Greece Real Estates and Property for sale News

New Year Opportunities in the Greek Property Market

2010-02-06T12:59:00.002+02:00

New Year New Opportunities

Welcome to our first newsletter for 2010.

So what’s the story so far this year ?

Predictions on Sterling vs the Euro are targeted by reports from the major currency houses to reach 1.20 ( sometime this year, but no one has put a date yet on when this magical figure will be reached ), I have to say we have had a positive opening and we are currently seeing 1.15 so far this month.

What about Property ?

My view for the market is that we will see a steady increase in sales volumes through 2010, so good news for those that are selling their properties.

There is a lot of talk surrounding the Greek economy and the national debt in the international press right now, I have recently visited our offices in Greece and the local real estate market ( greek residential ) remains buoyant and it is anticipated that 2010 will see a significant rise in the International buyers particularly in areas such as Crete, Corfu and Zakynthos.

Easy jet have just announced a number of new routes to Greece in 2010 with prices starting from only 41 GBP further details can be found on www.easyjet.com

Fuerteventura seems to have resolved the issue of the lack of flights over the winter with Ryanair returning to its services for the Island and Easy Jet now running its regular services to Stanstead and other UK airports, in fact I traveled to Stanstead recently with Easyjet and you could not have found a better flight.

Good luck, happy hunting and wherever your search may you find your DREAM HOME we are there to assist you.

If you have a flight only GoldAcre Estates can assist you in finding your perfect accommodation to stay during your search for your Dream Home.

Please remember any comments that you may have on how we can improve our newsletter are always welcome write to me directly john@goldacre-estates.com

John Goldacre

Patmos is one of Europe's Most Idyllic Places to Live

2010-02-05T12:20:00.002+02:00

If you want to be in your own unspoiled world, move to one of these picturesque spots.
The above phrase is describe the island of Patmos, at an text at the www.forbes.com .

Last year, the rising dollar meant European property was becoming more affordable. But even now that the globe is fully in recession, Europe's most idyllic locations have yet to lose any of their charm.

Fortunately, that hasn't led to high prices absolutely everywhere. While many tranquil spots in Europe remain pricey (think Tuscany), others like the Greek island of Patmos have remained somewhat easier on the wallet.

What Patmos--a tiny island in the Aegean Sea--doesn't have in terms of expense it makes up for in religious history. Also known as the Holy Greek Island of Patmos (it's where St. John is thought to have written the Book of Revelation), the island is home to more than 50 churches. But it has its origins in Greek mythology: The legend goes that Zeus allowed Patmos to rise up from the ocean, and humans are thought to have settled there as far back as 2000 B.C.

In Depth: Europe's Most Idyllic Places To Live

Patmos also offers peace and quiet, with a population of just under 3,000 and space of 13 square miles--and it isn't teeming with tourists. The only means of transport to and from there is a ferry boat from the neighboring islands of Samos or Kos, yet visitors who know of the place return time and time again.
"Patmos' saving grace is that it has no airport," says Patricia Schultz, author of 1,000 Places To See Before You Die. "It is quiet, traditional and removed but not primitive. That and a beautiful interior and great beaches draws a very sophisticated crowd."
Yet living here won't dent the wallet too much. A three-bedroom house located about a five-minute walk from the beach will set you back 300,000 euros ($428,700). A one-bedroom house, also near the beach--it's hard not to be on such a small island--costs around 160,000 euros ($228,650).
"Prices in Patmos haven't really moved too much in the last year," says Elena Panagopoulou, of GoldAcre Estates in Patras, Greece. She adds that while property prices have slid in Athens, they've been resilient on the country's 227 inhabited islands.
http://www.forbes.com/2009/09/03/europe-most-idyllic-places-lifestyle-real-estate.html

On Sunday the Patras Carnival of kids

2010-02-05T11:52:00.003+02:00

Two days only remain, for the Carnival of the kids, as on Sunday about 10,000 small carnival, will dance to the central streets of Patras, on Sunday, Feb. 7 with the central slogan "seeds emit a distress ...."

This year the Patras kids Carnoval is close 15 years, expected to rouse young and old, offering one of the most powerful moments and quality of Patras Carnival.

Eleven carnival floats, the most of influenced by this year's theme for the Environment, 63 groups from schools, kindergartens, schools and other dance clubs involved for the child, including contributions outside of Patras, the carnival will leave their imprint and trigger the mood soaring.

