Property care in Greece for Greeks living abroad

01

Begin with the home as it is used today

The property may host summer visits, remain empty for long periods or be used occasionally by different family members. Start with that actual pattern rather than an idealised annual schedule. List the rooms and outside areas that matter during absence, along with known concerns and any work already in progress.

Explain what is currently difficult to organise. It may be getting a recent picture of the property’s condition, arranging access for an approved appointment or preparing for a return after a long absence. Discuss these needs as individual tasks, then confirm what is suitable and available for the property’s location.

02

Agree one route for instructions

Several people may care about the same home without having the same responsibilities. Identify who is authorised to give instructions, who receives updates and who can approve costs. A relative’s helpful suggestion should not accidentally become an instruction for paid work.

Where decisions need agreement between family members, settle that process privately before asking for action. Property care can work within clear instructions; it cannot resolve ownership questions or family disagreements. Keep the person coordinating the arrangement informed when the authorised contact changes.

• Name the primary contact for the proposed care arrangement.
• Identify any additional person permitted to approve a defined task.
• Agree who receives routine updates and decisions awaiting a reply.

03

Work alongside the help you already have

A neighbour or relative may already collect post, open the property or call when something appears unusual. Record which tasks they intend to continue, with their agreement. This makes it easier to request additional support without assuming that someone else has checked an area or completed a task.

Avoid duplicate or conflicting access arrangements. If an appointment depends on another person being present, explain that dependency when planning it. Share only the contact information needed for the agreed task and make sure the people concerned understand their part in the arrangement.

04

Make updates useful for people at a distance

Decide what you need to know after a visit. A useful update distinguishes the areas observed, anything that could not be checked, a visible concern and an action awaiting instructions. Photographs can support that explanation, but they should have a purpose rather than become a general record of personal belongings.

Ask how earlier observations will be referenced so you can follow changes over time. A completed visit and a completed repair are different events. If a contractor is involved, keep the appointment status, the proposed work and any outstanding owner decision separate in your own record.

05

Plan the return around your priorities

Before travelling, identify what you intend to use and what needs attention before arrival. Share an indicative date and the requested preparation early enough to discuss practical availability. If family members arrive at different times, agree whose instructions apply and which preparations are genuinely needed.

After your stay, review any changes with the person coordinating care. A new appliance, altered access arrangement or unresolved maintenance concern may affect the next period away. Use departure as a clear handover point, with a short list of what is complete and what still needs a decision.