Buying Property in Crete - Topography

In order that the Notary can write the Contract, there needs to be a topographic plan of the property so that it can be described in the Contract. Unless the property that you have chosen has been sold within the last ten years it is very unlikely that a topographic plan of it that is drawn to the required standards will exist.

We instruct a topographer to make the plan, on your behalf. The topographer's team visit site and use very specialist equipment to take the measurements from which the topographic plan will be drawn. Since the topographer is a qualified civil engineer, if you require any other engineering functions like a structural report, these can be carried out at the same time to minimise expenditure.

Topographic plans take many forms and we will ask you to specify whether you want tree positions marked, whether you want the contours of the land marked etc before we commission the survey.

The topographer will determine whether the property is inside or outside the village limits or within a border zone. He/she will then determine the building allowance for the property you are purchasing. Thus you buy your property with the knowledge that what we have told you has been signed off by a professional engineer.

Greek law states that the topographic plan should be commissioned by and paid for by the seller. However, it is customary and safer for the topographic plan to be commissioned and paid for by the purchaser. The fees for a topography range from €300 upwards, depending on the complexity and size of the property.

The topographic plan also details who your neighbours are. If there is any possibility of a dispute about borders we will obtain the signatures of these neighbours on the topograhy.