/£1 during the early part of 2007 we now sit close to €1.28/£1 inter bank. If you have to buy Euros it will cost you 15% more than it did 12 months ago.

But what if you have to SELL Euros?

This could be the perfect time as it is difficult to see how much further sterling could fall against the Euro. It could still fall but economic pain is beginning to grow in Euro land as a result of the Euro's strength against sterling and the US$. Euro land exports are becoming less competitive and euro land properties too expensive. So if you have sold (or are close to selling) your property this could be the time to look at windfall gains by selling some of those Euros now. If you have exchanged contracts and are confident of receiving your Euros you could even lock in the “gain” using a forward contract.

Also, I think it is important for people who are looking to buy properties in Euro land to negotiate hard. Lifestyle purchases are obviously long term and what goes around comes around in the currency market. But it should not be forgotten that a lot of overseas property sellers need the cash from the property sale. Talking to a French agent the other day he emphasised this need: if British buyers are finding it more expensive because of the strength of the € then property prices should/will reduce to reflect this. So don’t be daunted by the sudden loss in value in sterling but use it to your advantage. Any sensible seller will quickly realise that it is better to have the cash rather than hold out for a higher but perhaps unrealistic valuation.

To read the latest on Serling and the Euro go to: http://www.GreeceBuyingGuide.com/Currency270308.htm

Feedback from a Smart client

This is the first time we have been involved in currency transfer, or any major transactions abroad. I would like to say that your Company's performance since we first contacted you has been friendly, extremely competent, and very reassuring.

You have responded on every occasion both promptly and efficiently, for which we thank you most sincerely. We will be involved in further money transfer during restoration work on our new property, and you can be assured you will be our first port of call.

Again many thanks, Sincerely Bernard Corcoran

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

Thinking of investing your nest egg in Crete? This could be just the thing for you…

This two-bedroom home is part of the Apsida development in the village of Horafakia on the Akrotiri peninsula near to the historical city of Chania, Crete. Horafakia is a traditional village with shops, kafeneon and tavernas open all year round.

Villa Sterna has been designed with style and comfort in mind; it is situated within the village of Horafakia on the Akrotiri peninsula in Chania, Crete. This property has a spacious living area, its own private tiled pool and beautifully landscaped gardens with BBQ, shower and private parking; it is within easy walking distance from the shops and tavernas in the village.

The views are spectacular, across the Bay of Chania and towards the White mountains of Crete.
The property has been finished to our usual high standards with great attention to detail; it includes fitted designer kitchen with chrome electrical goods; central heating; insect screens; fitted wardrobes; Jacuzzi bath; tiled floors, air conditioning; fireplace; satellite TV and a basement/bedroom

Price 295,000 Euro

Interested? Please just phone me on 0207 898 0549 or email me on:
mailto:carol@OverseasGuidesCompany.com

and I will get the agents to contact you immediately. Or, if you have other requirements, please fill out my property form at: http://www.greecebuyingguide.com/property.htm

What exactly DO Independent Financial Advisors do – and can they do it for me?

I am often asked this question and I must say that I have never QUITE known the answer, so I set about finding out for you.

Independent Financial Advisers (or IFAs) are professionals who offer unbiased advice to their clients on financial matters and recommend suitable financial products from the whole of the market. They are the only type of financial advisers who are able to select from all the products available in the marketplace, thus making sure you get the right product for your individual needs.

They can be consulted on many matters including investment, retirement planning, insurance and mortgages – or indeed other loans too. IFAs also advise on some tax and legal matters.
Typically an Independent Financial Adviser will conduct a detailed survey of their client’s financial position, preferences and objectives, known as a ‘factfind’. This means that they have to gain a full understanding of your circumstances and requirements before helping to choose any financial products. They need to record your information so you can double-check that they really have understood your situation and your intentions.

IFAs are bound to the Financial Services Authority rules, which oblige them to provide advice most suited to your personal requirements and your risk outlook, termed 'suitable advice'. When financial products are recommended they must take into account the benefits provided, the charges, flexibility, service and financial strength.

In addition, when recommending a product, all financial advisers have to provide written reasons why they think that it is right for you - again to make sure that you are fully informed before committing yourself to anything. They will then advise appropriate action to meet your objectives and, if necessary, recommend a suitable financial product to match your needs.

Have a look at the following questions. If you answer ‘no’ or ‘don’t know’ to one or more of them it may be in your own best interests to talk to an IFA.

