6989508447,6978245071 33 Ioanni Chroni Street, Corfu info@constructionlaw.gr
     
 
 
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CONSTRUCTION & LAW
 
 
     
 
 
 
     
 
  Why should I choose an office that combines a Civil Engineer and a Lawyer instead of two separate professionals? 
Because you save time, money, and avoid the “passing of responsibility”. In Greek real estate, technical legislation and property law are deeply interconnected. Usually, an engineer will ask you to find a lawyer for a legal issue, delaying the process. With us, design review, title checks, and urban planning issues are handled simultaneously under one roof.
 
  Have you inherited a property and do not know what procedure to follow for accepting the inheritance?
Our office undertakes the drafting and full execution of inheritance acceptance deeds, in accordance with the applicable legal framework and recent legislative changes. With Law 5095/2024 and specifically Article 11, which amended Article 812 of the Code of Civil Procedure, lawyers are now allowed to draft inheritance acceptance declarations and complete the relevant procedure before the competent authorities. This regulation strengthened the role of the lawyer in inheritance succession and significantly simplified the completion of related acts.

Inheritance Acceptance is the act by which the heir formally acquires rights over the inherited estate. Especially when real estate is involved, acceptance and registration at the Land Registry or Cadastre Office is a necessary prerequisite for any future transfer, such as sale, parental gift, or donation of the property.

Our office undertakes:
• drafting the inheritance acceptance deed
• legal title review
• urban planning compliance checks
• preparation of topographic diagrams, floor plans, Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
• legalization of unauthorized constructions
• registration at the Land Registry or Cadastre

Our goal is the fast and effective completion of the process, with full legal and technical guidance at every stage.

 
  The 7 Mistakes that Reduce the Value of Your Property
    • Outdated property titles
    • Pending cadastral issues
    • Unauthorized constructions without proper legalization
    • Unclear preliminary agreement terms
    • Insufficient check of encumbrances and mortgages
    • Poor payment process organization
    • Lack of strategic preparation before the transaction

 
  How exactly does a new building permit or renovation permit increase the commercial value of my property? 
The answer lies in the word “marketability”. An old, unrenovated property with unclear legal or planning status attracts buyers looking for opportunities at low prices. By issuing a permit for a full renovation and energy upgrade, your property automatically becomes “Bank-Friendly” (easily financed by banks) and attractive to premium buyers or investors. We design this upgrade and ensure it is implemented 100% legally.
 
  On my plot there is remaining building capacity (I can build additional square meters). How does your office protect me during construction?
Adding new square meters significantly increases your property’s value, but construction hides risks. Our team does not stop at issuing the building permit. As engineers, we supervise the quality of the project. As lawyers, we draft bulletproof construction contracts, protecting you from hidden costs, poor workmanship, delays by contractors, or problems with social security contributions (EFKA).
 
  I have some old unauthorized constructions on my property. Can I proceed with sale or renovation?
Not without prior regularization. The law requires an engineer’s certificate confirming no unauthorized constructions for transfers and renovations. We undertake to identify, legalize, and “clean” your property legally and technically so it can be immediately utilized, increasing its market value.
 
  How long does it take to issue my building permit?
The timeframe depends on the complexity of the project and the local planning authority (Urban Planning Office). However, our key advantage is that by conducting a flawless legal and technical review from the start, we prevent errors that cause delays. We also fully utilize the e-Permits system and fast-track procedures to deliver your permit as quickly as possible.
 
  How much does a swimming pool really increase the sale value of a holiday home or villa?
Adding a swimming pool is not an expense, it is pure added value. In today’s market (especially in tourist areas), a property with a properly designed pool does not just increase its price by 20% to 30%, but achieves a dramatic increase in value. The same applies to short-term rentals (Airbnb), where a pool places your property in the premium category. We handle both permitting (urban planning/legal) and full construction.
 
  What exactly does the “Design-to-Sell” approach include and how does it differ from a simple renovation?
The “Design-to-Sell” approach is a strictly technical process. As engineers, we analyze market data and implement targeted interventions (e.g. energy upgrades, smart automation, layout redesign) that we know increase marketability and final sale price (Premium Pricing) at the lowest possible investment cost.
 
  How does Cost-Benefit Analysis protect my capital? 
Owners often over-invest in renovations (over-capitalization) without being able to recover their money upon sale. Our scientific cost-benefit analysis calculates precisely the added value of each intervention. If an upgrade costs €10,000 but increases the property value by only €5,000, we prevent its execution. Our goal is maximum profit margin.
 
  I live permanently abroad (or have no time at all). Can you handle the renovation without me being present? 
Absolutely. We operate as full project managers of your investment (Project Managers). From issuing permits and signing contracts with contractors, to supervision, material orders, and settlement of EFKA (IKA). You simply receive regular written reports, photos, drone videos, and continuous progress updates, and at the end you receive a fully completed property.
 
  I want to buy an old property, renovate it with your permit, and resell it (Flipping). When should I contact you? Before paying the deposit!
This is the secret of successful investors. We perform simultaneous Technical and Legal Due Diligence. Our lawyer checks property titles and encumbrances at the Land Registry/Cadastre, and our engineer checks the building for hidden structural issues or unauthorized constructions that may block renovation permits. This way, you avoid buying a property with “huge hidden costs” and invest with confidence.
 
  During permit preparation, a problem was found with the Land Registry or the Forestry Service. What do we do?
This is the point where most owners get discouraged, but for us it is our specialty. Our legal team immediately files the necessary objections or correction requests (e.g. obvious cadastral error), while our technical team prepares the correct topographic surveys and reports. The issue is resolved “internally”, without you having to run around.
 
  Do you protect against hidden encumbrances?
Yes — we check titles, encumbrances, and where necessary we propose escrow / title-cover clauses.
 
  Why have a lawyer on the seller’s side?
The buyer usually conducts extensive legal and technical due diligence.

The seller must be equally protected.

With proper preparation:
    • the process is accelerated,
    • your negotiating power is strengthened,
    • price reductions are avoided,
    • future liability risk is reduced.

 
  Do you cover Golden Visa / company setup?
Yes — we provide advisory and complete packages for residency and corporate structuring in Greece.
 
  Why can a contract hide millions?
Imagine acquiring the ideal villa in Mykonos. The seller wants immediate signing. However, hidden legal encumbrances in the contract reduce its value by 20%.
That is where Contract Strategy™ intervenes. Our team identified the issue, negotiated on your behalf, and you saved €1.5 million before even moving in.

 
  Seller or Buyer? See Immediately What You Need
Answer the following questions to understand what your case requires.

For the Seller
    1. Does your property have clear titles without encumbrances or mortgages?
    2. Are there technical or planning issues that may block the sale?
    3. Do you want to increase the property’s market value before listing?
    4. Do you need assurance that the full price will be paid?
If you answered YES to 1 or more:

You need a strategic sales review.
Book an appointment for preliminary evaluation.

For the Buyer
    5. Do you want to ensure the property has no hidden legal or planning issues?
    6. Will you use a bank loan for the purchase?
    7. Do you want full protection in the preliminary and final contracts?
    8. Do you want to avoid future legal or financial claims?
If you answered YES to 1 or more:

You need legal due diligence and buyer protection strategy.
Book an appointment for secure purchase.

Note: For Special Cases
    • If the property has complex issues, or is a high-value investment project, a tailored strategy is required.
    • Our personal guidance aims to avoid delays, price reductions, or legal and planning pitfalls.