5 Reasons Why People Buy an Old Stone House in Crete

For years, Europeans have been buying old stone houses in Crete. To this day, traditional houses have not lost their popularity, despite the rise of modernism… We give you 5 reasons why people like to buy a stone house in Crete:

1) Price of stone house in Crete

The stone houses have always maintained their high position in the Greek real estate market, thanks to their competitive purchase price. Habitable or not, the final cost, both for the purchase and for the renovation work, is about 30% lower. Many people therefore often prefer to buy an old stone house in Crete instead of a modern villa or a maisonette.

2) Location of stone house in Crete

The old stone houses in Crete are mostly located in the center of traditional Cretan villages and old towns. This way their residents enjoy the unique experience of living in a back street of a village or the historical old town of Rethymno or Chania. Enjoy the neighborhood life in Crete together with the locals. A perfect way to enjoy the atmosphere and the benefits, sounds of nature, smells of the local cuisine, the fresh country air and the peaceful living conditions. There are no traffic jams, stressful rhythms of life and new construction projects nearby, which can spoil the tranquility of the traditional environment in Crete.

3) Traditional Cretan architecture

Stone is an original, natural material that allows a house to “breathe” and its 40-50 cm wide walls provide perfect, natural insulation for a house in Crete. Cretan architecture has always been harmoniously adapted to the natural environment of the island. In traditional Cretan architecture we find several elements that originate from the prehistoric times of the Minoans, the legendary Knossos Palace and the vaulted tombs. Crete, which is the meeting point of the West and the East, has preserved more elements from the Venetian period and the Ottoman period on the island. These features have been preserved throughout the centuries within the local traditional architecture. The interior arches, outdoor and semi-outdoor spaces, attics, small openings, the south-east orientation, were features of ancient Greek architecture. This heritage has been preserved in modern times.

4) Enjoy a unique village life with a stone house in Crete

Do you want to buy a house in Crete? The famous Cretan hospitality, participation in local activities and events of the village, daily coexistence with the villagers, and the feeling of solidarity, care and friendship can be a unique life experience for anyone who is tired of the stressful, western way of life. The feeling of safety and the absence of crime makes it possible to sleep in the warm summer nights with the window wide open, enjoying the northern breeze, called “Meltemi”. It also gives the opportunity to grow your own vegetable garden and enjoy the benefits of a Cretan diet, which is considered one of the healthiest in the world. The basis is, of course, pure, high-quality olive oil. There are many examples of people from different parts of Europe who bought a house in the village and were embraced by the locals and actively participated in the daily life of the local society.

5) Investment to sell or rent as a holiday home in Crete

An old, uninhabited stone village house, in most cases, comes onto the property market at a low asking price. The low cost of a property that usually consists not only of the main structure of the stone building, but in many cases also of a large plot of land for the garden, makes the investment worthwhile. By working with local architects and civil engineers, and with organized local construction companies, you can keep the renovation costs under control with a low budget. Finally, buying an old stone house can become a great investment, both for resale and for tourist rental, which is a fast growing economic sector and offers income opportunities. Especially on an island like Crete, with an average of 310 sunny days per year.