House in Greece, Second home in Greece, Second house in Greece, Building plots in Greece

How to proceed from here?

Pelops Greek Houses specialises in advising customers that are looking for a second home in Greece. Pelops Greek Houses is completely independent and works as a liaison between customer and the different sellers on location. The listings are always situated at prime locations near the ocean and very affordable. We only mediate in the Peloponnesos, part of the district of Messinia. This area runs from Pylos/Gialove to the southern-most point of Konini. Also, we can assist if you are looking for pre-existing houses, small or large, building lots directly on the ocean, authentic plastered Greek houses or houses of natural stone. Furthermore, we advise entrepreneurs (investors) on a per-project basis who are looking for a large building lot for the development of multiple houses or a small hotel, vacation home or apartment complex. We always have the most recent listings at our disposal because of our extensive network with local sellers, agents, structural project developers and other experts. Let us know your desires through the introduction form so we can fine-tune the offering even more.

Following this introductory meeting, an appointment could be made for a working vacation in Messinia
Working visit to Messinia, to experience this paradise on earth, in combination with a viewing of the building plots and second homes at the various sellers you might be interested in.
Make an inventory of your desires after which we can make an action plan
Make a final choice for the building location as well as making the choice for building a (second) home or pre-existing (second) home or project
Date of delivery and handing over the key

"If you long for the days when the

Cote d'Azur

still held a certain je ne sais quoi, cast your eyes south eastwards to the other side of the Mediterranean and the idyllic setting of Peloponnese." --
The Observer, May 2005

The benefits:

The cost for a mooring place for a boat is approximately € 80,00 per 3 months. One can choose between the harbours of Pylos, Methoni, Finikounda or Koroni, or a combination of all of them.
The area is easily accessible by car, ferry or plane
The comfort level is very high, with hospitals and a wide range of products and services in the larger cities
The mildest climate of the Greek mainland.
you can enjoy the well-known Greek hospitality and friendliness this area has not been swamped by masses of tourists, here you live with and among the Greek
During the winter life goes on, unlike Crete
Most Greeks speak English rather well
fixed costs and food and drink prices are very attractive
The Peloponnesos is located in a spacious and quiet area. You’ll find immaculate nature and impressive landscapes.
Traffic jams and stress have not been invented here yet, apart from the occasional herd of sheep slowing you down…
The Peloponnesos has the lowest crime rate of Europe (source: Athens news).
In ancient times, the Gods lived in the paradise on earth we call Greece. Greece is the cradle of European civilization.

The traditional Greek tourism model is failing.

The “beach and sun” model is no longer adequate as cheaper alternatives such as Turkey, Egypt, and Croatia are gradually stealing Greece’s sunshine. If Greece wants to retain its status as one of the most popular vacation spots in the world, and for further growth to be realized, the Greek tourism model must be revamped with a greater emphasis on specialized tourism and in particular, golf. Messinia is at the forefront of the metamorphosis to shed the “mass tourism” image and position Greece in a more “status” market. Currently Messinia is practically untouched by tourism, despite boasting some of the most magnificent natural and archaeological sights Greece has to offer. But this is soon to change.

The President of the Greek National Tourism Organization, Mr. A. Kalogeropoulos, stated that, “leaders of the tourist industry must change their long-term plans, focusing attention on higher quality tourism and offering more choice in terms of theme holidays.” Take one look at Messinia today and it is clear to see that some people have taken Mr. Kalogeropoulos suggestion to heart. T.E.M.E.S. (Tourism Enterprises of Messinia SA) has been planning Navarino Resorts, the largest tourism development under construction in the Mediterranean, for the past 20 years. When the doors finally open for operation in the summer of 2009, Navarino Resorts will redefine the meaning of vacationing in Messinia.

