Greek Travel Community

Why are there so many half built buildings in Greece?

1 - 5 of 5 Posts
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.🇬🇷
Click to expand...
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.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Worldwide Greeks Editor
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.
 
1 - 5 of 5 Posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION AND READ OTHER GREEK INFO:

Pack List for Trip to Greece in Spring

I have a trip to Greece planned in the spring. Mainly, I want advice on the weather. In the meantime, I made my best guess and came up with a list. Anything to add or subtract?

Clothing
  • A light rain jacket or windbreaker: For the inevitable April showers
  • A couple of long-sleeve shirts: For those cooler mornings
  • A lightweight sweater: For layering when temperature changes
  • A pair of comfortable pants: Think breathable fabrics like cotton, and a pair of jeans.
  • Shorts and a sundress: For warmer afternoons
  • Comfortable walking shoes: You’ll be exploring villages and ancient ruins, so cushioned soles are a must.
Accessories
  • A versatile scarf: Can double as a shawl on cooler evenings
  • A wide-brimmed hat: For sun protection
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen: Essential for beach days
  • Reusable water bottle: To stay hydrated without contributing more waste

Best places in Greece to see the Venetian influences?

I am interested in the Venetian influences that are interwoven into certain parts of the country. From the architecture to the local customs, I understand that the reach of the Venetian Republic left a notable mark that can still be felt today.

I'm in the midst of planning an itinerary focused on exploring these influences and I’d love to hear from you about the must-visit spots where one can best experience the essence of the Venetian presence in Greece.

Do any of you have recommendations for specific towns, buildings, ruins, or even local festivities that embody this cultural blend? Any hidden gems or lesser-known locations that surprised you with their Venetian charm?

Of course, I expect Crete, with its famed Venetian fortresses and the romantic old town of Chania, to be part of this list. But I'm certain there is a wealth of places, perhaps on other islands or on the mainland, which equally showcase this unique period of history. I also know there are influences in Corfu. Is there anywhere else?

Greek Islands Food Tour?

I am a foodie and I love to cook. Does anyone know of any food tour situations that I can do in the islands, or maybe island hopping?

I am in the midst of planning an exciting adventure to Greece and am particularly interested in experiencing the country through its cuisine. I've heard that island hopping offers not just stunning views but also a taste of local flavors that differ from island to island.

With so many beautiful islands, from the renowned Santorini to the charming Skopelos, I'm looking for recommendations on food tours or culinary experiences that are part of island hopping packages. Any recommendations you may have would be great!

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!

Finding Good Food Tours of Greece?

I love Greek cuisine. I cook it all the time and I love trying new recipes. The time has come for me to think about planning a food tour! Does anyone have any advice?

I would love to hear from members of this forum about their experiences with food tours in Greece.
  1. Which regions or cities offer the best food tours?
  2. Any specific food tour companies or guides that you would recommend?
  3. What were some of the standout dishes or culinary experiences on your tour?
  4. Are there options for people with dietary restrictions, such as vegetarians?
  5. What should one expect in terms of cost and duration?
Any tips or advice on how to get the most out of such a tour would be greatly appreciated too! Thanks!
Sign up for a free account and share your thoughts, photos, questions about Greek food, travel and culture!

WorldwideGreeks.com is a free online forum community where people can discuss Greek food, travel, traditions, history and mythology.
Join Worldwide Greeks here!

JOIN COMMUNITY FOR FREE

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
Back
Top