Forums » Purchase & construction experiences!

• Emma Wood

  

  • 46 posts
   

  May 26, 2011 2:26:05 PM EEST

  The Corfu Club has received numerous requests from its members for a forum topic which allows people to have their say about purchase and construction experiences; and so we are responding to these requests by creating this heading. There are those who have had a good experience and so of course its important to publicly recognise those that have provided a commendable service. All we would ask is that if you have had a bad experience, you refrain from naming those responsible in the forum and simply describe what happened to you so that others can be made aware of the pitfalls . If members wish to have a private dialogue between their personal profiles then that's between those who choose to do so as these communication can not be accessed by anyone, not even the Corfu Club and its IT team. If material that we consider to be inappropriate is published, then we reserve the right to contact you and ask you to amend or delete it.
  This post was edited by Emma Wood at May 26, 2011 2:28:17 PM EEST
• Sarah Wood

  

  • 8 posts
   

  May 27, 2011 2:47:16 PM EEST

  I think everyone has their own story !!! but I think one of the main things that someone can do to protect themselves is to ensure that you have a project manager who is not the construction company. Having an ' independent ' eye on site, someone who is looking out for your interests is very important.
  
• Emma Wood

  

  • 46 posts
   

  May 27, 2011 7:00:19 PM EEST

  I think it is really important for buyers to ensure that the title of the property is clear and that boundaries are counter-signed by all the neighbours before committing their signature to their purchase at the notary's office. In addition before signing anything there should be an official translation in the buyers native language. This also applies to planning consent. The position of the property is the position of the property. The number of approved square metres is the number of approved square metres. The design is the design. The problems arise when corners are cut, rules are bent and regulations aren't followed. It is perfectly possible to achieve a purchase and a construction project in Corfu providing things are done properly. We would welcome feedback from all those whose projects have gone to plan.
  This post was edited by Emma Wood at May 27, 2011 7:02:35 PM EEST
• David Baker

  

  • 2 posts
   

  May 28, 2011 6:40:39 AM EEST

  Some of you might have seen the report in the national press in the UK of our problem with the illegal construction of a building which completely obstructs our view. For some reason (which escapes me!) it took the authorities just one year and six days to respond to our formal complaint. Then only after pressure from the Ombudsman in Athens. Their reason for not coming to inspect....? It was too far! If the same situation should confront you then make sure that you have sight of the adeia (building permit)m lodge a formal complaint and, if necessary, camp out at the Town Hall until action is taken!
• Emma Wood

  

  • 46 posts
   

  May 28, 2011 7:25:07 AM EEST

  David, could you please share with others how the planning process works here and how it differs from the UK. Plus any other helpful advice you feel people ought to know. Best regards - Emma
• Sarah Wood

  

  • 8 posts
   

  May 28, 2011 10:32:35 AM EEST

  Hi David, yes, I was very sorry to see the report . I'm surprised your lawyer did not do more about it being dealt with more quickly. There are plenty of people supporting you ! and we hope that there is a satisfactory outcome.
  
• Whistle Blower

  

  • 4 posts
   

  June 4, 2011 5:12:14 PM EEST

  I am new to the Corfu Club network and going to be quite outspoken about various issues surrounding property purchase and construction; as well as other subjects. There are numerous good lawyers, notaries, civil egineers, architects and constructors, that no doubt are conducting themselves professionally. However there are many that aren't and think they can get away with anything. Why do they think they can get away with anything? Because that is the atmosphere that society exudes. In my view the behaviour of many within the industry is as a result of deep-rooted corruption within Government departments which enables the system to believe it is untouchable and consequently so do many that deal with it. No wonder Greece is in crisis when backhanders are an every day occurence. How can Government demand better conduct from its citizens, how can it insist that taxes are paid, when the public sees officials feeding like pigs at the trough with no accountability.
  This post was edited by Whistle Blower at June 4, 2011 5:17:50 PM EEST
• Maggie Makris

  

  • 9 posts
   

  June 5, 2011 1:41:45 PM EEST

  Hello Whistle Blower and everyone else here,
  I agree with you 200%. For the past 21/2 years I had to deal with the almost every department in the public sector. Almost everyone that works in the public sector don't believe they are corruptive instead they believe and some of you even have the audacity to confront you and tell you they are doing you a favor. I had shocking wake up call when I had to deal with the nomarhia , when ever I spoke about my problem I always heard if you give a "CAFE" they will help you. A CAFE for something they are already being payed for by us the tax payers. I was appalled by this and since I never gave a CAFE it took them months just for me to receive an answer. I truly believe that people who are lured into the CAFE loop , are only helping corruption. To this day I prefer fighting, shouting, going to their managers even to the nomarhe ( as I did). I will never give in to a CAFE to a PUBLIC SERVANT , because they are a PUBLIC SERVANT and if they don't like it they should leave !! They are pathetic !!!!
  There I had my say !!
• Maggie Makris

