Property Buyer's Guide to Poros Island

Yes, property on Poros qualifies non-Greek buyers to purchase property to get their Greek Golden Visa, but because the population of the island is greater than 3,100 residents, Poros properties do not qualify for the Attika discount. So you must purchase a property that exceeds €800,000, it must be a single investment (you can't buy 4 at 200k), it must be more than 120m2 of built/living space and you can't holiday rent it. Although you could residentially let it year around.

If you are planning to buy a property on Poros purely as an investment for long term rental, the market is relatively slim, and one should be cautious. That said, its proximity to Athens could be a good selling point. With ‘working from home’ becoming more popular with some companies, renting an island property might become very attractive. The rental market is interesting, but I would treat it more as a small, seasonal island market rather than a straightforward high-yield buy-to-let market. According to Airbnb the average occupancy of 41.5% is not particularly impressive if you are buying purely for yield; however, a well-located, attractive property can perform considerably better than the market average. Poros Town is particularly attractive because walkability, restaurants, harbour views and proximity to the ferry are valuable to short-term visitors. A property doesn't necessarily need to be directly on the waterfront. A good sea view + balcony + walking distance to the town/beach can potentially give you a better purchase-price-to-rental-income ratio. A beach style apartment in say Askeli would be a particularly good choice but then so might a large country villa with a great sea view. Areas such as Neorio and Kaneli are a compromise, being in quiet and calm locations, but still holding a fair premium. Whatever your choice I advise all my homeowner's who buy to rent even for a short 8 weeks of the year to cover their property running costs, to consider 50% of their income as the cost of operating a rental.

As with any purchase of this sort, you don't just buy a house on Poros, you are viewing for a potential lifestyle change as well as the actual property. When you view there are many extra questions that should be considered, some of which are not very exciting, but knowledge at this stage makes for a much more informed purchase. Things like where does the sewage go, can you walk to your favourite taverna or do you have to take a car? If applicable, could a pool be put in or could air con be easily installed? And you need to consider how much of your total buying budget is going to have to be reserved for making a property habitable for you to stay in. You should write a list so that together we can make sure that everything is covered. During my market surveys when I gather information prior to listing, I check a lot more than the items of information that I list for each property. I strongly recommend when viewing, that my potential buyers also check the following: Do the lights work? Does water come out of the taps? Are there signs of damp? Are there cracks? Is there a noisy dog living next door? And so on.

Poros island is particularly interesting for property owners for its proximity to the mainland of the Peloponnese. The town of Galatas is just a 10-minute ferry trip across a narrow channel of the Saronic Gulf. Small car and passenger boats run backwards and forwards all day. From Galatas one can drive or bus to Athens or on down to the lovely Greek towns of Napflio and Ermioni. Capital and Main Port Poros Town (Chora): the island’s main town and administrative/commercial centre, built amphitheatrically on the slopes of Sferia. Kastelli is the hilltop area around the Clock Tower which has narrow streets, traditional houses and superb views over the harbour. Main port: Poros Port is the principal ferry and passenger port, serving connections with Piraeus, Galatas and other Saronic Gulf islands. Smaller harbour: There is a secondary/smaller harbour about 500 m north of the main port, used for some boats to Galatas, Methana and nearby islets. Galatas: This is not on Poros Island it is on the Peloponnese mainland directly opposite Poros, with frequent ferry/taxi-boat connections across the channel. Coastal Areas Neorio: With Mikro Neorio and Megalo Neorio this is one of the nicest coastal areas west of Poros Town and has beautiful clear waters. It has a relaxed, green atmosphere with several beaches and pine forests. Askeli: A well-known resort area east of Poros Town with a long sand and pebble beach. It has numerous bars and restaurants and a lively summer atmosphere. Kanali: Is a small area around the causeway between Sferia and Kalavria. It has a small beach and a couple of Tavernas and is easy walking distance from the town. Perlia: Is a quieter coastal area west of the town. It has a pretty seafront road with swimming spots and views back to the town. Russian Dockyard/Russian Bay: on the western side of the island, this is one of the most distinctive historical areas of Poros with the 19C ruins beside a beautiful bay and surrounded by pine forests. Inland Villages Monastiri/ Zoodochos Pigi: East of Askeli the road climbs into the pine covered interior towards the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi. Beautiful sea views and a quiet beach at the end of the island. Vagionia and Poseidon: This very different northern side of the island has a quieter landscape with a secluded beach and the surrounding interior containing the Ancient Sanctuary of Poseidon. Fousa and Agios Nektarios: Located on the larger, pine-covered island of Kalavria, Fousa is one of the very few officially recognized inland agrarian areas. Rather than a bustling village square, it is a quiet, rural settlement surrounded by valleys and old vineyards. Nearby is Agios Nektarios, a small inland settlement that functions as a peaceful, green hamlet nestled in the hills away from the busy beach resorts.

