East Crete Property Renovation

Many overseas buyers appreciate the traditional charm of old stone property in east Crete, while wanting a home adapted for modern living.

Seeing an old house restored to personal preference is a major attraction for many buyers of property for renovation, but be aware if buying a total ruin - while it may seem like a cheaper option, there can be a lot more involved in making it habitable than some agents will tell you during a viewing.

Crete Select Property is experienced in managing property renovations and our renovations are locally renowned for their matchless style and finish.

Property Renovation Guide

Renovated old village properties can make wonderful homes full of character, and the overall experience of having renovated your own home can be tremendously satisfying.

However there can also be some pitfalls to renovating old stone houses that are worth considering before setting out.

Based on our experiences of renovating property on Crete, see the checklist below with some useful points to consider when viewing old properties and estimating renovation costs:-

Before purchase -

• Do make sure that utilities, if not already there, can be connected to an old ruin.  This includes mains drainage, as if not possible, sufficient land must be available on-site to construct a septic or drain-away tank.
• Do get a professional opinion as to whether the roof should be replaced or any walls are structurally unstable.

When costing renovation works -

• Make sure that you take into account any necessary IKA payments for works carried out (check with your builder before agreeing to a quote whether IKA payments are included).
• Consider the logistics of transporting building materials if your property has limited road access - a ruin accessed via a narrow village footpath can seem perfect for peace and relaxation, but transporting renovation materials will have to be done by hand - slow and heavy work if done alone, costly if hired hands are needed...

Finally -

• Be realistic with timescales and sceptical of promised deadlines - a renovation will always take longer than anticipated!

Before Renovation...

...And After