Buying property in Greece requires a clear understanding of how legal, technical and financial checks fit together.
Before committing, a buyer needs to establish that the seller has a valid and transferable title, that the property corresponds with its approved plans, that the intended use is lawful, and that the full cost of the purchase has been properly calculated.
Different professionals are responsible for different parts of the process. The estate agent introduces and negotiates the property. The lawyer examines ownership, encumbrances and contractual terms. The engineer checks permits, measurements and planning legality. The notary prepares and authenticates the final deed, while the accountant deals with the tax obligations that arise before and after completion.
The key is to follow the process in the right order. Legal and technical due diligence should shape the decision to buy, not merely confirm it after money has already changed hands.
In This Guide
The links in the navigation table below are clickable and take you directly to each section of the guide.
- Foreign buyers in Greece in 2026: a market snapshot
- How much does it cost to buy a home in Greece?
- Can foreigners buy property in Greece?
- Before you search: define the purchase
- Who does what in a Greek property transaction?
- The buying process in ten steps
- AFM, payment routes and proof of funds
- What to assess when viewing a property
- Legal due diligence
- Technical due diligence
- The Electronic Building Identity
- Deposits and preliminary agreements
- Buying remotely and powers of attorney
- The final contract and registration
- Taxes, fees and additional costs
- Resale, new-build, off-plan or land?
- Buying a property to rent
- Property ownership and residence rights
- What happens after completion?
- Inheritance and future resale
- Red flags foreign buyers should not ignore
- Where to search for property in Greece
- Final checklist before you pay
Foreign Buyers in Greece in 2026: What the Data Really Shows
Foreign buyers are active across almost every part of the Greek residential market. Some are looking for an affordable apartment in Athens or Thessaloniki. Others want a second home, a rental investment, a newly built holiday property or a luxury residence near the sea.
Foreign investment in Greek real estate reached €511.6 million in the first quarter of 2026, compared with €356.8 million in the first quarter of 2025—an increase of 43.4%.
Looking back another year provides useful context. Foreign real-estate investment had reached approximately €520 million in the first quarter of 2024. Activity then fell sharply in early 2025, after the previous year’s rush to complete investments under the former, lower Golden Visa thresholds had passed.
The first-quarter figure for 2026 therefore represents a strong recovery to almost the level recorded two years earlier. During the same period, new Golden Visa applications fell by 52.2%, from 3,507 to 1,677. In other words, foreign capital flowing into Greek real estate increased even though fewer buyers were applying through the residence programme.
These figures measure capital entering Greece from abroad for real-estate purchases and investment. They do not tell us exactly how many individual foreign nationals bought homes or what type of property each person purchased.
Sources: Kathimerini, “Property FDI jumped 43.4% in Q1,” 1 July 2026, reporting Bank of Greece and Ministry of Migration and Asylum data; and Kathimerini, Q1 2024 foreign real-estate investment. Capital inflows and residence-permit applications measure different forms and stages of market activity.
Who Is Buying Property in Greece?
There is no single nationality that dominates every part of the country. The buyer profile changes according to region and price category.
A separate 2025 survey by RE/MAX Greece, based on transactions completed through its nationwide network of 88 offices and more than 1,200 estate agents, provides one of the clearest recent regional profiles.
| Market | Leading Buyer Origins in the RE/MAX Network |
|---|---|
| Attica | Israel, followed by Turkey and Lebanon, with additional demand from China and Ukraine. |
| Thessaloniki | Israel, followed by Bulgaria, Germany, Turkey and Albania. |
| Rest of Greece | Germany, followed by Bulgaria and France, with Israel and Turkey also among the leading origins. |
The same survey found that 40% of buyers were aged 41–50 and a further 27% were aged 51–60. Most were already familiar with the country: 68% visited Greece two or three times before buying, while 16% made more than three visits. Financing was also predominantly private, with 90% using their own funds and 10% relying on borrowing.
The premium and luxury market has a somewhat different international profile. Engel & Völkers Greece reports that demand in leading destinations is particularly strong from buyers from the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Switzerland, the United States and Israel. Its first-quarter 2026 market data also placed the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Bulgaria and Serbia among the countries showing the highest demand for homes in Greece.
These findings should be read as market indicators rather than as an official census. The RE/MAX data covers transactions completed through its own nationwide network, while the Engel & Völkers analysis is concentrated on premium and second-home markets.
Buyer-profile sources: RE/MAX Greece, “The Profile of Foreign Property Buyers for 2025”; and Engel & Völkers Greece, “The New Priorities of International Buyers in the Greek Real Estate Market 2026”.
What Are Foreign Buyers Purchasing?
A second RE/MAX Greece survey offers a closer look at the purpose and type of purchases completed through the company’s network. Just over half—52%—bought a second or holiday home, while 30% purchased for investment, rental or resale. A further 10% bought a primary residence, and 8% cited the Golden Visa as their main reason for buying.
| Main Purchase Motive in the RE/MAX 2025 Dataset | Share |
|---|---|
| Second or holiday home | 52% |
| Investment, rental or resale | 30% |
| Primary residence | 10% |
| Golden Visa as the main motive | 8% |
Apartments were the most common choice, accounting for 38% of purchases, followed by detached houses at 27% and maisonettes at 20%. Most buyers—78%—chose resale rather than newly built homes.
The prices paid were often more modest than headlines about luxury villas might suggest. Almost half of the transactions were between €100,001 and €200,000, while another 27% were between €200,001 and €300,000.
The RE/MAX figures cover transactions completed through one real-estate network, so they should not be treated as a complete record of every foreign purchase in Greece. They nevertheless show that the market is much broader than the luxury sector.