This project is the prototype of tourism differentiation and strategic repositioning as it will be composed of four sub-developments, each with its own theme. The first phase of the project, Navarino Dunes, will have a greater family orientation while later phases will be composed of higher class country clubs, tour oriented developments, and sports oriented developments. Just the first phase of Navarino Resorts will include four 5-star hotels, two signature golf courses, a thalassotherapy center, two spas, a conference center, indoor and outdoor athletic facilities, two creative centers for children, multiple restaurants, a water park, and many recreational experiences unique to the region. This specialized tourism should target higher income tourists by offering a wide array of niche holiday experiences. Due to the development of Navarino Bay Resort, this under developed and forgotten region will have the opportunity to develop its infrastructure and establish its position in the burgeoning upper market tourism industry.

The decision to invest in Messinia before the opening of Navarino Resorts may prove to be as lucrative as inside trading on the Wall Street. It is not a secret that Messinia is one of the most underdeveloped prefectures in Greece, in regards to infrastructure and tourism. But the fact that Messinia will be the home of one of the largest integrated golf resorts in the Mediterranean, boasting 11 hotels, and 7 golf courses, spanning over 10,000,000 m2 is still for the large part, a very well kept secret.

It would be advisable to begin investing in Messinia before the economic effects of this €866 million euro investment in integrated golf resorts start sending shock waves through the local economies of the region. In countries such as Portugal, Spain and the USA, golf resorts have been shown to be extremely powerful economic drivers. This is because golfers not only spend money on their rounds of golf but also purchase goods and services from supporting industries. As these businesses capitalize on the extra revenues incurred from the neighboring golf course, they will hire additional employees and buy more inputs from other businesses. It is estimated that over 2,000 jobs are expected to be created in Messinia from the creation of Navarino Resorts.

COSTA NAVARINO RESORT: To be completed by summer 2009

This process of wealth transfer, initiating from the golf courses, will work its way throughout the entire local economy of Messinia, benefiting the core golf industry, but also the ancillary industries spawned by the demand of golf. Furthermore, the creation of large integrated resorts may provide additional income for property owners and developers who will benefit from real estate premiums. This is called the multiplier effect and golf tourism, perhaps more than any other tourism niche, exhibits a particularly high multiplier due to the numerous interdependencies between operators.

It is estimated that 50% of golf tourist expenditure is on items other than hotel, and only 15% of the total expense is towards golf fees. That means that 35% of golfers’ expenditures are on travel and transportation contributing to a greater multiplier for the local economy.

The most distressing problem with the Greek tourism industry can be surmised perfectly by the following statement.

“It is inexcusable for a country like ours with an exceptional climate, a rich culture and varied inland scenery to have a tourism period of four or five months. Our goal is for Greece to be a destination all 12 months. We can achieve this by attracting high-income tourists who can afford much more than the sea-sun-sights combination and we can offer that." -- Dimitris Avramopoulos, Tourism Development Minister, Greece

With an estimated 8 million golfers in Europe and growing, golf is the ideal form of specialized tourism to alleviate dependency on the three peak summer months. The Tourism Development Minister states that it is inexcusable to have a tourism period of four or five months and also mentions the need to attract more “high-income” tourists. Golf tourism solves both of these issues. In regards to attracting more “high-income” tourists, golfers tend to be an affluent niche of tourists spending 20-40% more than typical leisure tourists, an average of €370 per day. Furthermore, 40% of golfers internationally make at least three trips per year to try out new courses with an average stay of one week per trip. 52% of UK golfers and 70% of German golfers take golf-related holidays with a common tendency to favor sunshine destinations in the Mediterranean as to temporarily escape their harsher climates
The peak golf season for countries with Mediterranean climates such as Spain and Portugal, are the shoulder months of November to April, which are coincidentally the months that Greek tourism is typically stagnant. Golf tourism during these traditionally off-season months can extend the tourist period allowing tourist infrastructure to remain open. This would lead to the year-long sustainability of tourism related employment positions, ceasing the pattern of winter economic hibernation. This would benefit the entire tourism industry by making it easier for the small medium tourist enterprises (SMTE) to reinvest into improving their facilities, thus improving the image of the entire industry. At the same time golf is a crucial element in the viability of SMTE, as this is a basic condition for hotels and other tourism facilities to enter the winter plans of major tour operators.

