The law of the land in Greece clearly stipulates that if you buy property it does not mean owning property there. You might have acquired some property in Greece. But simply acquiring property will not help you. You can rent the property, sell it out or give it as a wedding present.

You must establish that you really care about the property. You should visit the property as and when possible. At least you must visit the properties at least once in three years. Conversely you may have some one to take care of the property. Some proof should be there so that it will be established that you are taking care of the house and it is in fact your property.

You can also put up some electronic alarm system and you can come over and change the system in a couple of years periodically. If you are buying lands in Greece then you must count the trees on it to find out whether there are new trees on it. If you plant one yourself, it could be a proof in the future that you are really looking after the property. The law is identical in mainland and islands like Patmos.

The peculiarity in Greek Law is that the squatter will not have to inform that the owner is moved and the squatter has taken over the property. It is the responsibility of the owner to protect his property.