New Development for sale in Rethymno, Crete Property

2010-02-02T10:15:00.003+02:00

New Development for sale in Rethymno, Crete Property

The traditional village of Gavalochori is situated in the foothills of the White Mountains in an area of outstanding natural beauty. In this spectacular area 3 villas are constructed with traditional building techniques to blend harmoniously with the environment. The traditional style and the modern comforts are put together to ensure the unique Cretan way of life. Remarkable beaches are close by and the Chania International airport and Souda port are a few minutes drive.

More Info on this Crete Property

Flights from Zakynthos to London

2010-01-25T14:10:00.001+02:00

Posted online contract signed by local tour operators in the airline Easy Jet, a very positive development for the tourism economy of Zakynthos.

This company, provides direct low-cost tickets, there will be direct flights from London to the island and back during the next season with individual visitors, to compensate the model of mass packaged tourism to promote the tour opereitor.

The Patras Carnival starts

2010-01-15T12:41:00.005+02:00

Patras is the third biggest city of Greece, but also is famous throughout Greece and the world for the unique Carnival of Patras, which annually raise the sight of thousands of spectators.

The best carnival of Greece, with fabulous floats and enjoyment that you will not find anywhere else. Every year 200.000 visitors come to see the parade and have fun at the carnival.

Approximately 40,000 to carnival (carnival major) and 10,000 in small carnival, filled the streets with colors and notes, creating a great celebration.

The entire city from the Opening Ceremony Saturday, January 16 at 9 pm until the Closing Ceremony Sunday, February 14 will be coordinated in their own unique frequency of joy, of fun, inspiration and creative ...

In George Square, thousands of colorful fireworks in the sky to be launched from three different points in George Square to follow an amazing laser show, with one of the largest laser that exist in Greece with colors and patterns, which is writing to all the length and width of the square.

The celebrations of Theofania

2010-01-07T11:54:00.002+02:00

The day of Theofania was celebrated yesterday in every corner of Greece. The water is sanctified by the priest, as a way to deal with the elves, but is really interesting to read how the Greek people celebrating the Theofania in different areas.

In the island of Ionio Lefkada: holy oranges
The faithful gathered beside the sea and the priest throws the cross into the water, as in many parts of the country. But in Lefkada, along with the cross, the sea and throwing a bunch of oranges tied together with a rope. Then the blessed oranges, hung next to icons in churches.

Hermione Korinthos: seafarers diver
Shortly before the cross was dropped into the sea, the 'diver' characteristics known as the lads who will dive to catch the cross, wearing traditional costumes of old sailors and turn from house to house singing. The housewives of the welcoming greetings and traditional treats and wish them every success in dive below.

Kastoria: the revived Ragoutsaria
On the day of Epiphany in Kastoria revived Ragoutsaria. The people wearing scary masks to exorcise evil from the region and seek "compensation" from passersby for the good they do in the city. Similar is the custom "rokatzaria, which revived in Drama, where people with terrifying masks rid of evil spirits.

Halkidiki: the king and fotarades
In many villages of Halkidiki still revives the custom of Fotaradon. The "king" is loaded with bells opens the dance and follow Fotarades, believers of nationals with wooden swords, trying to prevent anyone trying to steal a sausage that is set up in the village square

Galatista Halkidiki: the camel and the kidnapping ...
This is a custom, which revived continuously since the late 19th century. Then, someone in love to kidnap the beloved under the eyes of the Turkish Commissioner, has an idea of a unique trick. Erected a feast in the village while he created the effigy of a camel in which he hid and friends of the kidnappers who entered the house and stole his girlfriend.

St. Baptist Halkidiki: the Fruits & Vegetables and bats
Rich in traditions of Lights, the Chalkidiki revives the custom of Fruits and Vegetables in Agios Prodromos. On the eve of Epiphany, some lads, the Fruits and Vegetables, saying the carols and instead of money, housewives give them meat and sausages. On the day of St. John the Fruits and Vegetables dancing in the village square. When they break out of the circle dance, grab a bat and just re-enters the dance, the bats fly up and whistles to mark the end of the holiday season.

Drama: The bampougera and the ash
It is one of the most interesting traditions which you will find in Drama. On the eve of Theofania, women taking ashes from the fireplace and spread with the right hand in the house, saying spells to leave the goblins. On the day of Theofania and after the blessing of water, some residents-the-bampougera wearing animal skins, stand outside the church and holding a bag (supposedly filled with ashes) to beat this encountered bullies and the goblins!

Drama: the niggers and Alexander the Great
The custom of Nigger takes us many years back, when the Negroes warriors of Alexander the Great is said, that with their shouts able to prosecute their opponents of Indian elephants. Today, the locals, dressed in animal skins, wear bells and dancing in the street to chase the evil spirits and goblins. This custom, revived and in several areas of Kavala.