Another reason to invest in Messinia is the upcoming boom it will experience in residential tourism. It is not difficult to fall in love with the natural beauty, mild climate, and rich culture of this region. Especially if you are part of a very large demographic that enjoys golf, lives in northern Europe, and has to endure a dismal climate of never ending rain and very little sun.

“The core months of November through to April are key. Golfers do not wish to play in the full heat of Greek summer... 65 million Europeans will be retiring full-time to Southern Europe. Approximately 9 million will retire in Greece. And we expect approximately 1-1.5 million retirees [to] be settling in Greece in the next 5 years."
Dr. Stratos Papadimitrou, former Chairman, Hellenic Centre for Investment (ELKE)
Messinia’s developing golf market would help attract many Northern European retirees as Dr. Papadimitriou stated. Studies have shown that 10% of golf tourists buy homes close to their preferred holiday golfing destination with a starting price of 120,000 Euros, moving upwards in relation to income allowances. Thus the development of golf tourism in Messinia could be the catalyst for a real estate boom as foreigners prefer buying summer homes adjacent to golf courses. This development becomes more important when one considers that a modern golf course has a major impact on a region’s property market. As previously mentioned, golf courses are usually accompanied by hotels, housing units, conference centers and marinas, therefore becoming complete tourism resorts, creating jobs and lifting the price of properties in those areas.

Although Messinia may not be the most price competitive destination anymore thanks to the Euro, its natural beauty, climate and culture are significant advantages over rival countries. The repositioning of Messinia as a more high class destination is an essential driver in the future economic and social progression of the region, but keeping the cultural identity intact is what will give it the competitive advantage over other neighboring countries. And that is why you should invest in Messinia!

Source: Article written by Mr. Fotis Panagiotakopoulos
Greek tourism industry: Can the development of Greece's golf industry benefit this essential industry?

Dissertation by Mr. Fotis Panagiotakopoulos, Cass Business School (2007)

Abstract:
This dissertation focuses on the tourism industry in Greece and how the development of a golf industry can facilitate further growth. In order to answer this question the researcher looked in depth at the Greek tourism industry and discussed different differentiation strategies with a key component being differentiation into the European golf market.

The research undertaken by the author proved through an exploratory method, that the Greek tourism industry has lost some competitiveness due to increasing costs and must regain it through repositioning and differentiating its tourism product. This dissertation will show that golf is the ideal vehicle of differentiation and can reposition the industry in an elite area where price sensitivity will no longer dictate the trajectory of the industry.

PYLOS (PELOPONNESE)

Navarino Resorts, Messinia
Owner/developer: Tourism Enterprises of Messinia SA (T.E.MES.)
Headquarters: 5, Pentelis Street, GR-175 64 Athens, Greece
Tel.: +30 210 949 0200
Fax: +30 210 940 9734
Managing Director: Achilles V. Constantakopoulos

[For further information on this project, which is Greece's only golf-integrated residential resort currently under construction, please contact INVgolf.]

"If you long for the days when the Cote d'Azur still held a certain je ne sais quoi, cast your eyes south eastwards to the other side of the Mediterranean and the idyllic setting of Peloponnese." -- The Observer, May 2005

INVgolf: The Constantakopoulos family, which owns one of the largest container ship fleets in the world and controls the Costamare Shipping group, is developing Navarino Resorts, a major new resort development in Messinia on the southern tip of the Pelponnese Penninsula. The Athens-based development company of this EUR 900 million project, Tourism Enterprises of Messinia SA (TEMES), was set up by the Constantakopoulos family and is currently run by Achilles Constantakopoulos. For the man who conceived this large tourism investment, Costamare's founder Vassilis Constantacopoulos (Achilles' father), this new development is not purely a business venture, but also a 20-year dream that he hopes will promote his family's home region and boost its local economy.