Foreign buyers are purchasing smaller apartments, older homes, renovation projects and relatively accessible holiday properties. At the same time, market sources report strong demand for newly built holiday homes priced at around €400,000–€600,000, as well as luxury residences in Attica and on the islands.
What This Means for Buyers
There is no single foreign-buyer market in Greece.
Someone purchasing a €180,000 apartment in Athens is entering a very different market from someone considering a €600,000 holiday home or a multimillion-euro seafront villa.
The buying process may be broadly similar, but the risks and priorities change. An apartment buyer may focus on renovation costs, rental demand and the condition of the building. A holiday-home buyer may need to consider access, maintenance during the winter and local planning restrictions. A buyer at the premium end will place greater importance on privacy, construction quality, views, direct sea access and future resale value.
Purchase-profile source: RE/MAX Greece, “What Properties Foreign Buyers Purchased in 2025”. The findings relate only to transactions completed through the company’s own network.
How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Home in Greece?
There is no single national price for a home in Greece.
Older properties requiring renovation can still be found below €2,000 per sq.m. in some locations. Modern homes in popular areas may cost €4,000–€6,500 per sq.m., while prime coastal and island properties can exceed €10,000 per sq.m.
The following ranges provide a broad starting point rather than a valuation of any individual property:
| Market Segment | Indicative Price Range | What Buyers May Find |
|---|---|---|
| Lower-cost and renovation market | €1,000–€2,000/sq.m. | Older apartments, homes requiring substantial work and properties in less expensive locations. |
| Mainstream residential market | €2,000–€4,000/sq.m. | Resale apartments, family homes and properties in many parts of Athens, Thessaloniki and regional Greece. |
| New-build and high-demand market | €4,000–€6,500/sq.m. | Modern apartments, energy-efficient developments and homes in popular urban or holiday locations. |
| Prime residential market | €6,500–€12,000+/sq.m. | Luxury homes on the Athens Riviera, in the Cyclades and in other sought-after coastal markets. |
| Ultra-prime and trophy property | €12,000–€20,000+/sq.m. | Exceptional seafront villas, branded residences and rare properties offering outstanding location, views or privacy. |
How this table was constructed: These are editorial market bands, not an official Greek price index. They synthesise completed-sale benchmarks, current asking-price data and published prime-market evidence. The categories overlap, and exceptional homes can fall outside them.
Sources for the indicative ranges: RE/MAX Greece 2025 completed transaction data; Spitogatos Price Index, Q2 2026 asking prices; Engel & Völkers Greece’s 2026 Mykonos range of €7,500–€12,000 per sq.m.; and published Ellinikon luxury prices ranging from €9,000 to €32,000 per sq.m..
Examples from Completed Sales
RE/MAX Greece’s 2025 transaction data provides useful benchmarks. The figures below are average prices from sales completed through its network, divided between older homes and properties up to five years old.
| Area | Older Properties | Properties Up to Five Years Old |
|---|---|---|
| Attica overall | €2,537/sq.m. | €3,822/sq.m. |
| Central Athens | €2,529/sq.m. | €3,711/sq.m. |
| Northern Athens suburbs | €3,055/sq.m. | €4,744/sq.m. |
| Southern Athens suburbs | €3,105/sq.m. | €4,745/sq.m. |
| Western Athens suburbs | €1,750/sq.m. | €2,967/sq.m. |
| Piraeus and surrounding areas | €2,615/sq.m. | €3,530/sq.m. |
| Thessaloniki overall | €1,865/sq.m. | €2,692/sq.m. |
| Municipality of Thessaloniki | €2,713/sq.m. | €3,763/sq.m. |
| Rest of Greece | €1,811/sq.m. | €2,884/sq.m. |
Broad regional averages still conceal major local differences. In the same dataset, older properties averaged approximately €1,450 per sq.m. in Patissia, €2,200 in Exarchia, €2,800 in Alimos and €3,100 in Palaio Faliro.
At the upper end, average prices for newly built properties reached approximately €6,000 per sq.m. in Voula and Peiraiki, €6,300 in Elliniko, €7,000 in Glyfada and Palaio Psychiko, and €8,000 in Mykonos.
These are benchmarks, not valuations. They relate to completed transactions handled through one brokerage network and should not be used to value a particular property without examining its precise location, age, condition, legal status and individual characteristics.
Source and methodology: RE/MAX Greece, 2025 Property Sale Price Survey. The figures relate to completed transactions handled through the company’s network, not every sale in Greece.
What Asking Prices Are Doing in 2026
Spitogatos tracks advertised asking prices rather than completed sales. In the first quarter of 2026, average asking sale prices increased year-on-year by 7.9% in Central Athens, 7.1% in the northern suburbs, 4.1% in the southern suburbs, 2.3% in Piraeus, 4.2% in Thessaloniki and 6.9% in the Cyclades.
Asking-price growth does not mean that every home sells at the advertised amount. It shows the direction of seller expectations and should be considered alongside completed transactions and genuinely comparable properties.
Source and methodology: Spitogatos, “Q1 2026: The Evolution and Annual Changes in Average Asking Property Prices in Greece”. The figures relate to advertised asking prices, not completed sale prices.
Property Prices Are Still Rising
According to the Bank of Greece, apartment prices increased by an average of 5.7% nationally in the first quarter of 2026, compared with the same period in 2025.
| Area | Annual Price Increase, Q1 2026 |
|---|---|
| Athens | 5.2% |
| Thessaloniki | 6.4% |
| Other Greek cities | 5.4% |
| Other areas of Greece | 6.9% |
New apartment prices increased by 6%, while older apartments rose by 5.5%.
