Information checked on 01.11.2026. · Buying property in Greece
Buying starts with choosing a location and budget and ends with signing the contract, registering your rights and taking possession. This overview helps you prepare questions for the advertiser, lawyer, engineer and notary. Confirm the specific legal and tax obligations with a professional in Greece before signing or paying.
1. Decide on the purpose and total budget
Distinguish between buying for personal use, relocation and rental. Beyond the advertised price, budget for taxes, notary and registration fees, legal and technical checks, any agency commission, translations, bank charges and furnishing. Request a written estimate for the specific property, clearly listing taxes and services.
- Visit the location and check access, transport, parking, utilities and the building’s condition.
- Compare the actual condition with the photos, description and stated area.
- For rental use, check the permitted use, building rules and local requirements before calculating expected income.
2. Check requirements for foreign buyers
Foreign nationals can generally buy property in Greece. Certain border areas have restrictions and a permit procedure for buyers from outside the EU/EFTA. Check the exact location and your status first; protected areas, coastlines and listed buildings may have additional restrictions on use. ELRA: restrictions on buying in Greece.
3. Prepare documents and a tax number
Buying requires a Greek tax number AFM (ΑΦΜ). Arrange access to online tax services as well, since they are important for filings and obligations after purchase. AADE: preparing before purchase.
Prepare a valid identity document and ask the notary for the other documents, translations and certifications required. Agree with the bank in advance on evidence of the source of funds and how to transfer payment. If using a representative, check the content and acceptable form of the power of attorney with the Greek notary before having it certified.
4. Carry out legal and technical checks
Before paying a deposit, hire an independent lawyer to check ownership, legal title, registration, mortgages, encumbrances, possible disputes and third-party rights. Ask an engineer to check permits, use, area, extensions and the actual condition. Contract documents for transferring a building are also linked to the building permit; a photo or listing description alone is not proof of legality. ELRA: permits and special restrictions.
In a reservation or preliminary agreement, clearly specify the price, deposit amount and refund conditions, deadlines, documents the seller must provide and the procedure if a problem is found. Obtain written confirmation of every payment.
5. Clarify taxes and costs
Where ordinary transfer tax applies, the rate is 3% of the taxable base, plus a municipal surcharge of 3% of the calculated tax, giving a total of 3.09% of the taxable base. On a taxable base of €100,000, this would be €3,090, excluding other costs. This is not a calculation for every transaction type: the notary and tax adviser must check the particular tax treatment, taxable base and any exemption. AADE: property transfer tax.
Check notary, registration, lawyer, engineer and agency costs separately. Do not assume the advertised price is the total amount needed for the purchase.
6. Signing the contract and registration
The notary prepares the documents and contract. In the digital procedure, buyer and seller provide the necessary authorisations, documents and confirmation of tax obligations are obtained, and the notary sends the signed contract to the cadastre. The relevant fees are paid and the registration result is checked. Keep the contract and confirmation of registration, not just proof of payment of the price. Gov.gr: property transfer procedure.
Timing depends on document readiness, the legal and technical condition and necessary approvals. Agree in writing on the handover date, keys, inventory of equipment and meter readings.
7. Obligations after purchase
Check that the property is correctly recorded in the tax declaration E9 and whether you need to file or amend it. Ownership also carries the annual obligation of ENFIA, which is linked to property holdings on 1 January. Check the current deadline, assessment and payment method through AADE and with your accountant. AADE: obligations after purchase.
Arrange utility transfers, building charges, maintenance and insurance. If you plan to rent out the property, separately check tax filings, registration and the permitted rental arrangements.
Buying and residence rights
Property ownership and a residence permit are separate procedures. If you plan to apply through an investor programme, first check the location, investment type and documents. Find an overview of the requirements and marked listings on the page Golden Visa.