Thessaly: rivers and spraying
In many villages in Thessaly, where there are rivers, people get the icons from the church and the river transport. There, in the icy waters of the river, throwing the cross and sprinkle it with the icons, which then return to the church and tend to sprinkle with holy water and the fields to have a good harvest. In several villages in Thessaly, plunge the entire image in the river!

Dodecanese: the diver holding their breath
In Dodecanese but mainly in Symi and Kalymnos, the 'diver', those who dive to catch the cross, defying the low water temperatures of the sea, holding their breath to stay as long as possible under cold water. And of course, as long as the icy plunge, the fishermen of the islands with boats, forming a protective cordon around the diver, who are the lucky new year has just entered.
Source: naftemporiki.gr

Happy new year 2010!

2009-12-31T12:26:00.002+02:00

Happy new year 2010!

Merry Christmas!!!

2009-12-23T12:48:00.002+02:00

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a very happy prosperous New Year, to everyone!!

A dream city in Greece....

2009-12-21T12:20:00.003+02:00

Εvery year in Greece a city in Drama becomes a story. The city is none other as the Oneiroupoli, which every year celebrating.

Indeed, this year organized the birthday party of Oneiroupoli completed six years of operation. It was a spectacular program with incredible surprises for young and old.

The home of Santa Claus, the House of Surprises, the Post Oneiroupolis of the Workshop of Santa Claus, the fairy tally house/ Cinema, children collect rocks, the House of Arktouros and the Atelier of the Elves, you do to feel good for the spirit of Christmas.

For more information visit the following website http://www.oneiroupolh.gr.

Greece “wore” the winter “costume”

2009-12-21T11:49:00.001+02:00

Sunshine and low temperatures prevailing in most ski resorts in Greece. The most of the tracks have opened and are ready to welcome their visitors, who are ready to be active in a variety of activities, like skiing, snowboarding and lots of.

Indeed, in normal operation at the Ski Center 3.5 Wells, Kaimaktsalan Pisoderi, Vasilitsa and Shelly, Parnassos and Kalavrita, who have make a different winter picture from that we usually bring to the mind of the most for Greece which is not visit able only during the summer months, but also during the winter.

Greece is rich in natural beauty with the scenery that is breathtaking and waiting to be discovered. A trip at Greece will convince you.

2009/2010 Currency Round-Up from Currencies Direct

2009-12-18T12:24:00.004+02:00

Watching the price action between Sterling/Euro over the past few months has been like trying to push a dinosaur uphill - slow and frustrating! However, as we end the year it looks like Sterling has moved away from the threat of parity and should mover higher in 2010 with the potential for a 15 % appreciation against the Euro.

The recent bout of Sterling weakness was partly fuelled by comments from the Bank of England(BoE), underling the fact that a weak currency was crucial if the UK was to not only export its way out of the global economic slump, but it would also make the UK a much more attractive proposition for overseas investors.

A clear sign then from the BoE that a weak pound was of no real concern and something they would not look to prevent. With the UK enjoying extremely flexible labour laws and a fairly resistant consumer, the BoE is looking for the pound to take the “bad medicine “ahead of the Euro and bounce back in 2010.

The data coming out of the euro zone has been patchy to say the least, with the strong data out of Germany and France overshadowing the weak data from the rest of the member states,and following the problems in Greece growth in the euro zone in 2010 could lag behind that of the USA and Japan again a problem weighing on the single currency The ratification of the Lisbon treaty by the Irish has gone mainly unnoticed by the currency markets, as it was seen as a forgone conclusion. Going into 2010 what will be of most interest, is how the different member states handle their economies. It was very easy for the European Central Bank (ECB) to slash rates along with the rest of the world. However, as the global economy starts to gather pace, not all member sates will relish higher interest rates. Ireland, Greece, Portugal and Spain will not welcome higher rates and the Germans, with their huge budget surplus, have stated they will not be prepared to subsidise other member states. It could prove a real test of the “European dream”.

In the current climate, currency markets overreact and that is why a move to parity still cannot be ruled out. However, if the UK economy starts to grow and the ever increasing fiscal debt can continue to be sold into the world markets, then a strong move higher in 2010 will happen . With the threat of a double dip recession upon us, and unemployment continuing to rise in the UK and the Euro Zone, it could be the flexibility and agility of the UK economy against the one size fits all policy of the Euro Zone that sparks this move higher.

2010 will prove to be a real test for Europe as the weaker member states who have mishandled their economies during the good times find the currency markets will be very unforgiving in the bad times

Campaign from the Bridge to "green driving"

2009-12-14T14:01:00.001+02:00

The message of the need for behavioral change to "reverse climate, attempting to highlight the strains of Rion - Antirion" Harilaos Trikoupis during the time that in Copenhagen has come for the World Summit on the environment.

