Everybody loves a real bargain!
But how would you define a bargain when it comes to property abroad?
Most people would go for a combination of: A property with attractive features, in a good location, that holds its value (robust investment), with up coming potential and constant demand.
Sounds like wishful thinking?
It doesn’t have to be.
Let us take the “Old Town” in Chania.
Chania recently applied to include its Old Town in the list of Unesco’s World Heritage.
A World Heritage Site is a place of outstanding cultural or natural importance to the common heritage of humanity. Looking into the future, this will probably translate into increases in property prices; protection and preservation of the Old town’s beauty, local initiatives to further enhance it, world-wide recognition as a special destination, and far more demand in a place where supply is already limited.
The move is likely to push up property prices and of course, tourism.

The Old Town simply oozes character and charm.
With its Venetian harbour and the narrow and picturesque alleys, one can find plentiful remaining Venetian and Turkish buildings.
When restored, these urban beauties of historic architecture offer a symbiosis of tradition, modern luxury and the special feel of living in an incomparable atmosphere.
Houses with Venetian arches, or simply stunning stone and wood features in need of tender loving care, can reward their owners handsomely both materially and emotionally.
But be warned. Restoration made properly from reputable and experienced workers does not come cheap, so be prepared and do not just get carried away from bargain asking prices.
Surrounded by a densely populated Chania town, the term “Jewel of Chania” is a term very appropriate to describe Old Town. People need to live near their work and study. A busy all-year-round town that is boasting a University and other higher education establishments offers the Holy Grail in real estate investment: A constant supply of tenants and buyers.

Travel is getting easier and cheaper. Full accessibility is about to happen. It has not happened yet. With Easy Jet having plans to expand to Chania –I believe at the time of writing, this has happened- and newcomer airlines such as Athens Airlines travel is getting cheaper and cheaper. When travel and access reaches a high point, property prices usually follow.
You can also have European Community Grants available for converting a place of historic character and/or features to a guest house. It needs to be above 150 m2 but you get 40% of the restoration value funded by the European community.
That’s right, a cool 40%!
Check with www.bayobayo.com for availability of these projects and please note that these grants change by the year, normally being reduced by a certain percentage each consecutive year that they are available.

Chania offers a lifestyle and year round living which matches people’s desire of leaving behind complexity of modern life to find normality, serenity, privacy and uniqueness, nature and beautiful beaches, relaxation and sunshine, embedded in a culture with great history, a diet that is medically proven to prolong life, low crime rate, and all of this for a fraction of the cost compared to Northern Europe.
Is this the only bargain place? No, but we have no more space.
If you are brave make the move to Chania, if cautious simply contact the author to find out more.