For 2025 as a whole, apartment prices increased nationally by 8.1%, compared with 9.1% in 2024. Prices are therefore still rising, but the pace of growth has slowed.
For a prospective buyer, this means that the market is not falling, but it is no longer increasing at the double-digit rates recorded during some earlier periods. The figures also show that price growth is not limited to Athens: during the first quarter of 2026, the strongest increase was recorded in areas outside the main cities.
Source: Bank of Greece, Indices of Residential Property Prices: Q1 2026. The index is based on property valuations reported by credit institutions; it does not measure foreign investment or provide individual asking prices.
How to Judge the Price of a Property
An average price per square metre is only a starting point.
Before deciding whether a property is reasonably priced, compare it with homes of a similar age, condition and construction quality in the same neighbourhood—not simply within the same broad municipality.
The value can change considerably according to:
- the exact street and neighbourhood;
- the age and quality of construction;
- renovation standard and energy efficiency;
- floor, orientation and natural light;
- sea, mountain or landmark views;
- outdoor space, parking and storage;
- distance from the coast or public transport;
- legal and planning status;
- privacy and ease of access;
- whether the figure is an advertised asking price or the price agreed in a completed sale.
A regional average may help you understand the wider market, but it cannot tell you whether one particular home is good value. That requires comparison with genuinely similar properties and careful legal and technical inspection before purchase.
Can Foreigners Buy Property in Greece?
EU and non-EU nationals can generally acquire apartments, houses, commercial premises and land in Greece.
Additional approval may be required for certain transactions in legally designated border or strategically sensitive areas, particularly where the buyer is a non-EU national or a foreign legal entity. The buyer’s lawyer should establish whether this applies before a reservation payment is made.
Ownership and residence are separate questions. Buying an ordinary property does not automatically provide a Greek residence permit, a Schengen visa, the right to work or Greek citizenship.
EU citizens have residence rights under the European free-movement framework, subject to the applicable conditions and registration requirements. Non-EU nationals need an appropriate immigration status if they intend to live in Greece beyond the period allowed by their visa or visa-free entry.
Depending on the buyer’s circumstances, residence may instead be based on employment, family, financially independent person status, remote work or another immigration category. Our separate guide explains the Digital Nomad Visa Greece 2026.
Before You Search: Define the Purchase
The first decision is not which listing to visit. It is what the property needs to achieve.
A permanent home, a holiday residence, a rental investment and a property connected with a residence application may all involve the purchase of a home, but they require different locations, documentation and financial assumptions.
| Purpose | Questions That Matter |
|---|---|
| Permanent home | Does the area function year-round? Are healthcare, schools, transport, heating and everyday services accessible? |
| Holiday home | Who will inspect and maintain it while you are abroad? Is access reliable outside the summer season? |
| Long-term rental | Is there sustained tenant demand? What remains after tax, management, maintenance and vacancy? |
| Short-term rental | Is the use permitted, and can the buyer obtain the required registration after the transfer? |
| Renovation project | Are the works technically possible and legally permitted? Do heritage, archaeology, forestry or coastal restrictions apply? |
| Residence-linked purchase | Does the property satisfy the current immigration threshold, property category, size and use rules? |
Define the budget as a total acquisition budget, not simply as the maximum advertised price. It may need to cover tax, notarial and registration costs, legal and technical work, agency commission, translations, bank charges, immediate repairs, furniture, insurance and the cost of managing the home from abroad.
Before searching, establish:
- Your maximum total expenditure, not only the purchase price.
- Whether the property is primarily for personal use, income, relocation or a combination.
- How often you expect to occupy it.
- Whether you need year-round flights, ferries or public transport.
- Whether the property must generate income to remain affordable.
- Who will manage maintenance and emergencies while you are abroad.
- How important future resale is likely to be.
Who Does What in a Greek Property Transaction?
A Greek property purchase brings together several forms of expertise. The buyer’s protection depends on understanding what each professional is—and is not—responsible for checking.
| Professional | Principal Role | What the Buyer Should Clarify |
|---|---|---|
| Estate agent | Introduces properties, arranges viewings and assists with negotiation. | Who appointed the agent, who pays commission and whether the agent also acts for the seller. |
| Lawyer | Investigates ownership, title history, encumbrances, contracts and legal risk. | That the lawyer has been independently appointed by and is answerable to the buyer. |
| Engineer or architect | Checks permits, plans, measurements, unauthorised works and technical condition. | Whether the assignment includes an independent buyer’s inspection, not merely the seller’s transfer documents. |
| Notary | Prepares and authenticates the formal deed and coordinates required documents. | That the notary is a neutral public official, not a substitute for the buyer’s lawyer. |
| Accountant | Advises on tax registration, E9, ENFIA, rent and annual filings. | Whether the accountant regularly advises foreign residents and non-resident owners. |
| Translator | Ensures that a buyer who does not understand Greek can follow formal documents. | Whether an accredited or officially accepted translation is required. |
The lawyer and engineer answer different questions. A clear title does not prove that every extension is lawful. An engineer’s certificate does not establish that the seller owns the property free of legal claims.
Does the Estate Agent Represent the Buyer?
An estate agent may have a commission agreement with the buyer, the seller or each party separately. Payment by the buyer should not be confused with independent legal, technical or investment advice.
Before signing an agency or viewing form, establish who instructed the agent, whether the seller also pays commission, the percentage or minimum amount payable by the buyer, whether VAT is added, when the commission becomes due and what happens if the purchase does not complete.
The Buying Process in Ten Steps
- Define the purpose, ownership structure and complete budget.
- Appoint an independent lawyer and decide when to involve an engineer.
- Obtain a Greek tax identification number, or AFM.
- Prepare the payment route and source-of-funds documentation.
