Buying a Yacht Remotely in Greece

A Guide for International Buyers

A yacht located in Greece can be purchased without the buyer attending every stage in person. Remote acquisition should not, however, mean buying without an independent survey, verified documentation or secure payment procedures.

The purpose of a structured remote purchase is to replace physical attendance with reliable information, independent professional verification and clearly documented decisions.

Is It Safe to Buy a Yacht Remotely in Greece?

It can be, provided that:

• The yacht is viewed live and independently surveyed
• Ownership and documentation are professionally verified
• The transaction is governed by an appropriate written agreement
• Bank details and payment instructions are independently confirmed

Remote purchasing should replace personal attendance—not due diligence.

Live Video Viewing

A live broker-led video viewing enables the buyer to review specific areas of the yacht in real time. This may include the exterior, accommodation, helm, engine room, equipment, inventory and any visible defects requiring clarification.

Available service records, displayed engine hours and preliminary registration information can also be discussed before the buyer commits to survey costs.

Photographs and videos remain preliminary information. They do not replace an independent technical inspection.

Offer and Independent Survey

A buyer may [make an offer] without personally viewing the yacht, provided it is subject to appropriate conditions.

For a pre-owned yacht, these commonly include an independent survey, haul-out, sea trial and satisfactory documentation review. The written agreement should define the relevant conditions, deadlines and each party’s rights.

The surveyor should be independently appointed by, and report directly to, the buyer. Specialist engine, rigging or systems inspections may also be appropriate.

When a yacht is located on a Greek island, surveyor travel, haul-out availability and technical access may require additional coordination.

Documentation and Secure Payment

The buyer’s independently appointed professional advisers should verify ownership, authority to sell, registration, VAT documentation and any recorded mortgages or encumbrances relevant to the yacht.

Payment instructions should be confirmed through a trusted channel before funds are transferred. Unexpected changes to bank details, urgent requests or instructions received only by email should be treated with caution and independently verified.

The sale agreement should clearly record the deposit, payment arrangements and conditions governing the release or return of funds.

How Alvea Yachts Supports Remote Buyers

For yachts centrally listed by Alvea Yachts, we provide live video viewings, supply available yacht information, present offers to the seller and coordinate access for the buyer’s independently appointed surveyor and advisers.

Alvea Yachts manages the brokerage and practical coordination. Surveyors, lawyers, tax advisers and registration specialists remain responsible for their respective advice and findings.

This guide provides general brokerage information and does not constitute legal, tax, customs, technical or financial advice. Buyers should obtain independent professional advice appropriate to the yacht and proposed transaction.