To begin, Varkiza is a highly desirable coastal location, on the southern boundary of Athens; known for the beauty of its beaches, the low rise nature of the housing stock and the relaxed Riviera lifestyle that it supports. Consequently, it is attractive to families seeking second homes in Greece, high net worth individuals who want to own holiday homes in Greece, foreign nationals buying Greek property, as well as investors who want to purchase holiday homes in Greece but rent them out during the summer season. All of the above types of buyers value their privacy, the amount of outdoor space available to them and the fact that their properties are located on the coast.
Consequently, it is attractive to families seeking second homes in Greece, high net worth individuals who want to own holiday homes in Greece, foreign nationals buying Greek property, as well as investors who want to purchase holiday homes in Greece but rent them out during the summer season. All of the above types of buyers value their privacy, the amount of outdoor space available to them and the fact that their properties are located on the coast.
However, it is precisely these aspects that increase the vulnerability of these properties when left unattended.
Compared to denser urban districts, detached homes, villas, ground floor apartments, and seasonal vacation patterns significantly increase the potential for risk.
Additionally, because of the extreme weather conditions that are becoming increasingly prevalent, along with recent instances of flooding in the southern suburbs of Athens, it is now mandatory to implement professional home monitoring in Varkiza as opposed to an optional luxury.
The following article will outline why Varkiza homes require greater oversight, how the risks have developed over time, and how a local home watch and check service can provide year-round security for your property.
Why Varkiza Properties Are Particularly Vulnerable
Varkiza is not a densely populated region. The streets are quieter, the properties are spaced further apart, and many of the homes are situated a distance away from the street behind fencing or garden walls. While this promotes the desired level of privacy, it also eliminates natural surveillance.
Properties in Varkiza typically exhibit the following features:
- Detached homes/villas
- Access to ground level
- Extensive balcony/terrace/gardens
- Seasonal/partially occupied
- Absentee ownership due to prolonged international travel
It is easier to identify signs of abandonment (i.e., the fact that the property is empty) for longer periods of time without neighbors noticing.
Increased Targeting of Coastal Suburbs by Crime
Crime in areas such as Varkiza is often planned, rather than spontaneous.
Factors that contribute to the likelihood of attracting criminal interest include:
- Property values
- Perceived wealth within the property
- Patterns of predictable absences
- Lack of pedestrian traffic, particularly during off-season
Burglaries in Varkiza tend to focus on:
- Sliding/balcony doors
- Ground floor windows
- Entrances to gardens
- Side/rear entrances
Incidents such as those described occur rapidly and quietly. When a property appears to be unattended, it is likely to be targeted again. Visible and regular inspections can act as a significant deterrent to burglars, reducing the likelihood that a property will be burglarized multiple times.
Weather and Flooding Risks in Varkiza
As a result of Varkiza’s coastal location, the area is exposed to increased weather-related hazards. Over the past few years, southern Athens has experienced increased frequency and intensity of rainstorms, sudden storms, and localized flooding that have affected both coastal roads, residential streets, and properties situated below sea level.
Flooding and Water Damage
Following heavy rainfall, some of the most common issues experienced in Varkiza include:
- Water leaking into properties through balcony/terrace doors
- Overflowing exterior drains clogged with debris
- Flooding in basements and semi-basements
- Flooding in underground parking garages
- Moisture penetrating through walls/floors
Water damage can escalate rapidly in an unoccupied home. A small leak can develop into mold, structural damage or electrical failure if not detected in time.
Wind/Salt Air/Storm Hazards
As a result of its proximity to the sea, Varkiza is subject to continuous exposure to wind and salt air.
This increases the rate of deterioration of:
- Seals on windows/doors
- Shutters/Awnings
- Exterior fixtures
- Railings/Fittings on balconies
Strong winds can dislodge fixtures and create openings for water to enter, which can worsen with subsequent storm events.
Long-Term Consequences of Prolonged Abandonment
Most of the most costly problems associated with Varkiza homes originate quietly.
