A petty crime sealed a final decision to retire to the Greek island of Crete -- but it could be legitimate government action to rescue Greece from economic melt-down that eventually forces Bob and Anna Scott back to the UK . Lured by the Mediterranean diet and climate , the couple moved to the village of Kokkino Horio in western Crete from Gloucester in 1997 . The burglary at their UK home was enough to seek a permanent move to a country known for its friendly welcome . `` There was no crime here in those days ... and it 's still the case , '' said Bob who recounted the story of leaving a camera in a taverna and returning the next day to find it still hanging on the back of the chair where it was left . Initially they rented but seven years ago they bought a plot of land , built their own home , learned Greek and settled . The couple still love the people and the country they have adopted but Bob paints a picture of a nation in a mess -- one where strikes are commonplace , officialdom is mistrusted and illegal payments and tax evasion are part of everyday life . However , the medicine needed to fix it could force out those who have retired to a country which is imposing higher taxation to rid itself of a chronic debt problem . According to Eurostat , Greece owed more than 140 % of its annual GDP in 2010 , and the country is currently reliant on a huge bailout . The European Commission says Greece 's projected debt for 2011 stands at nearly €353 billion ( $ 487 billion ) . Bob and Anna say they are facing an extra property tax of €500 ( $ 690 ) next year and for the moment they say they can manage , but accountants are already sending letters to their clients warning that there may be more taxes on the way . Another British couple , Roy and Kate Cooper , who have also settled in Crete , say future tax increases may hit some ex-pats quite hard , particularly those on pensions . `` Luckily we have n't got a swimming pool or big house or big car which are being targeted to raise extra cash , '' said Roy . As well as extra taxes , the Greek government is working hard to stamp out tax evasion and reform public pensions . According to the Greek finance ministry 's figures , last year it seized 555 yachts and imposed fines of €3.4 billion ( $ 4.7 billion ) . But Bob Scott says he continues to see regular evasion , explaining that shops may charge €25 ( $ 35 ) for a purchase but give a receipt for €15 ( $ 21 ) or no receipt at all . And he says many workers will ask for a small cash bribe to carry out a favour . `` Graft is a way of life , '' said Bob . `` People are looking for it . We 've got used to it but we do n't pay backhanders to people if they ask . '' Despite the frustrations , the couple are sympathetic to the plight of the Greek people and understand their anger . `` The current situation is driving most people to distraction because they realize the things being imposed on them are punitive -- absolutely nothing is being done to promote growth , '' said Bob . `` They see people at the top getting away with what they perceive as blue murder . `` There are so many good things about this place . The people are very nice , friendly , helpful and generous when they know you . We really enjoy it here and we would n't want to go back to the UK unless we were forced to . '' However , the couple believe an increased tax burden on their UK pension , which is their only income , could make it a possibility . The prospects for Greece are not promising . It has teetered on the edge of defaulting on its debts and the population is resentful of the austerity measures introduced so far . There are frequent protests and a public sector strike last week brought the country to a standstill . And there are other problems . According to Bob , local hotels have pegged their room prices for three years , but he said taxi driver strikes leave tourists stranded at the airport , and extra taxes could further discourage visitors and drive away those who have already moved to Greece and spend their money there .
Retired citizens face extra property tax of € 500 ( $ 690 ) in the next year . European Commission says Greek debt for 2011 stands at nearly € 353 billion ( $ 5000 ) ; pools , big cars and houses are being sold to raise extra cash . Greece has teetered on the edge of defaulting on its debts .