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Uri: A fully furnished and move-in-ready apartment in Athens

"I never imagined it would turn out this way"

Uri arrived in Athens to see the apartment he had purchased through Palmo for the first time. Until that visit, he had only been familiar with the property through the floor plans, the catalog, and the information he had received along the way. Stepping into the apartment transformed what had been presented on paper into a tangible, furnished, and fully equipped property.

What stood out to him wasn’t just the overall look of the apartment, but the attention to detail: the washing machine and appliances, the furniture, the towels and linens, the study area, the storage solutions, and even the curtains, which were tailored to the space. As someone who works in the curtain industry himself, this was a professional detail that Uri knew how to evaluate with a critical eye.

His story focuses on a pivotal moment in every new overseas property purchase: the handover. This is the stage when you can verify whether the actual property matches the specifications, renderings, and expectations you had prior to the purchase.

Uri's Story in a Nutshell

Property Type: New, fully furnished apartment in Athens
Stage documented in the story: First visit to the apartment and handover of the property
Condition of the apartment at the time of the visit: furnished and equipped for use
Items Uri mentioned: appliances, washing machine, towels, bedding, furniture, study area, storage, and curtains
Relevant professional background: Experience in the curtain industry
What stood out to him: the quality of the finish, the features, and the alignment between what was presented and the final result
What was not disclosed: the purpose of the purchase, the project name, the apartment price, the rental model, and the condition of the property after delivery

The first time Uri saw the apartment

Purchasing a new property or one that is still under construction requires the buyer to make some decisions before seeing the finished product. It is possible to review plans, technical specifications, renderings, and examples from previous projects, but there is always a certain gap between the description and the actual feeling one gets when stepping into the apartment.

For Uri, this gap was bridged during his visit to Athens. In the original post, he describes his excitement with the phrases “I never dreamed it would be like this” and “over the moon.” As far as he’s concerned, the finished apartment not only met the expectations that had built up during the process, but exceeded them.

This comment is based on personal experience and is not a substitute for a professional inspection of the property. However, it illustrates just how significant the handover moment is for an investor who is in Israel and does not see the progress of construction and fit-out on a daily basis.

What amenities are included in the apartment?

The apartment Uri received was not delivered as an empty space that would have required him to start looking for contractors, purchasing furniture, and arranging deliveries after receiving the key. According to the published report, it included appliances—such as a washing machine—as well as a full set of furniture, towels, bedding, a study area, and storage solutions.

The furnishings also took into account details that aren’t always obvious when purchasing an apartment. The curtains, for example, weren’t chosen as a generic item intended merely to cover the windows, but were tailored to the apartment’s layout and design. For Uri, who has professional expertise in this field, this was a detail that caught his particular attention.

The inventory list provides an overview of the property designed to minimize the work required of the apartment owner after handover. Instead of embarking on another round of purchases and arrangements in a different country, a significant portion of the preparation was already completed before his arrival.

However, it is important to distinguish between a fully furnished apartment and one that is necessarily ready for rent. Readiness for rent also depends on inspections of the building systems, utility connections, insurance, any required permits, a management agreement, and adapting the property to the intended tenant demographic.

Why was it significant that Uri came from the curtain industry?

When a client evaluates a product in a field with which he has professional familiarity, his attention to detail can be more precise than that of someone who is not involved in that field. Uri didn’t view the curtains merely as part of the overall design. He examined an item within his area of expertise and paid attention to how well it suited the space.

The fact that he was impressed by the choice and the execution does not in itself prove the quality of the apartment as a whole, but it adds a concrete professional perspective to the story. Instead of offering a general compliment about how nice the apartment looked, he identified a specific detail about which he had prior knowledge.

This is also an example of the importance of inspecting a property by examining its various components. A positive first impression is important, but during the inspection, it’s important to move from the big picture to the details: carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, windows, air conditioning, flooring, storage, fixtures, and every item included in the specifications.

What is a turnkey apartment?

The term “turnkey” generally describes a property that is delivered in a condition that allows the owner to move in or begin using it without having to manage an extensive completion process themselves. In the case of a residential apartment, this may include finishing work, a kitchen, appliances, lighting, furniture, textiles, and other pre-determined items.

There is no standard definition of this term that applies to every developer or project. An apartment defined as “ready” by one company may include only a kitchen and appliances, while in another project it may also include complete furnishings, household items, linens, and storage solutions.

Therefore, when considering a real estate investment in Greece, it is not enough to rely on the term “turnkey.” You should obtain a detailed inventory list that specifies which items are included, their model or standard, who is responsible for installation, and what happens if a particular item is not available at the time of delivery.

In Uri’s case, the scope of the furnishings was extensive and included even relatively small items. For him, the value lay not only in receiving the furniture, but in the fact that the apartment was delivered as a cohesive, well-planned whole rather than as a collection of purchases he would have had to make himself later on.

The Transition from Catalog to Reality

One of the key points on the current page is that what appeared in the catalog is exactly what Uri saw on-site. When purchasing an apartment that has not yet been completed, this consistency is an essential part of the handover inspection.

The catalog and renderings are intended to illustrate what the property may look like, but they are not intended to replace binding specifications. Colors, furniture, and design elements shown in the renderings are not necessarily included in the transaction, unless they are explicitly mentioned in the purchase documents.

