Potential for Great Rewards on the Greek Ionian Island of Zakynthos (Zante)

"Zakynthos is one of the most beautiful islands in Greece, attracting thousands of visitors every year," explains Nick Tanner, managing director of Karetta Property Limited, a real estate specialist with many projects on the popular Ionian island.

"Now is the time to enter this property market to reap the greatest rewards as Zakynthos is experiencing substantial capital growth. Property demand on the island is growing by 10-15% per annum, land prices are increasing dramatically as the property boom develops and the projected capital growth on property is over 10% per annum."

Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is the southernmost and third largest of the Ionian Islands, boasting a coastline of approximately 123 kilometres (76 miles) in length, and over 300 days of sunshine (over 8.5 hours per day) a year.

Zakynthos has a varied terrain, with fertile plains in the southeast, and mountainous terrain with steep cliffs along the coasts on the west. The mild, Mediterranean climate accounts for the island`s dense vegetation. Due to its exceptional beauty, the Venetian rulers of the island named it 'Fiore di Levante' meaning 'Flower of the East'.

"Zakynthos is one of the most beautiful Greek islands with verdant countryside and some of the best olive oil produced in Europe. The island offers something for everyone and has many restaurants, tavernas and bars; wonderful sightseeing opportunities; traditional villages; a lively nightlife; and a stylish shopping centre in the capital of Zakynthos town," says Mr. Tanner.

"With hospitable locals, a very low crime rate, outdoor recreational opportunities, some of the finest beaches in Greece and a low cost of living - about 30-40% below the UK, it's easy to understand why over 300,000 holidaymakers visit the island each year and return time and time again. Some never leave; in fact the island is home to one of the largest populations of permanent foreign residents in Greece. The well-established ex-pat community is currently approaching 3000."

Zakynthos benefits from direct transport links with the UK, Europe and the rest of the world during the summer months, and is accessible during the winter months via Athens by both scheduled internal flights and a regular coach/ferry service.

"The excellent transport links makes the island an ideal choice for buy-to-let investors who will be able to enjoy excellent rental returns in an established market. It's worth pointing out that very significant investment in both property and infrastructure is happening at the moment, including the redevelopment of the airport which opened in 2005," explains Mr. Tanner.

"Property in Greece is also very affordable right now, however, buyers need to act sooner rather than later because, although Greek property is excellent value for money, prices are rising fast and are expected to increase much further over the next few years."

Karetta Property Limited has various real estate options available to buyers interested in purchasing on Zakynthos, including land plots for sale and individually designed villas, including those at Lithakia and Kalpaki.

"Our exclusive development on the outskirts of the town of Lithakia consists of fifteen semi-detached and detached luxury two bedroom villas, set in olive groves with panoramic views of the Gulf of Laganas. Each villa will be completed to the highest standard with fitted kitchens, bathrooms and air conditioning," says Mr. Tanner.

"For buyers looking for villas closer to Zakynthos town, we've five, single storey, attached villas set in the charming rural hamlet of Kalpaki in the popular south of the island, about seven kilometres from Zakynthos town and five kilometres from the beach. Kalpaki is reached down a country lane which is delightfully quiet and peaceful. The development offers fantastic mountain views and is surrounded by private olive groves and private houses."

Karetta Property Limited is the exclusive UK agent for the well-respected property developer Aggelo Lagodimo - a qualified building engineer based in Zakynthos whose business comprises three parts: a technical office, a construction company - Karetta Construction and a real estate office - Karetta Properties.

Click here to read more about the business.

Browse the company's range of properties for sale now.

Information courtesy of Karetta Property Limited.

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