- Select and inspect the property and its wider location.
- Complete legal due diligence on ownership, title and encumbrances.
- Complete technical due diligence on permits, plans, measurements and condition.
- Review any reservation or preliminary agreement before transferring money.
- Pay the applicable tax and sign the final notarial deed.
- Register the deed and complete the post-purchase tax and administrative steps.
The sequence is more important than the speed. A rapid completion is of little value if the buyer commits before the property’s legal and technical position is understood.
AFM, Payment Routes and Proof of Funds
Obtaining an AFM
Every purchaser needs a Greek tax identification number, known as an AFM. It is used for the property-transfer tax declaration, the deed, registration and the tax obligations associated with ownership.
The application can be submitted electronically, followed by identification through a video appointment or an in-person visit to a tax office. A properly authorised representative may also apply.
Our separate guide explains how to obtain an AFM in Greece.
Official source: gov.gr: Attribution of an AFM and access key to a natural person.
AFM and AMKA are not the same. The AFM is required for the purchase. The AMKA relates to social security and healthcare and is not normally required merely because someone acquires a property.
Do You Need a Greek Bank Account?
A Greek bank account is useful but is not automatically mandatory in every purchase. It can simplify tax payments, utilities, communal charges, insurance, rent collection and ongoing management.
Depending on the transaction and the institutions involved, the purchase price may be transferred through a Greek or foreign bank. The payment route should be agreed with the lawyer, notary and banks in advance, must be fully traceable and must be correctly recorded in the deed.
For practical information, see our guide to opening a bank account in Greece as an expat.
Prepare the Source-of-Funds File Early
Banks and regulated professionals may need evidence showing how the purchase money was accumulated. Depending on the buyer’s circumstances, this may include tax returns, salary or business records, bank and investment statements, documents from the sale of another property, inheritance or gift records, loan agreements and evidence of accumulated savings.
Foreign documents may require certified translation, legalisation or an Apostille. Buyers who postpone this work may find that the property is ready to transfer while the funds cannot yet be released.
What to Assess When Viewing a Property
A viewing cannot replace legal or technical due diligence, but it can identify questions that the professionals should investigate. Assess the property as a building and as a place that must function throughout the year—not simply as it appears in photographs or during a short summer visit.
During the viewing, consider:
- Whether access from the public road is clear and practical.
- Signs of damp, leaks, cracking, subsidence or poor drainage.
- Water pressure and seasonal water availability.
- Heating, cooling, insulation and likely energy consumption.
- Noise, traffic and neighbouring uses at different times.
- Whether parking and storage rights are formally assigned.
- Who owns or controls gardens, terraces, roofs and shared areas.
- The condition and finances of the apartment building.
- Planned work on lifts, façades, roofs and central heating.
- Internet availability and mobile reception.
- Year-round access to healthcare, shops and transport.
Land and rural property require particular caution. A visible track does not necessarily constitute legally recognised road access. An apparently large plot is not necessarily buildable. Both conclusions require documentary and technical confirmation.
Legal Due Diligence: What the Lawyer Should Investigate
The lawyer’s role is not limited to reading the final contract. Legal due diligence should establish whether the seller has the right to transfer the interest being offered and whether another person, creditor or authority has a competing claim.
An early legal review may reveal an incomplete inheritance, a mortgage or seizure, a person negotiating without sufficient authority, a property affected by special restrictions, or a use that is incompatible with the buyer’s plans.
Full legal due diligence may examine:
- the registered owner and authority to sell;
- the chain of title and previous deeds;
- mortgages and mortgage pre-notations;
- seizures, litigation and registered claims;
- easements and third-party rights;
- Land Registry and Cadastre records;
- ownership percentages in a divided property;
- rights over parking, storage, gardens and terraces;
- the legal description and boundaries;
- the terms of reservation, preliminary and final agreements.
Possession is not proof of title. A person may hold the keys, occupy the property, pay bills or collect rent without having a clean and immediately transferable ownership right.
Technical Due Diligence: What the Engineer Should Investigate
The engineer examines whether the physical property corresponds with its permits, approved plans and official description.
This is particularly important where older buildings contain enclosed balconies, altered layouts, extensions, pools, pergolas or auxiliary structures that do not appear in the original plans.
The review may include:
- whether the building corresponds with the approved drawings;
- whether changes and additions were legally constructed or regularised;
- whether the stated surface area is accurate;
- whether the title, tax records, plans and Cadastre data agree;
- the condition of the structure, roof, foundations and retaining walls;
- damp, drainage, insulation and electrical concerns;
- whether the proposed renovation or expansion is permitted;
- whether a plot is legally buildable;
- forestry, coastal, archaeological, heritage and environmental restrictions;
- whether access and minimum planning distances are satisfied.
An Energy Certificate Is Not a Building Survey
The Energy Performance Certificate provides information about energy classification. It does not establish that the structure is sound, that the measurements are correct or that every part of the building is lawful.
Likewise, documents prepared by the seller’s engineer for the transfer do not necessarily amount to an independent survey commissioned for the buyer.
Lawyer versus engineer
The lawyer asks: Does the seller own the property and have the legal ability to transfer it free of undisclosed claims?
The engineer asks: Does the property as built correspond with the legal plans, and can it be used or altered as the buyer intends?
The Electronic Building Identity: What It Proves and What It Does Not
The Electronic Building Identity, or Ηλεκτρονική Ταυτότητα Κτιρίου, is a digital file containing core information and documents concerning a building or divided property. An authorised engineer enters the information through the Technical Chamber of Greece system and can issue a completeness certificate once the record is complete.
The file may include building permits and revisions, approved plans, property details, energy documentation, declarations concerning unauthorised construction and the property’s current legal physical configuration.
