I regularly get the question "can I ask how you bought a house on Karpathos?". Logically, it is of course special to buy a house abroad, especially at our age. Yet we do not see buying a house abroad as an impossible one. In fact, I think a lot of people could do this too. Why? We tell you that on the basis of a number of tips that have helped us. Enjoy!

Do your priorities lie in buying a house abroad?

Many people are quick to respond "I don't have money for this or that" or "I don't have time". Bullshit. You do have money and you also have the time, you only set other priorities ???? This is of course completely fine, but that is something that you have to accept. And I understand that a house on Karpathos is not for everyone, but if you start setting priorities, a large part could also do this. For example, we do not live large in the Netherlands, just in an apartment complex (a starter home). We had some luck with the housing market. We have been living here for 4 years now and at the time the interest rate and house prices were a lot lower. Yet if we had already started living bigger, we would never have been able to afford a house on Karpathos. That's why setting your priorities is important.

That doesn't mean I never long for a bigger house with a garden ;). But I am aware of why I do not (yet) live in a larger house. I know very well that for me a house on Karpathos and a small (er) house in the Netherlands is more important than a villa in the Netherlands (proof of speaking). I can't afford a villa haha).

In this way, you need to check with yourself (and your family) where your priorities lie. Do you really need that new car or that new kitchen? We have been driving the same car for 6 years. This is Vincent's first car and we deliberately only kept it to one car. Sure, we would like a new one, but our priorities are simply not there.

... and have a little guts

Normally, of the two of us, I am the one who makes the most impulsive decision, but with buying our house on Karpathos, Vincent was just that. Money was there and we wanted it, so why not?! Still, I was in the "yes, but what if..." phase. Vincent stayed very cool about that, which I admire a lot. What was the worst thing that could happen? That for whatever reason, we couldn't afford the house anymore. Okay, you think violently, but that is solved very quickly by selling the house again. Not fun, there is a solution for everything.

Stepping out of your comfort zone is incredibly difficult. Especially because your environment is often inclined to put you back in when you step out. Reflecting on the worst thing that can happen to you will certainly help you to make that long-cherished decision (s). Because often that worst event is not so bad, you get over it or what happens to you, if you do it, much heavier than if you do not do it.

Money, money, money!

Of course you need money to buy a house abroad, but you don't have to be a millionaire for that. It's not that we're choking on the money and although Vincent has a well-paid full-time job, I wasn't working at the time, due to illness. I still only work 13 hours a week. Just look openly at the options out there, because there are plenty of them!

For example, do you have savings in the bank? If you already have a nice amount in the bank, it is smart to look at the reason for that money in the bank. Are you saving specifically for something? Is it just there? Consider whether you can miss the money now. Also think about your priorities! We had a nice savings for our wedding day on the couch. However, a house abroad was a great opportunity for us: we had to seize it! Money for a wedding will come later.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to get a direct loan from a Dutch bank to buy a house abroad. Something that is possible when you have a house in Germany or France in mind. Nevertheless, you can arrange a loan through the bank for a house abroad, albeit in a different way, but still. You can borrow extra on your house in the Netherlands. You then increase your mortgage. The bank can give this extra sum of money to you when you have already repaid quite a bit, your salary has gone up or when there is surplus value on your house. All reasons why you could borrow more money from the bank. You can then use this money for a house on Karpathos, or anywhere else. ????

Elxis

If you got your mindset right and decided that you also want to buy a house on Karpathos or somewhere else in Greece, then it's time to start looking for a house (or maybe you already had one in mind!). Buying a house abroad can be quite overwhelming , because there is a lot involved. For those who do not feel like it or find it scary to arrange everything themselves, I would like to recommend Elxis 100%. Elxis is a Dutch real estate agency that mediates in houses in Greece. We bought our house on Karpathos with the help of Elxis and that went very well. They arrange and help you with everything. For example, you need a personal number, the purchase of a house in Greece goes through a lawyer and we still had to register our house in the Land Registry (that has recently become mandatory).

Yes! Hopefully I have been able to remove your stress, doubts and fear (a bit) ;). Do you dream of buying a house abroad? Just do it. Of course you have to do this with common sense, but above all dare to live and think: "What is the worst thing that can happen?" and is that the worst?