For several days the Rion - Antirion bridge "Harilaos Trikoupis bearing a large banner on the deck, with a variant of the same message in Greek and English:" The climate change - we change.

The reason they did together act as partners of the "Antirio - Copenhagen and Ecological Economics", which came at the Administration Building and the toll gates Antirio, to cut along the green ribbon campaign. From 7 to 18 January as long as the Copenhagen conference, the transit from the Bridge drivers will take a utilitarian notebook with information on the conference and advice of "green" driving.

First prize for Achaia

2009-12-02T13:39:00.002+02:00

The first prize won the stand of the Local Union of Municipalities and Communities (TEDK) Prefecture of Achaia for the best creation, in the International Exhibition «Polis 2009», which held in the Exhibition Center of Thessaloniki HELEXPO.

The participation of the LUMC Achaia prefecture awarded for integrated functional, aesthetic and impeccable organization of the stand.

The Gregory Alexopoulos welcomed the award of the stand of Maharashtra and noted that the County raised substantially with the participation of the International Exhibition "Polis".

Property for sale in Greece. Greek Homes

2009-12-02T09:19:00.003+02:00

GoldAcre Estates brings you the largest selection of properties for sale in Greece. Villas, Apartments, Townhouses, Commercial Businesses for sale or plots of land to buy.

Property for sale in Greece offers you the largest selection of old stone houses, rural property, modern apartments and villas for sale along with sea and beach front homes to buy. Purchase your dream home from a large selection of stunning marina properties, or you might want to buy that perfect plot of land to design and construct your own self build home in Greece.

We will find your perfect property for you.

The new leader of New Democracy is Antonis Samaras

2009-12-01T13:45:00.001+02:00

Prime Minister George Papandreou (r) greets the new leader of New Democracy, Antonis Samaras, at the latter’s office. The two men, aged 57 and 58 respectively, studied together at Amherst College in Massachusetts in the early 1970s.

Antonis Samaras took over yesterday as the leader of New Democracy from Costas Karamanlis after scoring a clear victory in Sunday’s election, which is seen as a clear mandate for the former finance, foreign and culture minister to begin reshaping the conservative party.

With almost all of the votes counted by last night, Samaras had taken 50.31 percent of the vote, compared to 39.34 for his main rival Dora Bakoyannis and 10.34 for Thessaloniki Prefect Panayiotis Psomiadis.

The new hours for Archaeological Sites

2009-12-01T13:26:00.001+02:00

We almost passes in the winter and as for that, new hours for Archaeological sites are given from the Ministry of Culture.

From 8:30 a.m. to 3.00 pm set the working hours of Archaeological Sites, Museums and Monuments of State for the winter until March 31.

The turnout permitted until 2.30 pm Will remain closed on the 25th and 26th December, 1 January and 25 March. The day of Epiphany and Shrove Monday, all will work.

Greece Ski Property in Greek Ski Resorts

2009-11-25T09:30:00.004+02:00

Greece Ski Resorts, offers you a selection of Ski properties from thoughout Greece.
Ski resorts in Greece, number 22 today, spread all around the country. There is land and property available for buying. The surrounding area are developing fast and it´s possible to invest in residential property (house, land, ski chalets, log Houses...).

Find your Ski Property for Sale in Greece

The Cost Of Living In Greece

2009-11-23T14:50:00.008+02:00

The cost of living in Greece is considerable lower than in most other EU countries, but it offers a good standard of living and a wonderful quality of life. Studies indicate that the cost of living in Greece is about 30% lower than Cyprus' and Cyprus' is 30% lower than Spain and Portugal. Over and above the lower cost of living, those who purchase property in Greece will be amazed by how inexpensive houses are. In addition the Greeks have a very low crime rate, low pollution, and plenty of sunshine.

Annual Income

A couple living permently in Greece can expect to require an annual income of around £10,000 (14,000 Euro). Example;

House running costs + food.....................................£4816
Two people eating out twice per week..................£1664
Garden maintenance................................................ £984
Car insurance.......................................................... £310
Petrol 5,000 miles per year at £2.25p per G............ £360
Return trip to the UK................................................£600
Contingency fund.....................................................£1266
Total per year......................................................£10,000

Food Prices
Prices have risen quite steeply since the introduction of the Euro in 2002, but locally grown produce is cheap when in season. Imported and processed foods are often highly priced.