Official information is available through gov.gr and the Technical Chamber of Greece.
The Electronic Building Identity is not a guarantee of quality or value. It does not establish that the property is well maintained, free of structural defects, fairly priced or suitable for the buyer’s intended renovation.
Deposits and Preliminary Agreements: The Point at Which Risk Changes
Once a buyer decides to proceed, an agent, seller or developer may request a payment to remove the property from the market.
The payment may be described as a reservation fee, deposit or advance. The accompanying document may be an agency agreement, a reservation form, a private purchase agreement or a formal notarised preliminary contract. These documents are not interchangeable.
Before Transferring Money, Confirm:
- Who will receive and hold the payment?
- Is that person the owner or properly authorised?
- Will the amount be deducted from the final price?
- Is it refundable if the title investigation fails?
- Is it refundable if the engineer identifies unlawful construction?
- What happens if the seller cannot provide the required documents?
- What happens if banking compliance or financing fails?
- What deadline applies to the final deed?
- What happens if either party withdraws?
- Is the purchase conditional on residence eligibility where relevant?
- Has the buyer’s own lawyer reviewed the entire document?
A private reservation agreement may offer considerably less protection than a formal notarised preliminary contract. Buyers should not rely on general statements such as “the deposit is always refundable” or “the seller must always return double.” The answer depends on the legal form and wording of the document actually signed.
Buying Remotely and Powers of Attorney
A buyer does not necessarily need to remain in Greece throughout the transaction. Many steps can be completed through a properly drafted power of attorney.
Depending on its wording, the representative may be authorised to obtain the AFM, submit tax declarations, sign agreements, pay taxes and costs, sign the final deed, submit it for registration, complete the E9 declaration, transfer utilities and handle defined immigration procedures.
A power of attorney should be treated as a transfer of authority, not as routine paperwork. Check whether it allows the representative to receive money, amend the price, appoint another person, create a mortgage, manage the property or sell it later.
A power of attorney may be executed before a Greek notary, through a Greek consular authority or abroad in a form accepted in Greece. Depending on the country and document, an Apostille, other legalisation and an official Greek translation may be required.
The Greek lawyer or notary should approve the text and authentication procedure before the document is signed abroad.
The Final Contract and Registration
The transfer of ownership is completed through a formal notarial deed.
Before signing, the seller, buyer and their professionals assemble the required legal, technical, tax and administrative documents. The exact list depends on the property, but it may include:
- the seller’s ownership deed;
- tax and ENFIA certificates;
- Land Registry or Cadastre documents;
- building permits and approved plans;
- the Electronic Building Identity completeness certificate;
- the Energy Performance Certificate;
- topographical plans where required;
- documents confirming the seller’s authority to act;
- identification documents and powers of attorney;
- proof that the property-transfer tax has been paid.
Before Signing the Deed
Verify that the final deed correctly records:
- the parties’ names and tax details;
- the property’s legal description;
- the ownership share being transferred;
- parking, storage and exclusive-use areas;
- the agreed purchase price;
- the payment method and any amount already paid;
- delivery of possession and keys;
- any conditions or obligations that remain outstanding.
A buyer who does not understand Greek should ensure that the document and its consequences are properly translated and explained before signing.
Registration Is Essential
The transaction does not end when the deed is signed. It must be submitted to the competent Hellenic Cadastre or registration office. The buyer should obtain evidence of submission and, once the process is complete, confirmation that ownership has been registered.
The digital property-transfer service allows buyers, sellers and notaries to complete eligible purchase transfers online and gather many of the required documents electronically.
Official sources: gov.gr: Transfer your property and National Cadastre digital services.
Digital does not mean automatic. Electronic document collection can simplify a straightforward transfer, but it does not replace title investigation, engineering checks, bank compliance or the correction of inaccurate records.
Taxes, Professional Fees and Additional Costs
The purchase price is only one part of the budget. Before making a binding offer, request written estimates from the lawyer, engineer, notary, accountant and estate agent.
Property-Transfer Tax
AADE states that the buyer must submit the property-transfer tax declaration and pay the tax before the final deed is drawn up. The main tax is 3% of the taxable value. A municipal levy equal to 3% of the main tax also applies, producing an effective charge of approximately 3.09%.
Simple example
On a taxable value of €300,000:
- Main transfer tax at 3%: €9,000
- Municipal levy at 3% of the main tax: €270
- Total: €9,270
The accountant, lawyer and notary should confirm the taxable value, whether an exemption applies and whether the transaction falls under a different tax treatment.
Official sources: AADE: Before buying a property and AADE: Real Estate Transfer Tax.
Other Acquisition Costs
| Cost | How It Is Determined | What to Ask |
|---|---|---|
| Notary | Depends on the value and complexity of the deed and related work. | Whether VAT, declarations, copies and any additional acts are included. |
| Lawyer | Negotiated according to the scope and complexity of the assignment. | Whether due diligence, agreements, AFM, power of attorney and registration follow-up are included. |
| Engineer or architect | Depends on the property, inspection and technical work required. | Whether measurements, planning checks, structural observations and renovation advice are included. |
| Cadastre and registration | Calculated according to the deed and registration procedure. | Whether submission and final proof of registration are included. |
| Estate-agent commission | Determined by the written agency agreement, with VAT added where applicable. | When the fee becomes payable and what happens if the transaction does not complete. |
| Translation and legalisation | Depends on the number and origin of foreign documents. | Whether Apostilles, consular legalisation and certified translations are needed. |
| Bank and currency costs | Depend on the banks, currencies and transfer route. | Which party bears charges and how exchange-rate risk will be managed. |
A Practical Acquisition-Budget Example
How a €300,000 home can require €324,000
As an illustration, suppose the buyer’s lawyer, notary and other advisers estimate that the combined taxes and transaction costs will equal approximately 8% of the purchase price. On a €300,000 property, that would add about €24,000, taking the initial acquisition budget to approximately €324,000.