Therefore, it is important to document exactly what was promised before signing. A distinction should be made between illustrative images and items included in the price, and you should ensure that exchange options are also clearly defined. If the developer is permitted to replace a product with an equivalent item, you need to understand what constitutes an equivalent product and who authorizes the change.

Uri says that in his case, the finished property closely matched his expectations. For a potential investor, the lesson is not to rely solely on the catalog, but to ensure that the catalog is backed up by specifications and written commitments.

What should you look for in the specifications of a furnished apartment?

The specifications for a turnkey apartment should let the buyer know what they’ll be getting even before the property is ready. A general description such as “fully furnished” isn’t always sufficient. It’s important to understand what furniture is included, what its dimensions are, what materials it’s made of, and whether it’s suitable for the number of people the apartment is intended to accommodate.

It’s also important to get detailed information about appliances. Refrigerators, ovens, and washing machines can vary greatly in quality, size, energy consumption, and warranty period. You should find out who provides the warranty, whether it’s valid in Greece, and what happens if a product breaks down while the owner is in Israel.

When it comes to textiles and household items, the question is not only what is in the apartment on the day of handover, but also who is responsible for replacements and wear and tear thereafter. If the property is intended for rent, towels, bedding, curtains, and kitchenware are operational items that will require maintenance and replacement over time.

It’s also important to check which items are not included. An air conditioner, water heater, internet connection, light fixtures, or safety equipment may seem like a natural part of a move-in-ready apartment, but you shouldn’t assume they’re included unless it’s explicitly stated.

What is the proper way to hand over an apartment?

A visit to an apartment is an opportunity to get a feel for it, but a proper handover doesn’t end with the impression that the property looks good. It’s advisable to conduct a systematic inspection of the apartment and document any discrepancies, omissions, or defects before signing the handover document.

The inspection should include checking the operation of the systems, opening and closing windows and doors, water pressure, drainage, electrical outlets, lighting, air conditioning, appliances, woodwork, flooring, paint, and waterproofing. In a furnished apartment, you should also compare the inventory list with the items actually present.

When the property owner is not familiar with the construction field, they can enlist the help of a building inspector or a local professional on their behalf. The purpose of the inspection is not to find a reason to reject the apartment, but to identify in a timely manner any issues that require repair and to create clear documentation of who is responsible for completing them.

It’s a good idea to take photos of the apartment on the day of handover, record the meter readings, and obtain copies of the keys, warranty, and operating instructions. If any defects are found, you should determine who will repair them and by when, rather than settling for a general promise that the issue will be addressed.

Does a fully furnished apartment save the investor time and effort?

A full furnishing package can save you a significant amount of the coordination required after purchasing a property abroad. The homeowner doesn’t have to travel to Greece to shop around, receive deliveries, assemble furniture, or find a professional for every little task.

The savings aren't just in time. When the furnishings are planned as part of the project, it's possible to tailor the furniture to the apartment's dimensions, create storage solutions, and maintain a consistent design aesthetic. In small apartments, where every meter affects the living experience, this kind of planning can be of significant value.

On the other hand, furnishings are part of the transaction cost. It’s important to understand whether their cost is included in the apartment’s price, whether they can be compared to alternatives, and what the future maintenance and replacement costs will be. A furnished apartment isn’t necessarily a better deal; it’s a solution that may suit an investor who values time savings and remote management.

In the guide to analyzing an overseas real estate transaction, you can read about the additional factors to consider in addition to the condition of the property: location, price, demand, costs, taxation, management, and an exit strategy.

Those who are just starting the process can usethe guide to buying a home in Greece to familiarize themselves with the steps involved in selecting a property, conducting a legal review, completing the purchase, and managing the property after taking possession.

What can we learn from Uri's pass?

Uri’s story illustrates that specifications and features are not a minor detail. When the buyer is in another country, any item missing after delivery can turn into a process involving coordination, payment, shipping, and remote installation.

It also highlights the importance of a physical inspection. Uri didn’t just rely on the photos he was sent; he went to see the apartment and assessed it for himself. His professional experience in the field of curtains allowed him to evaluate at least one aspect of the apartment based on actual knowledge.

The third conclusion is that excitement and a professional inspection are not mutually exclusive. You can enjoy the moment you receive the key while at the same time systematically going over the specifications, systems, and contents.

Finally, a turnkey apartment can significantly reduce the hassle after move-in, but only when it is clear in advance what is included and who is responsible for each component. The term “turnkey” should be translated into a written, verifiable, and documented checklist.

To whom might Uri's story be relevant?

This story may be of interest to investors who are looking for a new property and would prefer not to handle the purchase of furniture and furnishings in another country themselves. It is particularly relevant for those whose time is limited or who do not want to turn the handover period into yet another operational project.

It may also be suitable for those considering the purchase of a small apartment, where the layout of the furniture, storage, and workspace significantly affects how the space is used. In such cases, it is important to consider not only the quantity of furniture, but also its dimensions and suitability for the target tenant demographic.

However, those who want to choose each item themselves, design the apartment to their own taste, or control the furnishing budget separately may prefer a property that does not come as a ready-made package. There is no one-size-fits-all model for every buyer.

Want to get an apartment in Athens without having to start furnishing and equipping it from afar?

If you're considering buying a new apartment in Athens and would prefer a furnished and fully equipped property, it's important to check in advance exactly what's included in the deal and how the handover will take place.

At an introductory meeting with the Palmo team, you’ll learn about the projects currently available, understand which finishes and amenities are included in each project, and explore how the process aligns with your investment goals.