Vacant properties are frequently plagued by:
- Mold growth in bathrooms/storage rooms
- Odors caused by trapped dry plumbing
- Failure of appliances without obvious signs
- Damage to furniture due to humidity accumulation
- Presence of pests through small exterior openings
These issues are rarely discovered until the owner returns, transforming what was meant to be a stress-free arrival into an emergency situation.
What our Varkiza Home Watch Service Offers
A home watch service is a systematic, repetitive process that is document-based and therefore not sporadic or informal access to keys.
Our local Varkiza Home Watch Service focuses on preventing issues from arising, identifying and documenting potential problems, and providing clear reporting.
Interior Room-by-Room Inspection Services
All interior room inspections are included in each visit:
- Inspect all rooms for signs of leaks/damp/moisture
- Detect any unusual odors
- Check appliance functionality
- Perform basic ventilation of the property
Inspect all access points:
- Main entrance doors
- Sliding/Balcony/Patio Doors
- Windows/Shutters
- Indications of attempted/unlawful entry/tampering
Due to the layout of villas and ground-floor properties, these types of homes benefit significantly from routine access checks.
Inspection of Plumbing/Water Distribution Systems
During each visit:
- Flush Taps & Toilets
- Visually inspect plumbing areas
- Document early warning signs of a potential leak
- Identify drain-related risks
By conducting these activities regularly, we dramatically reduce the risk of flooding and/or long-term water damage to your property.
Inspection of Outdoor Spaces/Gardens/Balconies
Outdoor spaces are among the most vulnerable areas of a Varkiza property:
- Inspect drainage points
- Identify standing water
- Inspect Furniture & Fixtures
- Document damage from storms
Send Photo Documentation & Condition Updates Following Each Visit
After each visit, we send:
- Photo documentation of the property
- Summary of the property condition
- Alerts immediately upon identification of any issues requiring immediate action
You will always be aware of the status of your property, regardless of whether you are abroad.
Importance of a Local Varkiza Presence
For a home watch service to be effective, it must be local.
Having a presence in Varkiza enables:
- Rapid response to alarms/storm warnings
- Knowledge of local construction techniques
- Understanding of the typical issues faced by coastal properties
- Prompt coordination with local, reputable maintenance professionals
While local knowledge will enhance inspections to provide actual security, it will also provide a sense of comfort knowing that you have someone checking your property while you’re away.
Insurance Considerations for Varkiza Homes
Several insurance policies contain provisions concerning vacant or unattended properties. Without evidence of ongoing monitoring, insurance companies may question or deny claims relating to water damage, flooding, and burglary.
Our professional home watch services:
- Provide proof of on-going monitoring of the property
- Reduce the insurance risk of the property
- Allow for earlier identification and resolution of problems
- Provide clear documentation for claims purposes
In coastal areas where there is a high probability of flooding, the documentation provided by a home watch service can prove to be invaluable.
Who Benefits Most from a Home Watch in Varkiza
Our Varkiza clients are typically comprised of:
- Overseas homeowners
- Second-home owners
- Investors with seasonal usage
- Families residing outside Greece for part of the year
- Homeowners planning to sell or rent their Varkiza properties
Regardless of the type of homeowner, the ultimate goal is to ensure that the homeowner returns to a property that is safe, dry and free of problems.
Actual Problems That We Identify and Prevent
Because we conduct regular inspections, we can detect:
- Minor leaks before they cause flooding
- Storm damage that is not addressed
- Mold growing in enclosed rooms
- Security vulnerabilities
- Electricity-related issues resulting from moisture
These are problems that are relatively inexpensive to correct early-on and extremely costly to ignore.
Protecting Your Investment in Varkiza
The quality of life offered by Varkiza is arguably one of the best in the Athenian Riviera. However, protecting that investment requires proactivity — especially if your property will be vacant for extended periods of time.
Our local home watch and check service ensures that your Varkiza property is never actually left unattended. This reduces the potential for loss, minimizes the extent of potential damage, and provides you complete visibility of your property at all times.
If your Varkiza property will be vacant for weeks or months, employing a professional home watch service is likely one of the easiest and most cost-effective methods to safeguard the value of your property and your peace of mind.
GET IN TOUCH