The 8% figure is an example, not a fixed Greek charge. The actual total may be lower or higher depending on agency commission, professional fees, technical work, registration, translations and banking costs. The practical lesson is that a buyer with an all-in budget of €300,000 should set the property-search ceiling below €300,000 once individual quotations have been obtained.
There is no reliable universal percentage that applies to every purchase. A straightforward resale transaction with no buyer’s agency fee will differ substantially from an off-plan development, a mortgaged property, a complex title or a purchase involving several foreign documents.
Request Written Quotes Before Committing
Ask every professional to state:
- the fee before VAT;
- the VAT amount;
- the services included;
- the services excluded;
- when payment is due;
- what happens if the purchase does not complete.
Resale, New-Build, Off-Plan or Land?
A new property does not require less due diligence than an older one. It requires different due diligence.
| Property Type | Possible Advantages | Questions to Investigate |
|---|---|---|
| Resale home | The completed property can be inspected before purchase. | Title history, unauthorised alterations, condition, energy performance and repair costs. |
| Completed new build | Modern systems, stronger energy performance and fewer immediate repairs. | Developer quality, final permits, defects, shared facilities and tax treatment. |
| Off-plan property | Choice of unit and finishes, sometimes with staged payments. | Land ownership, permits, developer finance, completion risk, specifications and delay remedies. |
| Renovation project | Character, personalisation and possible value creation. | Planning restrictions, structural condition, permits, contractor costs and budget overruns. |
| Land or plot | Opportunity to create a home for a specific purpose. | Buildability, road access, boundaries, forestry, archaeology, coast and utility connections. |
Before Buying Off-Plan
The lawyer and engineer should establish:
- who owns the land;
- whether the developer has authority to sell the unit;
- whether the building permit has been issued;
- whether mortgages or financing charges affect the land;
- how the home, parking and storage are legally defined;
- the construction timetable and staged payments;
- the contractual specifications and materials;
- the consequences of delay or non-completion;
- the process for reporting and correcting defects;
- when ownership and possession will be transferred;
- when utilities and communal facilities will become operational.
A brochure is not a technical specification. Materials, finishes, landscaping, pools, views and communal facilities should appear in enforceable documents rather than only in marketing images.
VAT on Qualifying New Buildings in 2026
The suspension of VAT on qualifying new-building sales runs until 31 December 2026. At the request of a qualifying developer, VAT is suspended and property-transfer tax applies to the relevant unsold properties.
This does not mean that every new home has identical tax treatment. The accountant and notary should confirm whether the particular unit is covered and what happens if completion is delayed beyond 2026.
Official source: Ministry of Economy and Finance: Value Added Tax.
Buying a Property to Rent
A property’s current use does not prove that the buyer will be able to continue the same activity after the transfer.
Before relying on rental income, examine:
- whether the intended rental activity is legally permitted;
- whether the building’s co-ownership regulations impose restrictions;
- whether the property can obtain the necessary registration after the sale;
- whether local restrictions affect new short-term rental registrations;
- whether residence-programme rules restrict the intended use;
- whether additional services turn the activity into a business;
- how rent will be collected and declared;
- the realistic net return after tax and operating costs.
Short-Term Rentals
Properties used for short-term rental through digital platforms generally need to be entered in AADE’s Short-Term Stay Property Register and display the applicable registration number. Each stay must be declared within the required timetable.
Official source: AADE: Short-Term Rental Register.
Do not assume that an existing Airbnb or short-term rental registration will remain available to the buyer. Local restrictions and an ownership transfer can affect the ability to register or continue the activity. Obtain current legal and tax advice before including short-term rental income in the valuation.
New first registrations remain suspended through the end of 2026 in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd municipal districts of the City of Athens. From 1 July to 31 December 2026, first registrations are also suspended for properties in the First Municipal Community of the Municipality of Thessaloniki.
A buyer considering a property in one of these areas should establish whether it is already registered, what happens to that registration when ownership changes and whether the property can be registered again during the restriction period. The existence of a registration number in the seller’s name should not be treated as a guaranteed transferable asset.
Sources: Ministry of Economy and Finance, Greece Annual Progress Report 2026, concerning the continuation of the Athens restrictions; and Law 5313/2026, Article 5, concerning the First Municipal Community of Thessaloniki.
Long-Term Rent and Bank Payments
Mandatory payment of rent through a bank account is due to apply from 1 October 2026, following the postponement announced by the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
Landlords should establish a clear system for declaring the lease, receiving identifiable payments, distinguishing rent from utility reimbursements and declaring the resulting income.
Official source: Ministry of Economy and Finance: Mandatory electronic payment of rent from 1 October 2026.
Calculate Net Income, Not Headline Yield
A realistic rental forecast should deduct:
- income tax;
- management fees;
- platform commissions;
- cleaning and linen;
- utilities paid by the owner;
- communal charges;
- insurance;
- repairs and replacement of furniture;
- vacancy and seasonal closure;
- accounting and compliance costs.
A projected gross yield is not the amount that remains in the owner’s bank account.
Our Greek Tax Guide for Expats 2026 explains rental-income taxation and the wider obligations of property owners.
Property Ownership and Residence Rights
Many foreign buyers purchase a home without using it for an immigration application. Others are specifically seeking a property that may support residence in Greece.
