The Decentralized Administration of Epirus – Western Macedonia gave the green light for a property exchange between the Municipality of Kastoria and a hotel management company, deeming the relevant decision legal.
According to a relevant decision of the Municipality, the exchange, without an auction, of a municipal plot of land, with an area of 3,117.51 sq.m., located on the Kastoria farm, “Petra” area, outside the approved street plan of Kastoria, with an estimated market value of 11,300 euros, was approved, with a plot of land owned by the hotel operating company FOREST RESORTS A.X.T.E., with an area of 1,252.33 sq.m., located in the “Ammos-Mills” area of the approved street plan of the city of Kastoria, with an estimated market value of 216,000 euros.
It should be noted that according to a document from the Legal Service of the Municipality of Kastoria, following a legal audit, it was confirmed that the titles of the above properties are legal, the above properties are free of encumbrances and no legal obstacles were found for their proposed exchange.
The Municipality states that the proposed exchange is advantageous for it, since the value of the property it will acquire is significantly greater than the property it will yield. Moreover, the Municipality of Kastoria has included in the “ANTONIS TRITSIS” program with approved funding of 620,000 euros the study for the redevelopment of the “Swimming Pool and Water Sports Facilities Area”, within which the property to be exchanged is located.
Based on the current legislation, the exchange of properties of Municipalities and Communities can be carried out without an auction. Also, by a specifically justified decision of the municipal or community council, taken by an absolute majority of the total number of its members, the direct and without auction sale of municipal or community real estate to the State, to other Local Government Organizations, to enterprises of Local Government Organizations, to legal entities under public law and to organizations and public utility enterprises, for the execution of projects of their program, is permitted.
Furthermore, it is stipulated that the assessment of the value of the real estate under concession shall be undertaken by a Committee established by a Mayor’s Decision. In the event that the estimated value of the real estate exceeds the amount of 58,649.06 euros, appraisers registered in the Register of Certified Appraisers shall be responsible for the precise determination of their value.
