Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about working with Liven Advisory
About LIVEN Advisory
Get clarity on who we are, how we operate, and why buyers choose an independent advisory over a volume-based brokerage.
1. What is LIVEN Advisory and how is it structured?
LIVEN is a boutique buyer advisory founded by independent consultants in Athens. We are not a brokerage—there are no internal listings or seller mandates. Our role is to represent the buyer exclusively, combining market knowledge, due diligence oversight, and design-led service.
2. Why do you limit the number of active clients?
Advisory work needs focus. We commit to a small portfolio of briefs at any given time so that research, sourcing, and negotiations remain thoughtful and responsive. If we feel capacity is tight, we will defer new inquiries rather than compromise the experience.
3. Do you collaborate with traditional agents or developers?
Yes, but always from the buyer's side. We maintain relationships with trusted agents, developers, family offices, and off-market owners. Accessing their inventory is part of our work, yet we never accept compensation from them. Any fee comes only from the client who engaged us.
Fees & Engagement
Understand the onboarding fee, the success fee, and the engagement terms before you decide to work with us.
4. How is the 2% success fee structured?
It is only payable if you proceed with a purchase sourced under our engagement. The fee is split in two equal instalments—one at reservation contract and one at final signing—so that our incentives stay aligned with your progress.
5. Do you offer performance-based or capped fees?
For complex briefs or institutional buyers we can propose alternative fee structures (e.g., capped retainers, blended legal/technical budgets). We review these on a case-by-case basis once we understand scope, timelines, and jurisdictions involved.
6. What is the cancellation or pause policy?
If priorities change, you can pause the search for up to six months without losing your onboarding credit. Should you cancel entirely before we deliver a shortlist, 70% of the onboarding fee is refunded. After a shortlist is delivered, the fee is considered earned.
Property Search & Selection
See how we source properties, evaluate opportunities, and curate the shortlist you eventually visit.
8. How do you gather and qualify opportunities?
We combine proprietary research, agent networks, private sellers, and developer partners. Each property goes through a preliminary check: price rationale, legal readiness, documentation status, and alignment with your strategy.
9. Do you cover all of Greece or specialise in specific regions?
We specialise in Attica (Athens & Riviera), the Cyclades (Paros, Mykonos, Milos), Crete, and select mainland investment corridors. We can still coordinate outside these areas by partnering with allies, but we are transparent when a market is outside our direct expertise.
10. What does a curated shortlist look like?
Each shortlist entry includes a narrative overview, pricing context, comparable transactions, location intelligence, risk notes, and next-step recommendations. You can track which leads you prefer, request deeper due diligence, or move to viewing coordination.
Legal, Due Diligence & Lawyers
See how we coordinate legal reviews, technical inspections, and professional partners.
18. Do you provide legal representation?
We are not a law firm. We introduce vetted Greek legal teams (or work with yours) and remain in every meeting to ensure questions are translated into clear action. The lawyer's retainer is separate and paid directly by you.
19. What documents are reviewed during legal due diligence?
Typical packs include title deeds, topographic diagrams, planning permissions, energy certificates, shared ownership rules, and debt/encumbrance checks. For new builds we also review developer guarantees and construction permits.
20. How do you manage technical inspections?
We coordinate engineers or surveyors to inspect structure, installations, and compliance with current codes. Findings are provided together with cost estimates for remedial works so you can negotiate confidently.
21. Can you help with tax numbers, bank accounts, or power of attorney?
Yes. We streamline the administrative steps by working with partner accountants and banks. We prepare document lists, schedule appointments, and track deadlines so setup tasks do not delay your transaction.
Remote Buyers & Logistics
Many clients begin abroad. Here is how we keep things moving even if you are not in Greece.
22. Can viewings be done virtually?
Yes. We arrange live video walk-throughs with advisors on-site, capture detailed recordings, and share annotated floor plans. When you decide to travel, we condense in-person viewings into focused itineraries.
23. Do I need to be in Greece for signatures?
Final signatures typically happen in person, but a power of attorney can be arranged if travel is impossible. Earlier steps (reservation contracts, bank onboarding, AFM issuance) can be handled remotely with notarised documents.
24. How do you keep me updated across time zones?
We work with calendar blocks that respect your local hours, and we log every update. Weekly video calls or concise Loom recordings ensure you never feel out of the loop, even during busy due diligence periods.
Data Protection & Security
Security and confidentiality underpin the advisory relationship—here's how we safeguard your data.
25. How is client data stored?
All documents reside in encrypted Supabase storage with role-based access. Sensitive uploads (IDs, bank letters) are further protected with expiring links and audit logs. We never forward files via unsecured email without your approval.
26. Who has access to my information?
Only your assigned advisory team and the professionals you explicitly approve (lawyers, engineers, accountants). Every collaborator signs an NDA, and you can revoke access at any time.
27. Do you comply with GDPR and international privacy standards?
Yes. LIVEN is headquartered in the EU, so GDPR governs all processing. We also follow ISO27001-aligned practices for data retention, and we host our services on infrastructure with independent security certifications.
After the Purchase
Support does not end at signing—we remain your partner for ownership, compliance, and future strategy.
28. What happens immediately after completion?
We coordinate the handover checklist: utility transfers, insurance, property management introductions, and digital archiving of the entire transaction. You receive a consolidated ownership pack.
29. Do you help with furnishing, renovation, or rentals?
Yes. Through our Ownership Hub partners we can brief architects, interior designers, or rental managers. We stay as the single point of contact so that creative and operational teams understand your original goals.
30. Can you advise on future acquisitions or divestments?
Absolutely. Most clients continue working with us to monitor market conditions, identify expansion opportunities, or plan orderly exits. Because we already understand your portfolio, follow-up mandates move faster and stay consistent with your strategy.
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