The distinction should be made before searching. An ordinary purchase and a residence-linked purchase follow the same basic property-transfer process, but they do not have the same eligibility and use rules.
| Ordinary Property Purchase | Residence-Linked Property Purchase |
|---|---|
| No general statutory minimum purchase price. | A qualifying investment threshold and property category apply. |
| Does not itself provide residence rights. | May support a separate residence-permit application. |
| The property may be selected entirely for personal or investment reasons. | The property, payment method and intended use must also satisfy immigration rules. |
Current Real-Estate Investment Thresholds
| Minimum Investment | Where or When It Applies |
|---|---|
| €800,000 | Attica, the Thessaloniki Regional Unit, Mykonos, Santorini and islands with populations above 3,100. The official circular treats Evia as an island for this purpose. |
| €400,000 | Other areas of Greece under the standard real-estate route. |
| €250,000 | Specific commercial or industrial conversions to residential use and qualifying listed-building cases. |
For the standard €400,000 and €800,000 routes, the investment generally concerns one property. Where the investment involves a built property or a property with a building permit, at least 120 sq. m. of main-use space is generally required.
The €250,000 route is specialised. A property does not qualify simply because its purchase price is €250,000. The statutory conversion or listed-building conditions must be satisfied and documented. For the conversion category, the change to residential use must be completed before the residence application is submitted.
Confirm eligibility before paying a deposit. A listing description or agent’s assurance is not sufficient evidence that a property qualifies for a residence permit.
Use restrictions also matter: properties acquired under the current real-estate routes cannot be used for short-term rental through the sharing-economy system. Long-term rental may be possible, subject to the applicable rules.
Read our detailed guide, Golden Visa Greece 2026: New Data, New Rules and Who Holds It.
Sources: Enterprise Greece: revised property thresholds and use restrictions; and the Ministry of Migration and Asylum implementation circular.
What Happens After Completion?
Ownership creates continuing obligations, even when the owner lives permanently abroad.
E9 and ENFIA
The new ownership must be correctly reflected in the buyer’s E9 property statement. Where a transfer-tax declaration is submitted digitally through myPROPERTY, the E9 may be created automatically, but the buyer and accountant should still verify the details.
ENFIA is the annual Greek property tax calculated according to the property rights held on 1 January of each year.
Official source: AADE: E9 and ENFIA for non-residents.
Utilities, Building Charges and Insurance
Arrange the transfer or opening of electricity, water, gas where available, internet, communal building accounts and any relevant municipal records.
In an apartment building, obtain information about unpaid communal charges and planned expenditure on the lift, roof, façade, heating system or shared areas.
Property Insurance
Property insurance is not currently a general legal requirement for every privately owned home purchased without a mortgage. A mortgage lender may nevertheless require appropriate cover as a condition of financing.
There are, however, important financial consequences for owners of uninsured property. Homes insured against earthquake, fire and flood may qualify for an ENFIA reduction of 20% where the taxable value does not exceed €500,000 and 10% where it exceeds €500,000, provided that the statutory insurance conditions are met.
Under the current natural-disaster compensation framework, owners of residential property with a taxable value above €500,000 who leave it uninsured may also be excluded from state compensation for damage caused by natural disasters.
Separate compulsory insurance rules apply to businesses with annual gross revenue of at least €500,000. These business rules should not be confused with the position applying to an ordinary privately owned home.
Possible future change for apartment buildings: In July 2026, the Greek government was considering compulsory insurance for apartment-building common areas and facilities, potentially covering risks such as fire, earthquake and flood.
At the time of writing, this was still a proposal under discussion. According to Kathimerini, no final decision had yet been taken and the measure had not become law.
Regardless of whether insurance is legally required, buyers should consider cover for earthquake, fire, wildfire, flood, storm, water damage, public liability, contents and loss of rental income. The policy should be reviewed against the property’s location, construction, use and replacement value.
Sources: Ministry of Economy and Finance: ENFIA reductions for insured residences; Ministry of Economy and Finance, Draft Budgetary Plan 2026: insurance incentives and compulsory-insurance rules; and Kathimerini, “Mandatory Insurance for Buildings,” 4 July 2026.
Managing a Home from Abroad
A local manager or trusted representative may be needed to inspect the property after storms or earthquakes, check for leaks, manage pools and gardens, arrange emergency repairs, pay communal charges and receive official correspondence.
The annual cost of this work should be included in the buying decision rather than treated as an unexpected expense after completion.
Inheritance and Future Resale
Inheritance planning deserves attention when the property is purchased, particularly where the owners live abroad, have family members in more than one country or buy in unequal shares.
Questions may include:
- who should inherit the property;
- which country’s succession law is expected to apply;
- whether a will should expressly choose the law of the owner’s nationality;
- how Greek and foreign inheritance taxes may interact;
- what happens if one joint owner dies;
- whether usufruct, bare ownership or company ownership would create unintended consequences.
Cross-border succession may involve Greek law, EU succession rules and the law of the owner’s nationality or habitual residence. Advice may be needed in both Greece and the owner’s country of residence.
Think About Resale Before You Buy
A home is easier to resell when its ownership, plans, access and property rights are clear from the beginning.
Factors that may reduce future liquidity include unclear road access, unresolved boundary discrepancies, unauthorised additions, fragmented ownership, shared facilities without clear regulations, poor year-round access, high maintenance costs and dependence on a rental use that may later be restricted.
Red Flags Foreign Buyers Should Not Ignore
- Pressure to pay a reservation fee before your lawyer reads the document.
- A request to declare a lower price than the amount actually paid.
- Instructions to transfer money to an unrelated third party.
- Claims that “everybody builds like this” when the plans do not match the property.
- A room, pool, terrace or guesthouse missing from the approved drawings.
- A seller who cannot produce a clear registered title.