Just over two decades ago, the Greek ship-owning family patiently started acquiring land necessary to make the vision a reality -- piece by piece from more than 1,000 different owners -- until the assembled puzzle today covers a total of 1,000 hectares over four sites.

The development has been drawn by a team of Geek, U.S. and European planners, engineers, architects and speciality consultants.

Navarino Resorts (locally known as the "POTA Messinias" project)

Yes, Messinia! (artist's impression courtesy of TEMES SA)

Navarino Resorts, the largest tourism development currently under construction in Greece, is located in the South-West Peloponnese on the Messinian Peninsula, a short drive from the international airport of Kalamata. Set to become a new upscale destination in the Mediterranean, Navarino is distinguished by its unique and unspoiled surroundings. The region of Messinia has preserved its cultural traditions and renowned historical monuments in harmony with its stunning Mediterranean landscapes. The rolling hills, secluded bays, pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush olive groves of Navarino combine to form an exceptional environment. The excellent climate makes the Messinian Peninsula an ideal year-round destination.

The first phase of Navarino is expected to be fully completed and operational by 2009 with the development of two integrated resorts, both situated on breathtaking beachfront property near the picturesque town of Pylos. The resorts will include four 5-star hotels, two signature golf courses, a thalassotherapy center, two spas, a conference center, indoor and outdoor athletic facilities, two creative centers for children, multiple restaurants, a water park, and many recreational experiences unique to the region.

The hotels and golf courses will be managed by premier operators. The two seaside golf courses are being designed by Robert Trent Jones II and Bernard Langer in association with European Golf Design, and will be managed by Troon Golf.

Upon completion of the first phase, Navarino will expand with the development of additional resort communities. The entire project will be built on spectacular land comprising an area in excess of 10,000,000 m2 (1,000 hectares) and will consist of eleven hotels, seven golf courses, several conference centers, numerous athletic and recreational areas, and holiday villas. A total of four distinct residential and resort communities will enjoy more than five kilometers of seaside frontage. The development has been planned with a deep respect for the environment, with a building footprint measuring only up to 8% of the total land area, ensuring the protection and preservation of the region’s natural beauty.

This major tourism investment by TEMES in the Messinian Peninsula will create the first fully integrated resort communities in Greece, offering authentic and diverse experiences. Developed with exclusive designs in an idyllic location, Navarino is poised to become a new upscale destination in the Mediterranean.

View from Navarino Bay (photo courtesy of TEMES SA)

Navarino Dunes (Romanos) -- approximately 1,300,000 m2 or 130 ha.:

One 5-star hotel with a capacity of 320 keys.
One 5-star hotel with a capacity of 445 keys.
One conference centre to accommodate approximately 1,200 delegates.
One thalassotherapy centre.
One 18-hole golf course.
Supporting infrastructure.

Another view from Navarino Bay (photo courtesy of TEMES SA)

Navarino Bay (Pylos) -- approximately 1,400,000 m2 or 140 ha.:

One 5-star hotel with a capacity of 226 keys in phase A with conference and spa facilities.
One 5-star hotel with a capacity of 119 keys with conference and spa facilities.
One 18-hole golf course.
Supporting infrastructure.

At a later stage, Phase B will follow, and will involve further hotel development and real estate. More specifically:

Panoramic view of Navarino Dunes (photo courtesy of TEMES SA)

Navarino Dunes (Romanos)

One 5-star furnished apartment hotel with a capacity of 268 keys.
One 5-star furnished apartments hotel with a capacity of 220 keys.
Extension of infrastructure to support diverse activities.

The Designers of the 2010 Ryder Cup Course at the Celtic Manor Resort, Wales, European Golf Design (EGD), based in Virginia Water, Surrey, England, is the joint-venture golf course design company of IMG and The European Tour. Founded in the early 1960s, IMG is the world's premier sports and lifestyle management and marketing firm, with an international staff of more than 2,200 people in 70 offices in 30 countries. The PGA European Tour, a company limited by guarantee, operates a group of business initiatives essential to its primary function of professional tournament golf administration. The European Tour are responsible for the government of more than 100 events worth over EUR 120 million in prize money on The European Tour, European Seniors Tour and European Challenge Tour. The Tour also represents the playing interests of more than four hundred players and operates companies that are involved in the promotion, televising and management of tour events.

