Academic Conference in Property Management, Valuation and Development, Panteion University, Athens, January 2010

Citation

Chatzitsolis, N. (2011), "Academic Conference in Property Management, Valuation and Development, Panteion University, Athens, January 2010", Journal of Property Investment & Finance, Vol. 29 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/jpif.2011.11229caa.001

Academic Conference in Property Management, Valuation and Development, Panteion University, Athens, January 2010

Article Type: Guest editorial From: Journal of Property Investment & Finance, Volume 29, Issue 3

The Greek market

The Greek real estate market may be described as imperfect and not particularly transparent. Nevertheless, the property market’s contribution to the economy of Greece is quite significant, representing more than 10 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP). This period is very critical for the Greek economy as a whole and all sectors are suffering severe pressure as a result of the austerity measures. There are very few property transactions and most potential buyers and investors alike anticipate a significant drop in property values. As a result the market is frozen and inactive and the situation has become more complex due to the lack of liquidity and severe financial constraints.

Real estate conferences

Although several real estate conferences and events are organised regularly in Greece, hardly any of these events combine both academic and market elements. Thus, a group of Panteion University professors, lecturers and local RICS members initiated the idea of organising a two-day conference aimed towards students, academics and property professionals. The fact that such an event could be organised in a period of property market crisis made this target more challenging. Eventually this idea, arising as a result of an initiative of academics and market professionals, was realised. The RICS also agreed to participate. A number of distinguished academics and professionals from the UK and the USA were invited and with their experience and wisdom made their own contribution to the conference. Some of the papers presented at this conference are presented in this Special Issue.

The entire event was successful, and it is important to emphasise that everything was made possible without the help of marketing/advertising companies or specialists. It was purely the work of the Organising Committee and Panteion University staff. We sincerely hope that following this year’s success, a second more enhanced and more dynamic conference can be organised for 2011. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.

Nick ChatzitsolisOn behalf of the Organising Committee, CB Richard Ellis – Axies, Athens, Greece