5 Simple Tips On How To Protect Your Land In Greece
Are you certain you still own land in Greece? Under Greek Law, if a third party enters, uses, or builds on another person’s property, then he or she can in fact claim ownership of that person’s property under certain circumstances.
Aside from lengthy, costly and often futile court cases, you may actually end up losing your rights to your land. Here are 5 simple, low-cost and practical tips that can help prevent a prospective trespasser claim rights to your property.
1. FENCE and SIGNAGE.
Fencing your property is the most efficient and inexpensive way to mark the boundaries of your land. Once your fence is up, put up a sign with contact information of someone you trust and lives in Greece.
2. GET AN ACCURATE LAND SURVEY WITH COORDINATES.
An accurate land survey is necessary to properly locate the boundaries of your property before putting up your fence, not to mention that it is required when issuing a building permit for that fence.
3. CHECK ON YOUR PROPERTY REGULARLY.
Have someone visit and check on your property on a regular basis. Ask this person to take pictures and to always have a witness present.
4. MAINTAIN YOUR PROPERTY.
Have someone regularly clear your property from wild bushes and even better, cultivate it all year round if possible. Maintaining your land clear is also important to avoid having it declared as “forestry land” by Greek authorities which may result in it being “unusable” for construction purposes.
5. LEASE YOUR PROPERTY.
Formally rent your land to a local farmer. The lease itself serves as proof of the owner’s rights in the land, even if the lease reflects a small fee.
How we can help with your Greek property needs.
We consult, design and construct. As a boutique property firm, our turn-key services cater to non-Greeks and diaspora Greeks, always based on your individual needs and the unique characteristics of your property. With over 25 years of hands-on local experience, we are highly versed in property laws and know how to efficiently navigate the Greek system. We are about providing a trustworthy and professional service for everything property related in Greece.