Gudrun Schmitt
International Yacht Broker
Used Yachts in Greece

If you intent to buy a used sailing yacht, a second-hand motor sailer or a motor yacht in Greece, there are surely left some questions about the procedure of purchase, berths in Greece, transportation of the yacht etc.. We have the experience and competence to give you answers to those questions, we have the local partners and connections, allowing us to help you. We have good contacts to english speaking lawyers, surveyers and experts in Greece. Make use of our help in payment transactions and in contract processing. Benefit from our service!


 

Frequently Asked Questions:

 
  • Is the broker's commission included in the quoted prices or will it be added?
    Our commission is included in the price. 
  • Do I have to pay VAT?
    If you are buying a private boat, i. e. with VAT paid, this is valid throughout the EU. The solicitor handling your paperwork will make sure that you will receive the necessary documents to proove the payment.
    If you are buying a yacht with a professional charter license in Greece (marked "no VAT paid"), you can - if you are a EU- citizen - establish your own charter firm in Greece or you will have to supply the certification about registration of your company by your local tax authorithy in order to proove that you are buying it as a EU registered charter firm. If you cannot do that - the seller will have to have the status of the "professional charter yacht" changed to "private pleasure craft" by paying the VAT.
    We will be glad to assist you setting up your own charter firm in Greece when buying a boat with professional license through us.
    As the time value of the boat is being estimated by the Greek tax authorithies it is not possible to foresee the exact sum of VAT to be paid. This risk must be carried by the seller and in your purchase contract it should be made clear that the seller will sell the boat to you with VAT paid.
    Naturally, the seller will ask some more money from you for this. The exact amount will have to be negotiated each time with the seller. Most sellers will settle for a contribution of 5 % on the gross price by the buyer, because they realize that there will not be many commercial buyers around who can buy the boat without VAT.  
  • I want to start a one-man yacht charter business in my country and want to buy a second hand charter boat in Greece which I want to skipper myself? What is the VAT situation?
    The simplest way would be to start a charter business in Greece. We assist our clients in setting up the business. Please contact us for details.
    If you prefer to have a registration in your country you have to supply the Greek tax authorithies with evidence of the registratiuon in order to obtain a charter license under your flag. 
  • Flag and Registration: Can the registration be changed?
    If you are not a Greek citizen or an EU citizen with permant residence in Greece de-registration is inevitable if the boat is intended for private use. However, there is the possibility to set up a charter business in Greece, which might be an attractive alternative.
    With the act of deletion an official document (ownership certificate) will be issued from the Hellenic Registrar of Shipping. The certificate will confirm that the boat is free from encumbrances and liens.  
  • I am a non-Greek citizen of the European community. Can I own and operate a charter boat in Greece under the Greek flag?
    From the 1st of November 2002 you can! Please contact us for details. 
  • Could you help me to find a way to transport a boat bought through you to Northern Europe?
    We can help to arrange direct transportation from Piraeus to all mayor harbours in Europe. Please contact us for details. We offer this service only for our own customers. 
  • What is the typical procedure of buying a boat in Greece?
    After you get in touch with us we will supply you with details and pictures of the boats you selected from our listings. If you prefer, we will suggest suitable boats according to your specifications.

    You would then set up a date for inspection with us in order to have a closer look at the boats you consider being of interest.

    We will then arrange inspection dates with the owners/sellers of the boats you are interested in and - after you found the boat that suits you - will create with you and the seller an inventory list which will become a part of the purchase contract.

    Normally we would then ask our solicitor to prepare a Memorandum of Agreement stating all details of the transaction (like who is selling what to who and when and where payments and delivery will take place and what comes with the boat).
    It is a good idea to ask a surveyor to perform a survey and let the solicitor make the contract (Memorandum) condition to that survey.  
  • How will the contract for the purchase be executed?
    After negotiating the price for your boat and the terms of payment and delivery between you and the seller our solicitor will draw a Memorandum of Agreement. This will rule in writing all agreed details, terms, dates and payments. It is an agreement between you (the Buyer)and the Seller and will be signed by both.
    The solicitor will be acting as a trustee for you, the buyer, and will protect you by making sure that there are no encumbrances (incl. Marinas, taxes, Telecom, seamen pension funds, claims etc.) and that the ownership situation and titles are clear, and last not least, that you monies (the purchase price)will not be paid before all legal aspects have been settled.  
  • How do I pay for the boat and how can I make sure not to loose my money?
    You would normally send a deposit (normally 10 to 20%) to the solicitor as soon as possible in order to have a legally binding agreement. The solicitor will pay this to the seller after all necessary documents have been handed over to him by the seller.
    You will send the rest of the purchase money to the solicitor in time to comply with the provisions negotiated when drafting the Memorandum of Agreement. The solicitor will pay the full purchase price to the seller only after he has made sure that all legal and tax requirements have been taken care of by the seller and after all required documents have been handed over to him by the seller.
    In the mean time you can probably already obtain registration for the boat in your country and after completion of paperworks you can take over your boat here in Greece or have us arrange for shipping her to some other place.
  • When could I inspect the boat(s) I am interested in?
    Anytime on short notice. However, during the charter/sailing season it is possible that boats are being sailed somewhere far from their usual location. Therefore it is important to contact us before you visit us to let us check that the boats you want to look at will be available for inspection. The sellers usually like to be present at the time of inspection as well so it also depends on their availability at any given date.
  • How can surveys be arranged?
    We can supply you with contacts for English speaking, competent and independant local and international surveyors who can carry out a responsible survey of any boat you are interested in. Prices range from about 550.- EURO to 1.500.- EURO plus travelling and other expenses if the surveyor has to come a long way. A survey will not only protect you from buying a boat with technical problems but it is also required by most insurance companies and can help you if you want to sell the boat again later. 
  • What is the price level of repair- and maintenance work in Greece and who can carry it out?
    We co-operate with a number of competent technicians who can carry out all sorts of repairs in GRP, wood, steel or aluminium.

    We know the best mechanical engineers, sailmakers, riggers and electricians and also the right people for cosmetical work.
    Labour is still reasonably cheap in Greece and we will arrange for binding offers and supervise the quality of the works carried out if you like (photo documentation by e-mail!)  
     
  • Where can I insure the boat?
    We recommend Pantaenius, because this insurance has proofed to be reliable and fast in regulating damages. They have a representation in Athens and they will issue the 3rd party coverage certificates in Greek language as is asked by the Greek port police. This is of great help when dealing with this authority!  
     
  • Can you help me in finding a berth or winter lay-up?
    We can help you to find marinas and boat-yards in the Athens area but also in many other parts of Greece. Prices differ considerably and depend on how demanding you are in respect of accessability and luxury.
     

Please contact us for further details. With pleasure we will take a moment to answer your questions..

 

Please write by E-mail,
or call us!

E-Mail

Gudrun Schmitt
International Yacht Broker
Schlempertshof 8
D 74746 Höpfingen
Phone.: +49 6283 / 226166  Fax: +49 6283 / 226165
E-Mail: info@yacht—schmitt.de

Deutsche Version  Deutsche Version

Home

 
 
URL of this page is: http://www.yacht-schmitt.de/info_e.html