Buyer Advisory

Buying Property in Greece

The complete acquisition roadmap for international buyers: every stage of a Greek property purchase, the professionals involved, the documents required and the costs to expect. It does not replace independent legal, tax or technical advice — it prepares you to direct it.

  1. Define the brief and the structure

    Location shortlist, property type, budget envelope — and how you will hold the asset. Individual ownership, Greek entity or foreign entity have materially different tax and inheritance outcomes; take structuring advice before you fall in love with a house.

    Key documents

    • Passport
    • Greek tax number (AFM) — obtainable via proxy

  2. Search and viewings

    Market research, off-market access and viewings. In thin luxury markets the best properties often trade quietly; a briefed adviser surfaces what portals cannot.

  3. Offer and letter of intent

    Terms are agreed in a letter of intent: price, timeline, inclusions, and any conditions. A reservation deposit may take the property off the market while due diligence runs.

  4. Appoint the legal and technical team

    A Greek lawyer with property specialisation and an independent engineer. Both work for you, not the transaction.

  5. Due diligence

    Title review at the land registry and cadastre, encumbrance checks, planning and building-permit compliance, forest and archaeological status, energy certificate, and — for older properties — legalisation of any unpermitted works. This stage kills bad deals; that is its job.

    Key documents

    • Title deeds
    • Cadastre extract
    • Building permits
    • Energy certificate

  6. Open a Greek bank account and import funds

    Funds must arrive through the banking system with documented origin — Greece applies EU anti-money-laundering rules strictly. Keep the paper trail: it also establishes the funds’ provenance for tax purposes.

  7. Notarial deed and completion

    The purchase contract is executed before a notary — a public official who certifies the transaction. Transfer tax is paid before signing; the deed is then registered at the land registry, which perfects your ownership.

  8. After completion

    Utility transfers, insurance, property management, and your annual Greek tax position (ENFIA property tax, income tax if letting). If the purchase qualifies for a Golden Visa, the residence-permit application can now be filed.

Costs of purchase

Item Typical Notes
Transfer tax 3.09%† of taxable value — resale properties
VAT on new builds 24%† suspension regime has applied in recent years — verify current status
Notary ≈0.8-1.2%† plus registration fees
Legal fees ≈1-2%† scope-dependent
Land registry ≈0.5%†

† Indicative professional-fee ranges; confirm current rates and tax treatment with your advisers before budgeting.