Electricity supply on Poros is provided from the Greek electricity market via cables from the mainland Peloponnese. PPC/ΔΕΗ (day-ee) is the principal supplier, although properties can also have contracts with alternative electricity suppliers who offer slightly reduced rates. PPC/ΔΕΗ provide the hardware, other companies such as Protergia, Elpedison, HERON, NRG, etc, deal with customer accounts and sales. Once you purchase your property you, or your lawyer, will need to switch over the electricity into your name. This can all be done online. As part of my conveyancing service I ensure you get a copy of the last electricity bill, for the reference numbers, and a photograph taken on the day of completion, so you know exactly what the meter reading units are. HEDNO / DEDDIE (ΔΕΔΔΗΕ) — this is the electricity distribution-network operator, rather than a supplier. They handle the local grid, connections, meters and power faults Address: Askeli, Poros, Attica 180 20, Greece Local telephone: +30 22980 22271 National DEDDIE customer service: 800 400 4000 (free), or 211 190 0500 (local-charge number).

If you are moving with pets or intend to adopt one of the stary animals on Poros Island, we cannot, at this moment in time, find any contact details for Vets on Poros itself. There are, however, some listed on Galatas, just a 10-minute water taxi ride away. Local & Nearby Vets Dr. Socrates Antoniou (Galatas Clinic) Location at 25, Martiou , Galatas 180 20, Greece Phone: +30 2298 043423 Dr. Nikos Nikolopoulos (Poros Mobile/Local Contact) Phone: +30 6977 688269 Services Local Island coverage coordinate via HydraArk Vets Info Medical Zoo (Visiting/Weekend Clinic) This is an Athens-based visiting vet service operating limited weekend hours on Poros as noted by the Poros Animal Welfare Society Supplies & First Aid Pet / Veterinary Medicines: Available at local pharmacies like Kanatsidi Sissy Pharmacy on the main coastal road of Poros (near the ferry port parking). Animal Welfare Support PAWS (Poros Animal Welfare Society): Coordinate local stray/community animal help via Poros Paws. There is no specific contact details for this Charity and it says to send a message through its Facebook Page.

Poros is one of the closest of the Saronic islands from the main port of Piraeus, making it a quick flit from the mainland airport to to island. From Athens international airport (AIA} take a taxi, the Metro or X96 bus to Piraeus. Then either a Cat or ferry depending on whether you are a walking passenger or taking your car. A taxi from Athens International Airport to Piraeus Port takes around an hour depending on traffic. The yellow taxi lines can be found outside arrivals. The Athens Metro Blue Line runs directly from under the Airport to Piraeus Station. Alternatively, you can always hop on the X96 Express Bus which leaves from outside the arrivals terminal and drops off at Gate E8.