- A visible access road that is not legally documented.
- A plot described as buildable without a written engineering opinion.
- A claim that any property priced at €250,000 automatically qualifies for the Golden Visa.
- A claim that a short-term rental registration automatically transfers with the sale.
- Guaranteed rental returns without a detailed net-income calculation.
- A professional discouraging you from appointing your own lawyer or engineer.
- Promises that every transaction can be completed within a few days.
- Major differences between the listing, title, plans, E9 and Cadastre record.
A problem does not always mean that the property cannot be purchased. Some issues can be corrected before the transfer. What matters is that the buyer understands the problem, the cost, the timetable and who is responsible for resolving it.
Where to Search for Property in Greece
Property websites are useful for comparing locations, following asking prices and creating an initial shortlist. They do not establish whether a property has a clean title, lawful construction or a realistic valuation.
General Greek Property Portals
Spitogatos carries homes, land, commercial properties and new developments and provides an English-language interface and price index.
XE Property is part of the long-established Greek classifieds platform and carries residential, commercial and land listings.
Spiti24 provides English-language searches for homes, commercial property, land and new developments.
Tospitimou carries residential and commercial property listings across Greece.
Plot.gr includes properties advertised by estate agents, developers and private owners, including land and regional listings.
International and Luxury Searches
Green-Acres aggregates Greek properties for an international audience and presents listings in several languages.
Buyers researching the premium market may also consult specialist brokerage websites such as Engel & Völkers Greece and Greece Sotheby’s International Realty. These are estate agencies, not neutral listing portals, and present properties from their own networks and portfolios.
Before Responding to a Listing
The same home may appear on several websites, occasionally through different agents or at different prices. Confirm:
- that the property is still available;
- who has authority to market it;
- whether the price includes agency fees;
- whether the stated floor area agrees with the legal documents;
- whether parking, storage, land or exclusive-use areas are legally included;
- whether claims about buildability, rental income or residence eligibility have been independently verified.
Independence note: Xpat.gr does not recommend or endorse any of the property portals or estate agencies mentioned in this section. They are included only as examples of websites through which readers can view properties advertised for sale in Greece. Xpat.gr has not inspected or verified the individual properties, sellers, agents or developers appearing on these websites, and no company has paid for inclusion in this independent editorial guide.
Final Checklist Before You Pay
- Have you defined whether the property is for living, holidays, rent, renovation or residence purposes?
- Does the budget include tax, VAT on professional fees, repairs and ongoing ownership costs?
- Have you independently appointed a Greek property lawyer?
- Has an engineer inspected the property for your benefit?
- Has ownership and the title history been checked?
- Have mortgages, seizures, claims and easements been investigated?
- Do the property, plans, title, E9 and Cadastre record agree?
- Are all additions and changes of use lawful?
- Is road access legally documented?
- Can the property be used or rented as you intend?
- Have you checked the estate agent’s role and commission?
- Has your lawyer reviewed every reservation or deposit document?
- Is the deposit refundable if due diligence fails?
- Have the bank and notary approved the payment route?
- Is the source-of-funds file complete?
- Has the correct transfer-tax or VAT treatment been confirmed?
- If residence eligibility matters, has it been established in writing?
- Does the power of attorney grant only the authority you intend?
- Will the final deed be registered immediately after signing?
- Who will check the E9 entry and manage ENFIA after completion?
What to Keep in Mind
Buying property in Greece is manageable when the transaction is approached in the correct order. The strongest protection does not come from being told that the process is easy. It comes from knowing which questions belong to which professional and allowing enough time for those questions to be answered.
The estate agent can help identify and negotiate the property. The lawyer should establish whether the buyer can safely acquire it. The engineer should establish whether the building corresponds with its permits and plans. The notary should prepare the formal transfer, and the accountant should ensure that ownership is correctly reflected in the Greek tax system.
The safest purchase begins before the deposit: with a clear purpose, a complete budget and independent legal and technical advice.
Sources and Editorial Independence
Editorial independence: This is an independently researched Xpat.gr guide. No estate agency, property portal, developer, lawyer, bank or investment-migration company has paid for inclusion or influenced its conclusions.
Official and Institutional Sources
Bank of Greece, Residential Property Price Indices: Q1 2026;
AADE, Before Buying a Property;
AADE, Real Estate Transfer Tax;
AADE, E9 and ENFIA for Non-Residents;
AADE, Short-Term Rental Register;
gov.gr, Obtaining an AFM;
gov.gr, Digital Property Transfer;
Hellenic Cadastre Digital Services;
Ministry of Economy and Finance, VAT Treatment of New Buildings;
Ministry of Economy and Finance, Property Insurance and ENFIA Incentives;
Ministry of Economy and Finance, Annual Progress Report 2026;
Ministry of Economy and Finance, Electronic Rent Payments from 1 October 2026;
Ministry of Migration and Asylum, Golden Visa Implementation Circular;
and
Enterprise Greece, Property-Investment Thresholds and Restrictions.
Market Data and Reporting
Spitogatos, Q1 2026 Asking-Price Changes;
Spitogatos Price Index;
RE/MAX Greece, Profile of Foreign Property Buyers in 2025;
RE/MAX Greece, Properties Purchased by Foreign Buyers in 2025;
RE/MAX Greece, Completed Property Sale Prices for 2025;
Kathimerini, Foreign Real-Estate Investment in Q1 2026;
Kathimerini, Foreign Real-Estate Investment in Q1 2024;
and
Kathimerini, Proposed Mandatory Insurance for Apartment-Building Common Areas.
Private-sector figures are identified as data from the relevant company’s listings, transactions or surveys and are not presented as an official census of the entire Greek property market.


