Arbitrary Buildings in Greece became a massive problem in Greece the last 50 years.
The Cause of why many buildings were unfinished was that they run out of Funding, however many other cases, especially in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, Housing was erected without permit.
Those arbitrary buildings in Greece were common practice for decades.
The most common form of Construction Halt was a complaint to the Local Building Office of an Unpermitted Project.
That is why you see several unfinished properties in Greece.
Building permits became mandatory in 1955, there are dozens of Thousand cases in Greece of unpermitted buildings, in towns, villages and forest areas.
Greece has a notable number of unfinished and unpermitted buildings, a legacy of past economic and regulatory challenges. Here’s a concise overview of how Greece is handling these structures.
Unpermitted buildings in Greece, often referred to as arbitrary buildings, are structures erected without the necessary legal permits.
This practice was particularly rampant from the 1970s to the 1990s. Financial difficulties often led to construction projects being abandoned, while some property owners deliberately built without permits to avoid taxes.
The Greek government has taken steps to resolve the issue of unpermitted buildings.
As mentioned previously, since 1955, building permits have been required, but enforcement was lax, resulting in numerous unpermitted structures.
In 2011, legislation changed, making it illegal to sell properties without proper permits[1]. This was part of a broader effort to regulate the real estate market and ensure compliance with building regulations.
Law 4495/2017, revised by Law 4759/2020, provides a legal pathway for property owners to legalize their unpermitted buildings.
Moreover, Owners can declare their excess construction, pay fines, and avoid demolition. This law aims to bring buildings into compliance and streamline the real estate market.
Legalizing unpermitted buildings is crucial for property owners. Greek law prohibits the sale, rental, or mortgaging of illegal structures.
Furthermore, owners must submit a “Declaration of Legal Property Status,” verified by a certified architect or engineer, to confirm compliance with building codes. This declaration is necessary for all legal transactions involving property.
To legalize an unpermitted building, owners must first conduct find a capable Engineer.
The Engineer will then conduct an on-site inspection and gather all relevant documents, such as building permits and ownership titles.
Moreover, If discrepancies are found, they can declare the property and begin the legalization process through the Technical Chamber of Greece.
The Enginner will then measure which part is without permit, and calculate a fine to be paid.
In addition, fines are calculated based on various factors, including the size and use of the structure, the timeframe of construction, and the area’s tax value.
Handling unpermitted arbitrary buildings in Greece requires understanding the legal framework and taking the necessary steps to ensure compliance.
Furthermore, property owners must be proactive in legalizing their structures to avoid penalties and facilitate future transactions.
Lastly, the Greek government continues to refine its approach to address this longstanding issue effectively.
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