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Why are there so many half built buildings in Greece?

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nadellii

nadellii

Active member
There are like SO MANY…someone please explain why!! I’m super curious 😎
 
LOL this is a good and funny question to ask! :)

My answer is pure speculation based on years of going to Greece (and hearing family/friends stories, etc), could be a combination of the following:

- Wanting to build on a plot of land and not wanting to pay taxes.
- Running out of funding during construction process.
- Fire or another natural disaster and waiting for insurance company to repair.
- Waiting for building permits to get approved.

Again, these are some thoughts and ideas as to why buildings might not be fully built in Greece.🇬🇷
 
Worldwide Greeks Editor said:
LOL this is a good and funny question to ask! :)

My answer is pure speculation based on years of going to Greece (and hearing family/friends stories, etc), could be a combination of the following:

- Wanting to build on a plot of land and not wanting to pay taxes.
- Running out of funding during construction process.
- Fire or another natural disaster and waiting for insurance company to repair.
- Waiting for building permits to get approved.

Again, these are some thoughts and ideas as to why buildings might not be fully built in Greece.🇬🇷
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The most common is running out of funds but they know when they start they don't have enough funds to complete. They start the project and continue until they run out in the hope they will have the funds to finish some time in the future .
Building insurance is not very common in Greece like it is in your country, it does exist but only a very small % have some cover . The same with comprehensive motor car insurance but a bigger % have it.
 
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Jerry s said:
The most common is running out of funds but they know when they start they don't have enough funds to complete. They start the project and continue until they run out in the hope they will have the funds to finish some time in the future .
Building insurance is not very common in Greece like it is in your country, it does exist but only a very small % have some cover . The same with comprehensive motor car insurance but a bigger % have it.
Click to expand...
Yes this is true and the majority of the reason you'll see so many half built buildings. Also many people take out loans and then run into more money issues down the line. In general, there isn't a lot of financial planning and thinking ahead on Greece, people are trying to make a quick buck
 
nadellii said:
There are like SO MANY…someone please explain why!! I’m super curious 😎
Click to expand...
In Greece, there is a loophole tax rule (at least, there was when I asked someone in Greece this question). If the home is unfinished, you don't need to pay taxes. So, many homes were made to look unfinished to try to avoid being taxed. Then, there are also some areas where there was a housing boom, then the boom ended and the construction on certain homes was abandoned. This happened on Crete - there were many homes being built around an American military base, but then the base was closed. So there are a fair amount of home skeletons in the area where the base was.
 
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Last-minute travel tips in Greece

I love to travel to Greece and I do so whenever I can. There's an art to it, though, and I am never really going into it "blind". It's a good idea to start by thinking generally about where you might want to go.

Athens is usually the starting point for most travelers, with its iconic Acropolis offering panoramic views and a history lesson all in one spot. If you're a beach lover, head towards the Cyclades for stunning beaches and the classic, postcard-worthy Santorini sunsets. Or, if it's history you're after, the ruins of Delphi or the ancient city of Mycenae will surely captivate you.

Then, we need to figure out how to get where we want to go. For island hopping, the ferries are an experience in themselves – though if you're time-strapped, consider a local flight to get you to the major islands quickly. On the mainland, a mix of car rentals and public transport can be efficient and economical, especially when visiting sites off the tourist map. Keep an eye on the schedules and book in advance if possible to save time.

Sometimes I rent a car, to be honest it's the easiest for me.

The rest of the details tend to sort themselves out. For example, you can book your lodging as you go along, especially off-peak.

When does tourist season end in Greece?

I am planning my next Greek trip.

I want to go in October but the people I am traveling with - we won't be able to to go until mid-October.

I have been to Crete that late in the year and to Athens, but not anywhere else. On our schedule is to visit some of the smaller islands, like Hydra.

Do places like that shut down? My main concern is, will the tourist shops be closed? I love to browse through them and it's part of my enjoyment.

Cycladic Islands in Greece 'Threatened by Surge in Tourism!

Visiting Delphi worth it?

I am trying to figure out if visiting Delphi is worth it. I want to fit seeing as many historical sites as I can into my itinerary. I've always been fascinated by ancient cultures and their histories, which naturally puts places like Athens and Santorini on my list. Recently, I've been reading up on Delphi and am intrigued by its significant historical and cultural value, not to mention its picturesque landscapes.

Given its status as the center of the world in ancient Greek civilization and the home of the famous oracle, it sounds like a place full of fascinating stories and ruins. However, I'm also aware that Greece is full of remarkable places to visit, each with its unique allure.

Taking a culinary tour of Greece

I would like to take a tour or create my own itinerary to do nothing but visit Greece to eat all the food. I want to go to some unique and memorable destinations. For many reasons, both Ikaria and Crete are on my list. I will have maybe two weeks in Greece so I truly don't have the itinerary fleshes out. Or if anyone can recommend a tour company, that would be good too.

Some questions:

Best Time to Visit: What's the ideal time of year for such a tour, considering weather, food seasons, and avoiding peak tourist crowds?
Must-Visit Places: Besides the obvious choices like Athens and Santorini, are there any off-the-beaten-path locations that are a foodie's dream?
Local Experiences: Are there particular cooking classes, food markets, or local farms that offer a deeper dive into Greek cuisine and its preparation?
Travel Tips: Any logistical tips for traveling within Greece that might make moving from one culinary destination to another smoother?

Thanks in advance!
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