We’ve gathered answers to the questions we receive most often to make your experience simple and clear. Whether you’re looking for information about our properties, services, locations, pricing, or the buying process, our FAQ section is designed to help you find what you need quickly. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, feel free to contact us directly — we’re always happy to assist and provide additional information.
1.Do I need a broker to buy a yacht?
You are not legally required to use a broker, but doing so protects your interests at every stage. A broker will assess available yachts against your criteria, arrange viewings, negotiate on your behalf, coordinate the survey and sea trial, and guide you through the documentation. The broker’s commission is paid by the seller, so as a buyer you benefit from professional representation at no direct cost to you.
2. How does the yacht buying process work?
It begins with establishing your requirements — type, size, budget, and intended use. We prepare a shortlist of suitable vessels, arrange viewings, and once you identify a yacht you wish to proceed with, we submit a formal offer. Upon agreement, a Memorandum of Agreement is signed and a deposit placed in escrow. A marine survey and sea trial follow, after which the parties either proceed to completion or renegotiate based on the survey findings.
3. How long does it take to sell a yacht?
There is no fixed timeframe. A correctly priced yacht in good condition can sell within weeks; others take several months or longer. Asking price aligned with current market values, complete documentation, and a well-maintained yacht are the most important factors in achieving a timely sale. You can use the link below to explore our listings:
Yachts For Sale
4. What is a Central Agency Agreement and do I need one?
A Central Agency Agreement is a contract appointing The Ionians as the exclusive representative for the sale of your vessel. It defines the agreed asking price, commission, and marketing terms. Under this arrangement we work co-operatively with all other brokers on a co-brokerage basis, meaning your yacht is exposed to the full market while your interests are managed through a single point of contact. You can explore our services and get your personalized advice: Our services
5. What does a marine survey involve, and who pays for it?
A marine survey is a professional inspection of the yacht’s structure, machinery, safety equipment, and documentation, carried out by an accredited marine surveyor appointed by the buyer. The buyer covers the cost of the survey and any haulout required. The findings are presented in a written report which forms the basis for either proceeding with the purchase, renegotiating the price, or withdrawing from the agreement within the terms of the contract.
6. Are tenders and water toys included in the sale price?
Not automatically. Each listing comes with a detailed inventory specifying exactly what is included in the asking price. Any items outside that inventory can be negotiated separately as part of the sale agreement.
7. What taxes and additional costs should I budget for when buying a yacht?
Beyond the purchase price, buyers should factor in survey and haulout fees, flag registration, insurance, and any maintenance work identified during the survey. On the question of VAT, the documentation available for each vessel is provided as part of the sale process, and we recommend consulting a specialist maritime lawyer for advice on the legal and tax implications specific to your purchase.
8. What is the difference between a new build and a brokerage yacht?
A new build has had no previous owners and is constructed to your specification. A brokerage yacht is pre-owned. The main practical differences are price — brokerage yachts offer significantly better value per metre — and availability, since a brokerage yacht can be delivered immediately rather than after a build period of one to several years.
9. Can a foreign buyer purchase a yacht in Greece?
Foreign nationals can purchase a yacht in Greece. All vessels cruising Greek waters are subject to Greek maritime regulations including the TEPAI cruising permit, and VAT obligations depend on the vessel’s history and origin. Working with a local agent is advisable to clarify the requirements specific to your situation.
10. Why choose The Ionians?
We are based in Corfu and Preveza, which places us permanently in the Ionian market rather than visiting it seasonally. We know the yachts, the owners, the marinas, and the local conditions. Our listings appear on all major international platforms and we work on a co-brokerage basis with brokers worldwide, so your yacht receives broad market exposure. What we offer beyond that is straightforward: direct access to the brokers handling your sale or purchase, honest pricing advice, and full support from first enquiry through to delivery.
11. Where are The Ionians’ offices located?
Our offices are in Corfu Town and Preveza Town. The Corfu office serves the northern Ionian including Gouvia Marina and Benitses, while the Preveza office covers Aktio, the Preveza marina, and Lefkada. The Ionian Sea has an active yacht brokerage market throughout the year.
12. What is the best base for buying or keeping a yacht in the Ionian?
It depends on your cruising intentions. Gouvia Marina in Corfu is the natural gateway to the northern Ionian and offers excellent facilities for berthing, maintenance, and provisioning. Preveza serves as the main base for the southern Ionian, with easy access to the islands of Lefkada, Meganisi, Kefalonia, and Ithaca. Aktio, directly across from Preveza, is home to one of the largest boatyard and dry storage areas in Greece, making it a preferred location for winter lay-up and works across the entire Ionian fleet.
13. What is the best time of year to buy or sell a yacht in the Ionian?
The market is most active between March and October, when the season drives both buyer enquiries and owner decisions to sell. That said, some of the best deals happen outside the peak summer months, when there is less competition among buyers and owners are more motivated to negotiate. We are active in the market year-round.
