Property Where to Buy Buying Property in Kefalonia
Buying Property in Kefalonia
The Greek Island of Kefalonia has a distinctly Italianate feel with its Venetian architecture. One of the most popular tourist destinations, it has caught the eye of property buyers who appreciate an island large enough to have all facilities and amenities, yet small enough to be away from the larger tourist traps. Demand for second and permanent homes is increasing as Kefalonia property is affordable and the island unspoiled.
Over 50 years ago, there were a series of earthquakes which left the main part of the buildings in ruins. Since that time property development has been strictly controlled so that buildings are constructed to withstand any such future earthquakes. A large portion of the population left the island but many have gradually returned. With the increasing number of tourists and, now, home buyers, Kefalonia is cosmopolitan. Despite people coming to the island, there is only a population of some 40,000, so it is never crowded.
Property available on the island runs from building plots to old properties for renovation and from modern apartments to luxury villas with pools. Whatever property you choose, because of the layout of the island you will never be far ffrom the beach or the mountains. With the island being only a short flight of just under three hours from most British airports, access is quick and easy - and return trips home to see family is convenient and inexpensive.
The majority of property buyers decide upon Kefalonia as they don't want to be with the very large crowds which some islands attract or want to get to a place without large British communities.
However, the island does have many foreign residents, including around 2,000 Brit expats, and offers all amenities for day to day living. With satellite television available, there is no reason for anyone to miss their fave programmes from back home. Broadband is now widely available, apart from the most rural villages and there are two hospitals on Kefalonia, with the largest one at Argostoli.
Why Kefalonia
Property on Kefalonia ticks all the boxes for the fundamentals of real estate investing:
Location - idyllic
Property - development has been strictly controlled
Tourism - consistent growth, anticipated to be 4% year on year
Argostoli - the capital is a year round resort
Although the Italian (Venetian) influence is strong on the island, together with a mix of French and British, Kefalonia retains the authentic Greek character, which some of the other islands have not quite achieved.
Property hotspots
Fiskardo - a chic location and a lovely marina. This is the main tourist destination on the island with a natural safe harbour. This is the only village not ruined by the 1953 earthquakes and maintains traditional architecture. As the location is so picturesque and popular as a yachting haunt, property prices are about 20% higher than elsewhere on the island.
Myrtos Beach - on the list of the world's best beaches with stunning white sand and turquoise clear sea, property around this area is much sought after.
Argostoli - the capital in the south west of the island. The largest town with good commercial activity. Modern buildings lie side by side with traditional Ionian architecture. Wide streets with pedestrianised areas, numerous cafes, restaurants and bars. Much of the property available is in the city centre.
Skala - a village on the coast in the southern part of Kefalonia. Very popular with tourists as it has a long sandy beach and is surrounded by pine forests.
On the south coast - of interest to buyers are the developing fishing harbour of Katelios, Lassi resort (more lively), and the village of Lourdas.
What's on offer..
Sea view villa. This beautiful villa stands in a stunning location overlooking the Island of Ithaka, the sea, Lefkas, and the entrance to the bay of Fiskardo.
The villa comprises two bedrooms, both with ensuite bathroom and balcony. There is a spacious open-plan kitchen / living / dining room with fireplace. The villa comes complete with a private swimming pool measuring 7m x 3.5m. Overall this pretty villa providdes 112 s.qm of living on a garden of 500 sq.m
Price : 350,000 euros
www.kefalonianproperty.com
A unique style, timber framed property which was built in 2003 and is located in a rural setting within the village of Valeriano with views of the mountains. Measuring 84 sq.m, this house is located on a generous 1178 sq.m plot. Comprising two separate living areas, the first of which has a bedroom, bathroom kitchen and lounge. The second area has a further bedroom,, bathroom, galley kitchen and a studio/lounge which could be used as a third ensuite bedroom. There are three balconies, a driveway with off road parking and a pretty garden with established trees and shrubs. With all local amenities nearby and Koroni beach just 10 minutes away.
Price : 160,000 euros
www.vallianoshomes.com
Situated in Mavrata village, this is a delightful three bedroom villa with swimming pool and panoramic sea views. The living space is 180 sq.m and the villa is in a small complex of three stylish independent villas. Three good size bedrooms, air conditioning, balcony, garage, alarm, fireplace and central heating are all provided.
Price: € 290,000
www.homegreekhome.com
More information about this beautiful island: Captain Korelli's Kefalonia