Furniture/Appliances
To give you an idea of the price of furniture and kitchen appliances, here are some examples for a typical starter package;
Electric cooker...............................................£350
Fridge freezer................................................£350
1 x double bed................................................£275
2 x single beds...............................................£350
Dinning table & 4 x chairs............................£350
Three piece suit (1 x sofa 2 armchairs)......£730
Patio furniture (plastic table & 4 chairs.......£90
TOTAL COST..............................................£2586

New coming flights at Greece

2009-11-18T13:50:00.003+02:00

The company "Sky Express" will begin the new flights from 1 December until 1 April. The air route, from Heraklion, Crete - Kalamata - Thessaloniki and vice versa, will be useful for those who want to travel comfort and fast. Information on the allocation of air services to the "barren lines" should be taken the following days by the Civil Aviation Authority.

12o Money Show Patras

2009-11-16T13:07:00.001+02:00

Another major event will held at Patras Greece the days 21 and 22 of November in Hotel «Astir». In the run enters its preparation conference Development Forum 2009 / 12th Patras Money Show.

The Thematic axis of the conference this year is "The Power of Alternative “, Economic and Business operation, the environment, the Administration, the Education and Research in Health, the Social Area, Culture and Sport.

The conference - Report Development Forum / Money Show Patras, organized annually by the Consultant EIA has now become one of the top developmental events in the region, and attracts thousands of visitors, major personalities, institutions, organizations and businesses that find a free forum and a field and create synergies.

"Philoxenia" International Fair of Thessaloniki

2009-10-30T13:21:00.002+02:00

All the forms of tourism every year “meeting” in Thessaloniki Greece witch is organized the International Tourism Exhibition called «Philoxenia».

An exhibition that will put even more professional basis the meetings of hoteliers and other tourism operators in the hotel business equipment and support services.

The Philoxenia exhibitors will benefit from the presence of thousands of tourism professionals who visit every year the top tourist fairs, which takes place without interruption since 1985 in Thessaloniki.

Indeed this year «Philoxenia» closed 25 years thanks to the measures of internationalization of this year's report, it will be able to view not only in Greek but overall the Balkan market, as they will be both increased international participation among exhibitors and trade visitors from neighboring countries.

Source: http://www.helexpo.gr

The most expensive cities in the world

2009-10-30T13:12:00.000+02:00

Annual research consulting firm known for cost of living in major cities around the world brings the capital of Greece in Athens on the 28th position in the list of most expensive cities in the world.

The first location is in Tokyo (2nd last year), followed by Osaka (from 22nd), Moscow (from 1), Geneva (from 8th), Hong Kong (from 6th), Zurich (from 9th), Copenhagen (7th last year), New York (from 22nd), Beijing (from 20th) and Singapore (from 13th).

Please note that Athens fell three places compared to last year (28th from 25th), while the report's authors point out that overall European cities have recorded sharp reductions in the list (eg Warsaw fell from 35th to 113th place), and most European currencies fell against the dollar.

NEP represent Patras at Len Trophy

2009-10-21T12:16:00.003+03:00

Another important event, which will participated in the Patras team of water polo men, that its called NEP, will be held in the Netherlands at the city Amersfoort, from tomorrow until Sunday, with the games of the preliminary phase, for the European organization of the LEN Trophy.

NEP for the first time in history, has been involved in such an organization, making its maiden “voyage” in European events, and yet represent Patras and Greece, at the LEN Trophy.

Detailed program of events is as follows:.

The team from Patras – Greece, will play in Group D in the city Amersfoort, the Netherlands and will play in the series with the Irish Belfast (22/10, 8.25 pm), French SETE (23/10, 11:45), the Croatian Primorie Rijeka (23/10, 9.50 pm), the home Amersfoort (24/10, 8.25 pm) and Spain's Sabadell (25/10, 2.20 pm).

Τhe Olympic Flame

2009-10-19T13:37:00.003+03:00

Τhe Olympic Torch Relay will pass through Greece and the largest ski resorts in the country on a journey that will last 8 days, of the XXI Olympic Winter Games «VANCOUVER 2010».

The Olympic Flame will stay overnight in Kalavrita Thursday, October 22, honoring the Ski Kalavrita and great efforts of local actors to create and maintain one of the best ski resorts in Greece.

The procession will start the flame from Ancient Olympia will go through the Pirgos, Amaliada Ancient Elis, the Divri, the Tripotama, Kleitoria and end up the same night in Kalavryta.

Then will reach the central city square, where there will be events for the reception, to the custody of the City Kalavrita and D.E.P.A.PO.Z. The Olympic Flame will depart the next day via the cog railway to the switch and then to Patras.