Incidentally, I can see the “How much will it cost me “ question forming in your mind, as it did in mine! The good news is that the IFA we recommend will initially charge you nothing (no, you have not read that incorrectly!!) for the benefit of his advice. The point at which they start charging is when you take them up on the advice given and retain their services to do so. Their boast is that, at that stage, they hope to make or save you more than they actually charge you, certainly over the medium term.

Independent financial advisers must also offer their clients the option to pay for advice by fee rather than commission.

Here goes:

Do you currently have an IFA working for you?

Do you have a financial strategy in place?

Have you discussed your financial situation with any professionals?

Do you have any other investment properties in Greece or elsewhere?

Do you know how you will fund your purchase?

Are you a cash buyer?

Will you be cashing in investments? (Shares/equities/etc)

Are you aware of the rules surrounding inheritance tax in Greece?

Are you aware of the Pensions implications if moving to / buying in Greece?

If you'd like to find out how much an IFA can help you, please email me your contact details and I'll have them give you a call.

mailto:carol@OverseasGuidesCompany.com

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

The New Property Tax: of massive importance…

This is an information update in connection with the imposition of the new UNIFORM PROPERTY TAX in 2008:

There have been a number of changes in Greece in connection with the taxes applicable to property over the past two years or so. Furthermore, the National land Registry is extending its areas of coverage in 2008 with the result that many areas previously not covered by the National land Registry will be incorporated into the system.

Persons who have acquired and still own property in Greece before the 31st of December 2006 either by purchase, inheritance, or parental gift and who have made the appropriate E9 property declarations in at least one of the fiscal years 2005, 2006 or 2007 do not need to take any action now.

For persons who have acquired or disposed of property in Greece between the first of January 2007 and the 31st of December 2007: you must file an extra E9 form by the 31st of March 2008. This E9 declaration is in addition to the initial tax return which must be lodged by May 2008.

Should you need any help with this, I have a lawyer that I can highly recommend and that many Greece Buying Guide readers have used. He will file your E9 forms for you but you had better scamper as he needs to know by e-mail no later than Wednesday the 26th of March 2008.

He will also inform registered clients of the changes in taxation by sending out various information updates from time to time explaining how these changes may affect property ownership.
Please go to:

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

if you would like me to put you in touch with our recommended lawyer. This is what a fellow reader had to say about him:

Dear Carol,
Kim and I would like to say thanks so much for introducing us to your lawyer. He was absolutely brilliant, making the whole buying process so easy and understandable. You can quote us if you like and I would recommend him to anyone and everyone thinking of buying in Greece. We didn't even have to be there for the paperwork/completion since we gave him Power of Attorney.

Kind regards
Nigel Balchin

Top Tip - How to get jobs done in Greece

Here’s a Top Tip from another Greece Buying Guide reader, who for obvious reasons, will remain anonymous!!

“If you are trying to get a job done in Greece, for instance building or renovating a property, everything starts out well enough, but the minute your back is turned, they work at half speed or poodle off to finish some other project - usually because the owner has returned and is shouting and screaming at them. Everything is Avrio - promised for tomorrow, but all too often, Avrio never comes !!

So, unless you are there permanently, chivvying and chasing, my advice is to pay extra for an Athenian project manager - and never pay up front, have staged payments as each project is successfully completed, and promise a fat bonus if they finish on time - in the unlikely event you have to pay it, it'll be worth it !!

Closing

Goodbye sweet princes and princesses!!

I am going to be sending out another email about this, but just to let you know that I plan to visit Rhodes in the fairly near future – April/May-ish? - and I wondered if you are planning a trip there too? Perhaps we could coordinate our trips and look at a few of the wonderful properties that my recommended property person on the island has on offer? Do let me know about this – it would be great to meet.

I hope you found at least some of this information of use to you. If there is anything you would like me to discuss in more detail or look into I would like to hear from you about it. Next month I plan to fill you in about new property tax law in more detail…that is something that will have an effect on all Greek property owners.

Do remember I am here to help you with your Greece buying plans - 8 to 5 daily. Just tell me as much as you can about what you are looking for and I will do my best to get you going. Just click on the link below and email me your requirements: http://www.greecebuyingguide.com/property.htm

I am at the end of an email or a phone call away for this and any other assistance. The number is 0207 898 0549 – so please call and let’s chat about your Greek plans!!

Kind regards,

Carol
Greece Buying Guide
The Overseas Guides Company Ltd
0207 898 0549 (call me!)
mailto:carol@OverseasGuidesCompany.com

My 'Mewsletter' Cat – per kind favour of my recommended property person on the Peloponnese!!