How to Sell Your Yacht in Greece: Step-by-Step
A practical, owner-friendly guide to documents, pricing, marketing, survey, and completion — with links to WSI resources in Greece.
Selling a yacht in Greece can feel daunting. Between paperwork, regulations, and finding the right buyer, it’s hard to know where to start. The good news: with the right preparation and support, Greece is one of the most attractive places in Europe to market and sell a yacht. This step-by-step guide walks you from pre-market to handover.
1) Understand the Greek market
- International appeal: Buyers come from the UK, EU and further afield for cruising-ready yachts based in the Aegean and Ionian.
- Seasonality: Peak interest runs spring–late summer, but committed buyers transact year-round.
- Competition: Pricing is weighed against Croatia, Turkey, and Italy.
Get a feel for pricing and competition by exploring our Greece listings hub:
Yachts for sale in Greece.
2) Prepare your documentation
Having the correct documents in place reassures buyers and prevents delays:
- Title & registration (Greek flag or other EU/UK registry).
- Evidence of VAT/tax status (original proof if VAT paid).
- Builder’s Certificate & Bill of Sale chain (clear chain of title).
- RCD/CE (or UKCA) compliance for post-1998 builds.
- Transit Log (non-EU sellers): Ensure the Greek Transit Log is current and correctly closed/handed over as required by local customs.
- Maintenance/service records and refit invoices.
3) Prepare the yacht for viewings
- Deep clean & declutter: Decks, lockers, bilges, engine bay.
- Fix minor faults: Lights, latches, upholstery, sail repairs.
- Photography: Bright, wide, well-composed images sell faster.
- Include ashore shots: Hull/keel photos if recently lifted.
4) Choose your sales strategy
Full-service brokerage: We handle marketing, enquiries, viewings, negotiation, contracts, and secure settlements — ideal if you value time and transaction security.
Owner-managed: Some owners self-manage viewings and comms; you’ll still need robust contracts and safe funds handling.
See our process overview here: Selling with Williams & Smithells.
5) Set a realistic asking price
Price is shaped by model desirability, age/condition, inventory, and location (Ionian vs Aegean bases can influence demand). Overpricing drags time-to-sale; underpricing leaves money on the table. Request a data-led appraisal from our team.
6) Market the yacht effectively
- Placement on major portals (YachtWorld, Rightboat, etc.) and the WSI site.
- High-impact spec sheet and professional photography.
- Buyer database outreach, social posts, and email campaigns.
7) Manage enquiries & viewings
- Fast, clear responses build confidence.
- Efficient scheduling: Local support in Greece keeps momentum.
- Video walk-throughs: WhatsApp/Zoom tours help pre-qualify travellers.
8) Offers & negotiation
Typical terms include a 10% deposit, conditions for survey/sea trial, and an agreed completion timeline. Your broker will filter time-wasters, protect your interests, and negotiate strongly.
9) Survey, sea trial & acceptance
- Buyer appoints a local surveyor and yard lift if needed.
- Sea trial confirms systems, propulsion, and sailing performance.
- Survey report → remedy discussion or price adjustment (if warranted).
- Buyer signs an Acceptance Certificate to proceed to completion.
10) Completion & handover
- Balance funds transferred to a separate designated client account.
- Executed Bill of Sale and closing documents.
- Handover of keys, manuals, and all originals (VAT/title/registry).
Result: a smooth, secure sale — and a happy buyer ready to cruise Greece.
Ready to sell in Greece?
From appraisal and photography to safe funds handling, our Greece team manages the process end-to-end.