Renovation & Relocation FAQ's

We aren't new to the 'Reno life', having embarked upon house renovations in the UK. That said it is quite different renovating in a foreign country, whilst getting acclimatised to a new place, learning a new language and with the added complications of little to no connections here on the island.

As for relocating this is our first time as British Expats.

This is a little of what we have learnt during our relocation from the UK to Corfu, Greece and during our renovation project so far. Along with some of the frequently asked questions that we are asked by fellow #Reno-lovers! and #Relocation-planners!

FAQ's and (hopefully) helpful tips!
*Please note these are all from our personal experience and should be used as a guide alongside additional research.

Reno tip no.1

Make sure you have a lot of time!

Everything from trades people to material sourcing takes longer than in the UK. Expect to have tradies come to price the works, sometimes spending hours discussing the job specifications to then never hear from them again! - Chasing people for quotes is normal. Lots of smaller villages respect the 2pm-4pm 'quiet time' rules which means often it's tools down at 2pm and all work stops.

There is also a lot more public holidays in Corfu than in the UK during which everything closes including the building merchants!

Relocation tip no.2

Use a good lawyer for all your property and relocation admin.

It's worth spending the money to get the basics in place for your move. For example: reconnecting services or changing the property's utility bills into your name. Opening a Greek bank account and applying for a Greek tax number. We used Florent at CFU Law. After a good lawyer, you'll need a good local accountant. We'd recommend Yiannis Moyzakitis based in Sidari, North Corfu.

The relocation forums are great for the basics and for reading about other peoples experiences but forums run the risk of inaccurate information and there's a lot of scaremongers behind keyboards out there!

Reno tip no.3

Get over it!

Sometimes it might feel like you're getting ripped off or have been given

"the Inflated English price tag". Especially; if you don't speak the local lingo.

Just forget about it - it will drive you crazy and at the end of the day if you can find a price you're happy with, then do it. There is always going to be someone out there who says you should have done it this way or that way bought it from here used a different product - whatever.

Only you know your budget and circumstances.

Relocation tip no.4

Flying back to the UK in winter is a little tricky.

Direct flights from Corfu to the UK stop at the end of October and don't start back up again until April. Which means if you want to "pop back" to the UK then it's via Athens then onto London. Prices vary but if like us Northerners you need to travel back to the UK North of London by air, out of season, it means a full day of travelling and 2+ flights.

FAQ's

Why did you choose to move to Corfu?

We had only been to Corfu twice on holiday but loved the island, the people and the food. When we decided we wanted to change our lives and live abroad. Joe joked "How about Corfu?" Then when we found the villa on Rightmove our decision was made. You can read more in my first blog post: 'Why Corfu'