You have 2 ways of getting to Poros by car. Whether you have your own car, or are planning on renting from Athens airport, the first option is the drive to Galatas taking you south along the National Road toward Corinth, then turn toward Epidaurus and follow the signs for Galatas. The scenic drive is roughly 170 kilometres and takes about 2 to 2.5 hours depending on traffic. Please note that Galatas Troizinia-Methana, Attica should be entered in your GPS as there are other towns with similar names in Greece. The Post Code is 18020 Once at Galatas, you drive onto the small car ferry which takes you across the 200m channel/sound to the Port of Poros. These boats leave every half hour and take just 10 minutes. Alternatively, the Foivos Ferry operated by Saronic Ferries connects Piraeus and Aegina to Poros Island on a weekly basis, taking about 2 hours and 35 minutes from Piraeus. Foivos Route & Schedule Details Vessel: Foivos (car and passenger ferry) Route: Piraeus – Aegina – Poros (and return) Frequency: Typically 1 weekly sailing on this specific island-hopping leg Crossing Duration: Approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes from Piraeus to Poros; about 1 hour and 20 minutes from Aegina to Poros.

To bring a car permanently to Aegina, you must import and register the vehicle in Greece via the mainland port of Piraeus and then take a local car ferry across to the island. Shipping companies from the Country of origin will usually take you through the process and explain what you must do once you collect your car from the main port (usually Piraeus). Import and Customs Clearance  Greek Tax Number (AFM): You must obtain an AFM from the local Greek tax office (DOY) before starting any official registration process. You must have an AFM anyway before you can buy property in Greece so you might already have it. Transfer of Residence (ToR): If you are permanently relocating to Greece and have owned and used the car for at least six months, you may apply to Hellenic Customs (AADE) for a tax and duty exemption.  Declaration of Arrival (DVA): Submit a DVA to the Greek customs authority within 15 days of the vehicle arriving on the mainland. Standard imports without a ToR relief will face import duties, VAT, and registration taxes based on the car's value and emissions Paperwork and Inspection  Required Documents: Prepare your proof of ownership (V5C logbook or title deed), purchase invoice, proof of insurance, and the Certificate of Conformity (CoC).   Technical Inspection (KTEO): Your vehicle must pass a Greek technical inspection (KTEO) to receive its local roadworthiness certificate before final registration  Permanent Export: If coming from the UK or another non-Greek EU country, remember to complete the permanent export section of your home country's vehicle registration paperwork. 3. Taking the Ferry to Aegina  Port of Departure: You must first drive your cleared and registered vehicle to the Port of Piraeus near Athens.  Ferry Crossing: Car ferries operated by lines like Saronikos Ferries sail regularly from Piraeus to Aegina port. The crossing takes roughly one hour, and standard car tickets generally cost around 19.50€ each way.   Please note: The tax implications for importing a car to Greece are different if importing from an EU or Non-EU country.

Port Details: Gate Number E8 (used for Saronic Gulf islands including Aegina, Agistri, Hydra, Poros and Spetses). Location: East side of the port, a short 5-minute walk from the main Piraeus transit station  Arrival time: Plan to arrive 20 to 40 minutes before departure if walking on, or 60 to 90 minutes if taking a vehicle  Ferry Operators  Alpha Lines: Operates fast high-speed catamarans like Speed Cat 1 with a journey time around 1 hour 15 minutes.  Magic Sea Ferries: Runs high-speed passenger catamarans (Catamaran Magic) with quick sailings starting around 1 hour 10 minutes.  Blue Star Ferries / Hellenic Seaways: Uses high-speed vessels (Aero Highspeed) taking roughly 1 hour 30 to 50 minutes.   There are a number of other lines operating to Aegina. Please look at sites like goferry for up-to-date timetables.  Trip Details  Departure Gate: Usually, Gate E8 at Piraeus port.  Frequency: Multiple daily departures, especially frequent during spring and summer months.

Unusually for a Greek island, Poros Island does not have a unique historical or official local flag of its own; instead, the national Greek flag is flown exclusively across public buildings, landmarks like the historic Clock Tower, and marine vessels. National Flag: The blue-and-white striped flag with the white cross in the canton is the standard emblem displayed throughout the island. Municipal Flag: Commercial flag manufacturers produce a basic Municipality of Poros flag intended for administrative or decorative display, but it carries no traditional heraldic status unique from official state signage.