The golf course at Navarino Dunes is to be designed in association with Bernhard Langer, who was Europe's 2004 Ryder Cup winning captain, has become an honorary OBE for his services to golf. The 48-year-old German, a two-time Masters champion, has claimed 42 European Tour titles, the first coming in 1980 when he was victorious at the Dunlop British Masters and he has competed in 6 Ryder Cup winning teams.

The beach of Navarino Dunes (photo courtesy of TEMES SA)

The site comprises 2 km. of beachfront close to the village of Pylos at Navarino Bay and boasts wonderful views in all directions. The gently undulating topography mixed with the wide variety of other landscape elements which are present, such as a river, olive and orange groves, broad leaved trees and open, sandy plains combine to create a superb setting for golf.

Navarino Dunes (photos courtesy of EGD)

Navarino Bay (Pylos)

Extension of 5-star hotel of phase A with 106 keys.
Extension of infrastructure to support diverse activities.
In Phase B there will also be real estate development within an area of 17,500 m2 in Navarino Dunes (Romanos) and 40,000 m2 in Navarino Bay (Pylos).

The beach of Navarino Bay (photo courtesy of TEMES SA)

In Phase B, the development of a third area called Navarino Blue (Rizomilos) is anticipated which will include the development of 5-star hotels with a capacity of approximately 1,200 keys, a conference centre, a thalassotherapy centre, an 18-hole golf course, and real estate development.

The Phase A investment, with a budget of EUR 380 million, is to be implemented during 2007-2008 (becoming operational in 2009). Financing of the project will be through TEMES SA equity, premier Greek bank loans and subsidies.

Achilles Constantakopoulos has a Bachelor Degree in Hotel Management from Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne. He is Managing Director of TEMES SA and COSTATERRA Investment SA. He is a member of the Board of Directors in COSTAMARE Shipping Company SA, CIEL Shipmanagement SA and GEO Hellas. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of ATHEX-listed Autohellas SA (Hertz), serving as an Independent Non-Executive Member, which is part of the Th. Vassilakis Group.

Navarino Resort Development Master Plans
Pylos, Rizomylos, Kynigos, Romanos, Greece

Four beautiful properties located in South-West Greece comprise the Navarino Resorts. These independent sites have been programmed strategically to create a golf destination for Greece. Each property, however, caters to a particular market niche, as identified by Economics Research Associates, London, the market consultant.

Romanos consists of a family beach resort on the Ionian Sea with a resort hotel, two holiday villages, self-catering apartments, timeshare units, as well as over 100 villas. In addition to the 18-hole golf course with clubhouse, amenities include thalassotherapy and conference centres, a village street, landscaped pool areas, and a tennis centre.

Rolling hills and lush valleys on the shores of the Bay of Navarino form the setting for the premier golf and country club destination of Pylos. Two luxury hotels, the 18-hole championship golf course and over 250 villa plots are carefully nestled into the hills and valleys of the property.

The high plateau of Kynigos overlooks the Bay of Navarino. The rugged landscape of this property provides the setting for a high quality retreat environment and features two 18-hole golf courses with residential development, a spa hotel, a secluded sports hotel, and a rustic clubhouse and lodge.

The Rizomylos property is designed as a new seaside village near the regional centre of Kalamata. Primary amenities include the beautiful beach, a water park, a 9-hole golf course, as well as seaside retail and restaurants along the boardwalk. Five hotels are planned with a total capacity of 1,500 rooms. In addition, more than 200 plots for holiday homes overlook the river valley.

