An investment in the Crete property market implies promising returns: life in a better climatic zone; an entry to a more economical territory; and a relaxed lifestyle. Yet if you think you need to be convinced further, read on to know more about Crete: the largest Greek island, and decide for yourself, whether an investment in the Crete property market is for you.

Crete lies in the Aegean Sea, and is one of the thirteen peripheries of Greece. Crete has been blessed by nature in every way, which includes a beautiful countryside, mountain ranges, fertile plains, and sandy beaches. The climate in Crete is characterized with mild, rainy winters and long, hot, dry summers. The locals are friendly and welcoming and content with farming, which is the key occupational activity. The region grows almost all that it needs, in fact a Cretan diet has been considered as one of the healthiest in the world. So if you are planning to spend a few months every year in this paradise or figuring out a post retirement stay option, be assured of a quality driven lifestyle.

The cost of living in Crete is remarkably inexpensive and an income of £12,000 per year is all that it would take for a comfortable standard of living. The cost of Crete property is significantly cheaper than in the UK. The property market is young and growing, despite today’s depressing global economic climate, therefore the value offered in terms of property investment is definitely a serious motivation to invest in the Crete property market. Additionally, there are factors like tougher building regulations and better managed mortgage terms to attract overseas property investors. Serious developments in the Crete property market are around the corner, and the crux is, that by spending less, you can expect a better deal than if you were to buy a property elsewhere. 

The next positive factor for investing in the Crete property market is Crete’s improved accessibility. It is now much easier to reach Crete from the UK. Air travel has been improvised with new routes offered by budget airlines. It is also easier to travel across the island due to Crete’s roads receiving a fair share of attention from the development squad. Moreover, about 1.6 billion euros are expected to be pumped into the development of tourism resorts and housing, which includes planned development of golf courses.

Crete is becoming increasingly popular as a tourist destination. In fact statistics suggest that over the last few years the Crete economy shows a drop in manufacturing revenues and a sharp increase in service industry contribution, with tourism as the most important component of the service industry. Moreover, Greece has managed to secure a slot in the ‘Top 10 Where To Go In 2009’ list, due to affordable holidays, delicious food, beautiful beaches, sunshine and more to justify the listing. But this is just an official stamp; Crete is a beautiful island and has a slow pace of life, which is certainly a gift every tired Briton deserves.

As you’ve just read, Crete has much to offer to an overseas property investor. When it comes to the time to buy your Crete property, it is advisable to seek professional legal advice because there are various steps and statutory checks that need to be carried out before a property purchase can be completed. This includes needing a Greek tax code. This is an officious process, but is necessary, and your legal advisor can assist you to help make the proceedings as smooth as possible for you to enjoy your great Crete property deal as soon as possible.