  

  • 9 posts
   

  June 5, 2011 1:44:29 PM EEST

  oops correction I meant to say ( some of them ) NOT ( some of you) I get very frustrated when I speak about this.
• Debbie Huffadine

  

  • 1 posts
   

  June 5, 2011 3:24:20 PM EEST

  Building in Corfu is certainly not for the fainthearted yet it can be an incredibly exciting and rewarding experience. Our advice would be to ensure you have a good lawyer and that you thoroughly understand the legal requirements and timescales. Patience is key and also acceptance of cultural differences. We were also very grateful for the help and guidance we received from our estate agents James and Emma Wood. As novices in the world of construction on a greek island, we could not have managed without them. We would also advise that, whoever the contractor may be, a tight and detailed specification of works should be drawn up and the construction process should be closely overseen by an independent project manager. We are in the fortunate position of having a builder in the family who spent four months supervising the latter stages of our build. He found this challenging and completely exhausting but we now have a property that has completely surpassed all expectations in every way. Looking back on the whole experience it has been scary at times but still the most wonderful thing we have done!
• Nelly Grenon

  

  • 7 posts
   

  June 5, 2011 5:07:03 PM EEST

  Well, we have not gone through the purchasing process here, yet, but I do understand what you mean, Maggie, about the CAFE... When we moved to Greece, 6 years ago, I was considered a European citizen repatriating from the US to Europe in general, and Greece in particular. I had to obtain a certificate of repatriation, among other things, and by the time we got to Greece we had everything in order. When the container with our belongings arrived in the port of Piraeus, we had to go and show the certificate, pay the cost of storing the container on port facilities a few days, etc. Having dual citizenship, did not make things easy, as some ignorant officials didn't think it was legal. They tried to hold on to my passports til the next day, saying they would send them back, via the movers, with my belongings. I vehemently refused, of course! Then they wanted to inspect the container, as the detailed list of my belongings included some art. This was just an excuse to break the seals on the container, for later blackmailing, but at the time I had no idea. We managed to get pass their various excuses do delay things, and went on our way home, being assured our furniture would be delivered the following day. I'll make a long story short, but once the seals on the container were broken, this gave them the opportunity to ask for CAFE, or it would remain on the port authorities, unsecured...
  This post was edited by Nelly Grenon at June 5, 2011 5:09:17 PM EEST
• Maggie Makris

  

  • 9 posts
   

  June 5, 2011 5:43:36 PM EEST

  Hello Nelly ,
  I also paid when my container from the states came other wise my container would have remained there or maybe in their homes; )
  They're unbelievable we don't have such things in the States ! ALL public servants here are just LAZY no good doers !!!!!!!!!
  
• David Baker

  

  • 2 posts
   

  June 5, 2011 6:41:52 PM EEST

  We agree wholeheartedly with most of your comments. I tried to write an account of our experience with the property being built for Natasha Kaplinsky but, after 1,000 words, gave up! Much too big for a "Quick Reply"! The whole system is corrupt from top to bottom. I can thoroughly recommend that, if anyone has problems which appear to be insurmountable, then contact the Ombudsman in Athens. I can give you the details.
• Nelly Grenon

  

  • 7 posts
   

  June 5, 2011 7:14:48 PM EEST

  Maggie : my old job in the US was in international relocation, so I still had some good contacts there, and gave them a call. Within minutes, the guy from Greek customs was calling us furious. Before my call, he wanted 200 Euros cash, and for us to drive back 2 hours do hand it to him. After the call, he agreed to half this amount to be wired to him the next morning. I still have the receipt, I figure it may come handy one day ^^ It was quite a culture shock for me to see this level of inefficiency and corruption.
  
