The island of Crete means the sun, the eternal summer and rich history and culture, that were reflected in myths and legends of ancient Greece. What is the difference of real estate markets in Crete and on the mainland? What are the strengths of this island in the fight for a purse of foreign buyers who plan to get a residence permit in Greece? What inexpensive properties can be purchased in Crete and why do locals not fear an influx of Chinese? To answer these and other questions portal ee24.com had an interview with Georgios Pavlidis, president of Crete Properties Developers.
– What were the main changes in property market in Greece and specifically on Crete?
– Several last years were marked by the decrease in housing prices. But 2013 certainly was a better year. The situation is stable now; interest is increasing because people see that Greece is getting over a crisis. Though, of course, prices are still far and away lower than in pre-crisis year of 2008.
– What drives Russian buyers to buy a property on Crete, what are the main reasons?
– First, Greeks have a lot of common with Russians. One of these common things is the Orthodox Christianity. Ancient monasteries can be found all over the Crete. Second, Crete is located relatively close to Russia and you can easily get there by plane. Third, we have a typical Mediterranean food that Russian people do appreciate. And of course, our sea and excellent climate also count in favor of Crete.
So the island of Crete is a unique combination of various factors such as the history, society, location and easy access, religion, cuisine and high quality of services.
Greece has a lot of things other Mediterranean countries can't offer. In particular, Greece is one of the safest places in the world. We have a great history and culture, and our country is the one of the leaders in Europe by number of beaches with Blue Flags. In the last year about 17 million tourists have visited Greece, and by a year 2019 this number is expected to increase to 21 million.

Foreigners prefer to buy apartments on the sea

– What kind of property is the most popular among the Russian buyers?
– People prefer to buy apartments in residential complexes located by the sea. Usually such properties are priced at less than €200-250 thousand. This is the mainstream market on Crete. Our company is developing an organized residential complex of 35 apartments in the south of Crete, and we believe it will get success among the Russian buyers.
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"The mainstream market in Crete – the apartments on the sea up to €200-250 thousand" 
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We've completed a lot of projects but this one is the only we currently have under development. Of course, there is a prime property market too, and luxury villas on Crete are also in demand.
– People from what countries generally buy property on Crete?
– About 60% of property buyers are come from the UK. We also have a lot of clients from Germany, whereas the Russians are approximately 2% of buyers. I'd say that the main barrier is the language, the communication. There are not many Russians who speak English. Sales may increase in case developers employ Russian-speaking staff.
– What do foreingers want from their property? What questions do they usually ask?
– First of all, they ask how to get there and how much time it takes. But of course price is also very important to them.

Greek bureaucracy works for buyers

– Many experts claim that one of the main problems in Greece is bureaucracy. Does it really take long for the Russian buyers to get all the paperwork done?
– No, it doesn't. The situation has really changed lately. Several years ago, in order to buy a property on Crete, the Russians had to obtain approvals from Ministry of Defense. Now Russian buyers can easily buy housing in Crete.
Moreover, now we have a new law on residence permit. When the Russian citizenbuys a property in Greece priced at more than €250,000, he gets a residence permit for 5 years for him and his family. Later this permit is being renewed for other 5 years, and so on. So things are much easier now.
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"Bureaucrats require a lot of paperwork, but adherence to these strict rules guarantees the legality of transactions"
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Another thing is that bureaucracy that still happens to be operates to the buyer's advantage. All the documents provided from Land Registries, Notaries and lawyers, all the papers the buyer has to make out guarantee him a good title. When you make a contract in Greece, your title is hundred per cent legal.

Greeks are urging Russians and Chinese to come

– How did the law on "golden visas" affect the property market?
– The law granting residence permit for buyers of property valued over €250,000 did affect and will affect the Cretan property market. Russia and China have become the key markets for Greece. 2013 became the year when Chinese started to buy property in Greece; there were about 15 or 20 sales. Of course, we have cultural differences and we don't have a lot in common, while cultural patterns of Greeks and Russians are quite similar.
– How do Greeks relate to foreigners? Don't they fear of Chinese?
– Greeks are very friendly people. We need investments and we want people all over the world to come and buy property in Greece.
– What do you think about prospects of Greek property market?
All the signs are that Greece is becoming a more stable country. Probably in 2014 we'll see the slight growth in property prices after 5 or 6 years of dropping. I think this year will be the year of a slight recovery, while in 3-4 years the market will be stable, and prices will start to rise.
– If you've had only one sentence to convince people to buy a property in Greece, what would you say?
– It's very interesting question. I'd say: try Greece, because it deserves this. Buying property in Greece is an excellent investment of your money.