Navarino Resorts

Romanos description
The Family Beach Resort

The magnificent beach on the Ionian Sea with stunning views makes Romanos the ideal location for a family-orientated resort. The 141- hectare property at Romanos is located approximately 50 kilometres from Kalamata's International Airport, the current driving time from Athens is more than three hours, which will reduced to less than three hours once roadway improvements in the Peloponnese have been completed. The resort occupies a gently sloping plateau and will offer a variety of accommodation types surrounding a Village Street with restaurants, tavernas and resort retail venues.

Romanos offers an 18 hole championship golf course, a large pool complex, a tennis centre and an exclusive thalassotherapy centre overlooking the golf course and the sea. The resort also offers a children's club, mini golf and a gymnasium.

Pylos Description
The Country Club Resort

The most luxurious of the Navarino Resorts, Pylos is envisioned as a country club development where luxury hotels, the golf club and individual holiday homes complement each other in architectural quality and in their respect for the existing landscape. The Pylos property is located directly on the historic Navarino, where in 1827 the Battle of Navarino marked the birth of modern Greece. The 148-hectare property is nestled in a stunning landscape, with rolling hills and spectacular views of the Bay and Pylos town. A new 250 slip marina has just been completed and is located adjacent to the site.

The preponderance of archeological sites, the shipwrecks of the Battle of Navarino, the remains of an ancient Roman town all bear testimony to the area's rich history as a cultural crossroad.

Located just north of Pylos town and 40 km. from Kalamata's International Airport, the resort includes a championship golf course, two luxury hotels and a series of pools and terraces connected by a network of footpaths winding through the gardens, leading to the beach.

Kynigos Description
The Mountain Retreat

At 295 hectares, Kynigos features the largest land area of the Navarino Resorts. Situated on a high plateau overlooking Pylos and the Bay of Navarino, Kynigos is the most remote of the resorts, making it the perfect location for visitors who are searching for an environment far removed from the everyday world. The rugged terrain at Kynigos accommodates two 18 hole championship golf courses, a tennis centre, as well as an equestrian centre. A health spa hotel, a sports hotel, golf clubhouse accommodations and real estate development offer a variety of housing choices.

Rizomylos Description
The Seaside Village

Visitors seeking entertainment and excitement will be drawn to Rizomylos. Envisioned as a seaside village, Rizomylos will include a boardwalk with shops and amusements. An amphitheatre for outdoor performances is provided in the extensive river gardens in the middle of the site. In addition, visitors enjoy the use of a water park, a tennis centre, and a 9-hole golf course. Located on the gulf of Messinia, the property is easily accessible from Kalamata and its international airport, which lies 10 km. to the east. Rizomylos hopes to attract foreign tourists and visitors from Greece alike.

Lodging is distributed among five hotels; an all-inclusive Club Hotel, three holiday villages and a small boutique hotel. Each hotel has its own private beach frontage and is woven into the urban fabric of the resort village by an internal network of public spaces featuring "tavernas," restaurants and shops.

Source: INVgolf www.infgolf.com

Does this mean mass tourism will be created in the future and that peace and the unique landscape will be disturbed?

No, absolutely not! First of all the Resorts will be fitted optimally into the surroundings and the area, because the Greek government (Greek National Tourism Organization GNTO/EOT) cooperates in the development. They formulated a new objective to stimulate and improve tourism*:

o strive to a better dispersal of the tourists during the year

o attract more wealthy tourists

o adjust the touristy offering in Greece to a wider public

This will benefit the area:

o better opening up of the area through expansion of the highways and roads and a larger choice of flights from Europe to the airport at Kalamata throughout the entire year!

o larger offering of various facilities

o The area will be attractive during the entire year

* Source EVD agency of the department of economical affairs

It should be clear that once the indulged holidaymaker discovers this piece of paradise on earth, the demand for second homes will almost certainly increase. The expectation is that the real estate prices will increase dramatically in the future. So, anyone that wants to make the choice for a second home makes a smart investment. An expected value increase of 10-20 % percent per year for real estate prices is absolutely realistic. The prices in and around Gialova will increase even more dramatically because of the development of the golf courses and resorts.

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