Buying a greek boat-private

[nickfld1]

I am buying a 42 foot jeanneau and the agent working for me has informed me there is a 2.4% tax of the puchase price to be paid. He has called either a duty or a stamp. I cannot find any reference to this tax. The boat has a greek flag and when purchased will fly under a UK flag as I am British.
Please can anyone shed so light on this before I move forward,Thanks

[linnupesa]

Nick, I'd be very careful with the whole purchase at the present time where the currency and whole Greek financial set-up is highly unstable. While I do not want to rain on your parade your agent should be able to quote you chapter and verse about where this fee comes from. My ritmetic is shaky but I vaguely remember an equation where a used car salesman is equivalent to a used boat salesman. It's not Greek but I do recall caveat emptor from my Latin class.

IMHO it may be better to have a reliable 3rd party in the deal that can confirm all is on the up and up, as well as the legitimacy of this fee. With a bankrupt Greek gov't a surtax a la Cyprus on large amounts, or something similar, may well be waiting in the wings there as well.

Good luck and I hope it all works out OK for you.

Ivo s/v Linnupesa

[Istioploos]

I live and cruise in Greece 6 months of the year. The only tax I am aware of on the sale of a used boat it VAT.

You should ask for specific details, and then double check them.