• Maggie Makris

  

  • 9 posts
   

  June 6, 2011 9:51:45 AM EEST

  It's pathetic !!! I think we should all come together and write a book about " Greek Public Serpents " living ON Corruption !!! Why did you have to pay ??? Did you owe it to him ???
  He was doing his JOB, why the extra money ???Because they're LAZY !!! Sunshine, coffee and arrogance !!!!
• Emma Wood

  

  • 46 posts
   

  June 6, 2011 10:35:29 AM EEST

  I am not condoning any of the behaviour described above, but I do think one needs to differentiate between those at the top of the ladder in public sector and those at the bottom. Those at the bottom of the ladder are paid inadequate wages and some of them remain unpaid by their town councils since last year. If your net wages are just 700 Euros per month and then you don't even receive them, it doesn't surprise me they are seeking creative ways of lining their pockets, because they have barely anything to live off. The ones in senior positions with access to EU grants, public funds and private deals have been feeding off the system for years at the expense of everyone else. Let's take the consolidation of the mayor's offices into one central office in the city, predominantly in the name of cost cutting. What cost cutting? Seems that overheads are being economized, as some of the buildings are being put out of service, but a majority of staff under their protected employment rights were transferred into other Government offices and many of the mayors now receive pensions to the near equivalent of their pay, on good authority I am told around 4,000 Euros per month! Nice and who is paying for all of that? The tax payer.
  This post was edited by Emma Wood at June 6, 2011 10:36:15 AM EEST
• Nelly Grenon

  

  • 7 posts
   

  June 6, 2011 11:00:18 AM EEST

  I agree with you, Emma, but I think many Greeks are too submissive. My husband currently works in a hotel in Axaravi, and if often frustrated by his colleagues' lack on competence, and worse, their aloof attitude. Many complain they don't get paid on time, some are still waiting for part of their wages from last year, but they keep coming back go work! What's up with that? My husband went to the accounting office this morning, and asked for his pay, which of course was not ready. He told them if he did not have his money in hand by Thursday, he was walking out. But none of his colleagues have the guts to do it. Re: the CAFE, the guy who ransomed our belongings was not at the bottom of the ladder, but he pretended the money was for those who were. We all know it's not true and it went all in his pocket.
  
• Maggie Makris

  

  • 9 posts
   

  June 7, 2011 9:11:15 AM EEST

  Good morning everyone,
  
  Emma, I agree with you 100% on the fact that we have to differentiate between those at the top and those at the bottom. I know someone who hasn't been paid for about 8 months and they have a small child. But the fact that there not being paid is only recently. How about all those years they were receiving, wedding bonuses, child bonuses, heavy duty bonuses and still didn't do their jobs properly. In the States we don't receive bonuses for having children. My grandma is 90 yrs old , she had 4 kids and she still receives child benefits , in what other country does this exist in ???
  Nelly, yes, Greeks are submissive, years back before my e-shop I was working at a local frondistirio from Sept. - April. From Feb. till March I hadn't received any wages so one day I walked out. The school had 60 students , I called 60 parents I explained myself and till this day They respected what I did ,some even asked me for private tutoring. Then i went with my husband and the school and demanded my wages. I went with my husband the second time because the first time I was told that I'm an American and I don't understand how the system works ??!!!
  They all deserve what they are receiving !!!
  
• Emma Wood

  

  • 46 posts
   

  June 7, 2011 10:42:20 PM EEST

  Hi Maggie, I have, on my travels, been told the most outrageous stories. One senior Government official told me that there are somewhere between 25,000 - 30,000 people on the island claiming the pensions of dead people. I am not talking about widows benefit for them, I am referring to their actual pensions. Just imagine that, it could just go on from one generation to another, which seems to be what you are suggesting with your 90 year old grandma still claiming child benefit. Just out interest how old are her children now and when was the benefit actually meant to have stopped. I went into a Citizen Advice Bureau, which are now over-staffed because redundant town hall staff have since been transferred in. I had to laugh, 4 workers at the desk cubicles serving public, another 8 standing around because there isn't enough furniture in the department. They were playing musical chairs, switching over every half hour, so each one of them was working for 1/2 and then taking a 1 hour break. Utter madness. Emma
• Emma Wood

  

  • 46 posts
   

  June 28, 2011 10:26:19 AM EEST

  Dear David, I hope you are managing to find a resolution to your problem. Have you succeeded in find a way forward? Best wishes - Emma
• Sarah Wood

  

  • 8 posts
   

  June 28, 2011 11:15:56 AM EEST

  yes David, we haven't heard any more on that subject and I do hope it is not an attempt by others to sweep it under the carpet. it may be that you are fed up of discussing it, but we all hope that a solution is found and that the right thing is done.