Checklist before buying in Greece.

Do it Yourself : Inspection of Property.

Title : Check that the property corresponds with its Description in the TITLE: Number of rooms , Plot Size , Area of the House in sq.m. , Landscaping , General Terms of Obligation .

Plot : Identify the physical boundaries of the plot. Is there any dispute with anyone over these boundaries ? Are there any obvious foreign elements on your plot such as pipes , cables drainage ditches , water tanks , etc. ? Are there any signs of anyone else having rights over the property-footpaths , access ways ,cartridges from hunting , etc. ? Are any parts of what you are buying physically separated from the rest of the property - e.g. a storage area or parking area in a basement several floors below an apartment or a garage on a plot on the other side of the road from the house which it serves ?

Garden - Terrace : Are any plants , ornaments ,etc. on site not being sold with property ?

Pool : Is there a pool ? If so : What size is it ? Is it clean and algae-free ? Do the pumps work ? How old is the machinery ? Who maintains it ? What is the annual cost of maintenance ? Does it appear to be in good condition ?

Walls : Stand back from property and inspect from outside : Any signs of subsidence ? Walls vertical ? Any obvious cracks in the walls ? Are the walls well pointed ? Any obvious damp patches ? Any new repairs to walls or signs of re-pointing ? The same from inside.

Roof : Inspect from outside property : Does the roof sag ? Are there any missing/slipped tiles ? Do all faces of the roof join squarely ? If there is lead flashing , is the lead present and in good order ?

Guttering and Downpipes : Inspect from outside property : All present ? Do they seem to be in good order ? Securely attached ? Fall of guttering constant ? Any obvious leaks ? Any signs of recent repairs ?

Enter Property : Does it smell of damp ? Does it smell 'musty' ? Does it smell of dry dot ? Any other strange smells ?

Doors : Any signs of rot ? Close properly-without catching ? Provide a proper seal ? All locks work ?

Windows : Any signs of rot ? Open and close properly - without catching ? Provide a proper seal ? Window catches work ? Any security locks ? Do they work ? Any sign of excessive condensation ?

Floor : Can you see it all ? Does it appear in good condition ? Is there any sign of cracked or rotten boards , tiles , concrete ?

Roof Void : Is it accessible ? Is there sign of water entry ? Can you see daylight through the roof ? Is there an underlining between the tiles and the void ? Any sign of rot in timbers ? Horizontal distance between roof timbers ? Size of roof timber (section) ? Maximum unsupported length of roof timbers ? Is roof insulated - if so , what is the depth and type of insulation ?

General Woodwork : Any signs of rot ? Any signs of wood-boring insects ? Is it dry ?

Electricity : Is the property connected to mains electricity ? If not , how far away is the nearest mains electricity ? Check electricity meter : How old is it ? What is its rated capacity ? Check all visible wiring : What type is it ? Does it appear to be in good physical condition ? Check all plugs : Is there power to the plug ? Does a plug tester show good earth and show OK ?Are there enough plugs ? Lighting : Do all lights work ? Which light fittings are included in sale ?

Water : Is the property connected to mains water ? If not , what is the size of the storage tank ? If not connected to the water supply , how near is the nearest mains water supply ? Do all hot and cold taps work ? Is flow adequate ? Do taps drip ? Is there a security cut-off on all taps between the mains and tap ? Do they seem in good condition ? Are pipes insulated ?

Hot Water : Is hot water on ? If so , does it work at all taps , showers , etc. ? What type of hot water system is fitted ? Age ?

Central Heating : Is the property fitted with central heating ? If so : Is it on ? Will it turn on ? What type is it ? Is there heat at all radiators/ outlets ? Do any thermostats appear to work ? Are there any signs of leak ? How old is the system ? When was it last serviced ? If it is oil-fired , what capacity is the storage tank ?

Fireplaces : Is property fitted with any solid fuel heaters ? If so : Is there any sign of blow-back from the chimneys ? Do the chimneys (outside) show stains from leakage ? Do the chimneys seem in good order ?

Drainage : What type of drainage does the property have ? If septic tank , how old is it ? Who maintains it ? When was it last maintained ? Is there any smell of drainage problems in bathrooms and toilets ? Does water drain away rapidly from all skins , showers and toilets ? Is there any inspection access through which you can see drainage taking place ? Is there any sign of plant ingress to drains ? Do drains appear to be in good condition and well pointed ?

Kitchen :  Do all cupboards open/close properly ? Any sign of rot ? Tiling secure and in good order ? Enough plugs ? What appliances are included in sale ? Do they work ? Age of appliances included ?

Bathroom : Security and condition of tiling ? Is there a bath ? Is there a shower ? Is there a bidet ? Age and condition of fittings ? Adequate ventilation ?

Disputes and Defects : Is the seller aware of any disputes in relation to the property ? Is the seller aware of any defects in the property ?