Purchasing property is one of the most significant decisions you will make, and having the right team beside you determines the quality of that experience. At Chase Real Estate Corfu, we bring over 12 years of European real estate experience to every transaction, combined with an intimate knowledge of the Corfu property market that only comes from being truly embedded in it.
Our team has direct access to exclusive off-market properties and maintains close relationships with the island’s leading agencies, giving our clients access to the widest possible selection of available properties. We understand what drives value in the Corfu market, we know the locations, and we know what to look for. That knowledge is placed entirely at your service from the moment we begin working together.
We listen carefully, we advise honestly, and we represent your interests at every stage of the process. From the initial search through to price negotiation, legal coordination, and final completion, Chase Real Estate Corfu is with you every step of the way.ย
Ready to begin your search? Contact us today to arrange a consultation and let us guide you towards your perfect property in Corfu.
Getting to know you
The foundation of a successful property search is understanding exactly what you are looking for. Before anything else, we take the time to get to know you through a personalised phone or Zoom consultation. We discuss your requirements, your priorities, and your budget in detail, allowing us to provide informed guidance on locations, property types, and realistic options available within the current market.
Sourcing your property
Once your requirements are confirmed, we begin a comprehensive search across our own portfolio and through our established network of relationships with the largest property agencies on the island. This gives our clients access to the vast majority of available properties in Corfu at any given time.
Given the current levels of demand in the market, we typically begin our search two weeks before your planned arrival to ensure that suitable properties are identified and secured for viewing before they are taken off the market. We curate a focused selection based on your criteria, present these to you for review, and arrange all viewing appointments with one of our experienced agents accompanying you throughout.
Negotiation
Once a property of interest has been identified, we manage the negotiation process on your behalf and assist with the preparation of private agreements. Our goal is to secure the best possible terms for you while maintaining a professional relationship with all parties involved.
The conveyancing process
As part of our full service, we introduce you to our trusted network of local professionals including lawyers, engineers, and notaries, and keep you informed about what each stage of the conveyancing process involves. We remain actively involved throughout the transaction, ensuring that you have expert guidance at every step and that nothing falls through the cracks.
Steps following price agreement
Step 1: Private agreement and reservation deposit
Once a price has been agreed by all parties, Chase Real Estate Corfu will draft a private agreement to be signed by both buyer and seller, with CRE acting as intermediary. A reservation deposit of โฌ5,000 is paid to our business account, securing the property and formally removing it from the market.
Step 2: Due diligence and legal checks
Following the signing of the reservation agreement, your lawyer and the seller’s lawyer work together to conduct all necessary legal checks and compile the required documentation. Should any unforeseen issues arise during this period, you retain the right to cancel the agreement and receive a full refund of your deposit.
Step 3: Engineer’s report and property inspection
Once legal checks are complete, you instruct an engineer to carry out a thorough inspection of the property. This includes a review of all mechanical documentation such as topographic surveys and floor plans to confirm they accurately reflect the current condition and configuration of the property. A full building and condition report is provided upon completion.
Step 4: Notarised final contract
When all parties are satisfied with the results of due diligence and inspection, the transaction proceeds to a notarised final contract. This stage typically takes up to 12 weeks, though some transactions may require additional time depending on the complexity of the case.
The professionals involved
Lawyer (general cost: 2% + VAT)
Your lawyer plays a central role in the purchasing process. Once granted power of attorney, they can obtain your Greek tax number, open a bank account, set up utilities, and sign contracts on your behalf, making the entire purchase process manageable from abroad. Their primary duty is to verify that the property is legally registered and that all contracts are correctly in place. If required, your lawyer will also assist with your Golden Visa application.
Engineer (general cost: โฌ500 to โฌ1,500 + VAT)
The engineer is responsible for assessing the physical condition of the property and producing a detailed condition report. They also cross-reference the seller’s documentation, including plot plans and floor plans, against the actual property to confirm everything is consistent and accurate.
Notary (general cost: 2% + VAT)
A notary is required for all property purchases in Greece. The notary independently reviews all documentation submitted by the lawyers and engineer, drafts the final legally binding contract, oversees its execution by both buyer and seller, and registers the completed transaction with the relevant state authorities.
Cost breakdown
- Real estate agent fee: 2% + VAT
- Lawyer fee: 2% + VAT
- Notary fee: 2% + VAT
- Property purchase tax: 3.09%
- Engineer’s report: โฌ500 to โฌ1,500 + VAT
- Golden Visa application (where applicable): average โฌ4,500