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Buying Property in Greece as a Foreigner

Get straightforward advice on buying real estate in Greece as a foreigner from our team of real estate law experts.

Buying a property in Greece

We’ll help you navigate the legal system and ensure that you understand all of your rights and responsibilities as a property owner in Greece. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to own a piece of one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Start your journey to owning a property in Greece today.

Contact Us

To request a free consultation case, please provide us with your contact details below and we will contact you via email or phone.

How can a lawyer help me?

When purchasing a property in Greece, it is important to have a lawyer assist you with the legal aspects of the process. Our lawyers can help you in several ways, including:

  1. Reviewing and explaining the purchase agreement: A lawyer will review the purchase agreement and make sure that you understand all the terms and conditions of the sale, including the price, the closing date, and any contingencies that must be met before the sale can be completed.

  2. Conducting due diligence on the property: A lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the property to ensure that there are no outstanding liens, legal disputes, or other issues that could affect the ownership of the property.

  3. Ensuring that the title is clear and the seller has the legal right to sell the property: A lawyer will check the title of the property to make sure that it is clear and that the seller has the legal right to sell the property.

  4. Assisting with the transfer of ownership and registration of the property at the local land registry office: A lawyer will help you with the process of transferring the ownership of the property and registering it at the local land registry office.

  5. Advising on any tax implications or other legal issues that may arise during the buying process: A lawyer will advise you on any tax implications of the purchase and any other legal issues that may arise during the buying process.

Having our real estate lawyers by your side can help ensure that the buying process goes smoothly and that you are protected legally.

Contact us for a free consultation of your case!

What Our Clients Are Saying

Join the growing number of happy clients who have found their dream home in Greece with our help.

Lexidy Legal Tech
4.9
Based on 15 reviews
Mario
Mario
19:38 06 Mar 24
Good service and fast help!Thanks to Miss Maria B
Meir Rosinnes
Meir Rosinnes
09:33 14 Feb 24
Lexidi, Ms. Eleni Menderaki, helped me to issue an importer EORI nunber and authorization to DHL to enable clearing goods which were shipped from a non-EU country. Without help, Customs procedures were very cumbersome, but very professional and efficient service from Lexidi made it easy and sucessful. Very pleasant friendly conduct by Eleni.
Aditya Swarup
Aditya Swarup
18:35 06 Oct 23
Beat all expectations! We worked with Maria and she was phenomenal! She was able to clearly explain a very complex process and helped us meet a tight deadline in record time.10/10 would recommend!
Gabriel
Gabriel
02:50 07 Aug 23
I used Lexidy in Athens via email correspondence. The experiece was excellent and every detail was looked after as if I was in person in Athens. I highly recommend them for your legal needs.
Janett Riebe
Janett Riebe
12:18 04 Aug 23
Our experience with Maria and Eleni was immaculate. Responsive and personable communication, every detail simply and beautifully explained, and we felt completely untouched by the complexity of all immigration and legal processes thanks to their support. The speed and ease they brought to our residency and tax processes exceeded all expectations.
Tala Re
Tala Re
06:41 03 Aug 23
I worked with Eleni Maderaki, she helped me with opening an bank account. It was a very good experience. I’m happy that I worked with them.
zaneta freyer
zaneta freyer
13:20 30 May 23
With Lexidy Law Boutique I had a very nice experience. Eleni Maderaki is very competent but at the same time practical. She is service minded and interested in customs needs. Lexidy Law Boutique meets my Norwegian standards!
Daniel Matcham
Daniel Matcham
08:27 12 May 23
Eleni has been exceptional every step of the way! She guided me through the formation of my company in Greece (as a foreigner), set the up tax number, opened me a bank account, set up civil liability insurance and more. I would recommend her to anyone!
beyouta myriam
beyouta myriam
08:28 22 Feb 23
Very nice experience.We feel that we do not know how to begin with such as many procedures to establish a new company. Lexidy Law Boutique giving us all facilities and clarification.Assistance highly appreciated step by step.They answered to all our questions and didn't leave any doubts to succeed, very responsive rate through all channels, phone ,emails.Thank you Lexidy, you made my dream a reality.I recommend very much.Bonne continuation !
Rosa Akbari
Rosa Akbari
16:07 10 Jan 23
Lexidy staff were speedy, straightforward, and reassuring. No hesitation to recommend to anyone needing help navigating residency bureaucracy.
Julians Mjankovs
Julians Mjankovs
08:10 21 Nov 22
I got everything I needed. Big thanks to Eleftheria and Maria for help! You just ask what you need, and they'll figure out how you can get it.
Natasha Halicki
Natasha Halicki
09:51 09 Nov 22
Genuinely welcoming and friendly! As well as very knowledgeable, professional and have great integrity. We hit a few bumps in my visa process but I was supported the whole way through and didn't give up and I was finally successful in my application thanks to their hard work going above and beyond. I wouldn't have been able to do it alone and I would certainly use Lexidy again.
Stephanie Bratnick
Stephanie Bratnick
13:28 05 Sep 22
I can't recommend Lexidy enough. They made our move to Greece incredibly smooth and went up and beyond their regular legal duties to help my family. They new all the ins and outs of the Greek immigration, and the whole process went flawlessly all due to their expertise. Thank you so much! And we will definitely use their services for many years to come.
Kenneth Shen
Kenneth Shen
00:32 24 Aug 22
If you’re looking for knowledgeable, responsive, and extremely supportive lawyers on your side - look no further. Lexidy and Eleftheria made my process of applying for residency smooth and easy. It’s hard to imagine working with someone with more professionalism and knowledge of the subject than the team at Lexidy.
Rossy Rojas
Rossy Rojas
12:28 23 Mar 22
Max is the best and Lexidy LegalTech Boutique solved our immigration process with great aplomb. we were very lucky!
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How can I buy a Property?

The main requirement is to obtain a Greek Tax Registration Number (“AFM”). A prospective investor can do this either as a tax foreigner or as a Greek tax resident. This number is unique to each individual and is essential for conducting any transaction throughout the country. 

The Tax Registration Number appears on a certificate you will receive after registering your personal details with the Greek Tax Authority. This number must be presented to the Notary Public when signing the final deed.

Unlike other European markets, property investors do not need to have a Greek bank account. However, it makes many related transactions and bureaucratic processes much simpler to navigate. It’s also easier and more convenient when making payments and transfers.

Our Greek Real Estate lawyers can assist you in the process of obtaining a Tax Registration Number as well as setting up a Greek bank account.

What is the process for purchasing property in Greece?

Leading Immigration
Assistance

Most transactions follow the process below:

1. Tax and Budget Planning

Taxes and fees are mostly paid by the buyer and vary from region to region. They typically include the following:

    • Property transfer tax of 3% for an existing property and Value Added Tax (VAT) of 24% in order to purchase a new building directly from a builder,
    • Notary costs from 0.8% of the purchase price, title deed tax and land registration fee of 0.475% of the purchase price
    • Legal fees of around 1% to 2%, inclusive of VAT

2. Obtain a Greek Tax Registration Number

Register with the Greek Tax Authority to collect this number.

3. Search for properties in Greece

Our Real Estate lawyers can help you identify the right property for you and ensure that you use trustworthy search portals.

4. Perform legal checks on the property

Understand the property’s situation, such as mortgages or ongoing litigation procesdures

5. Letter of Intent

Our lawyers will draft a “Letter of Intent” for purchasing a property and guide you through the reservation agreement. We will also assist in any subsequent negotiations before signing a deal.

6. Payment of fees

Settle any applicable Property Transfer Taxes or VAT, and update the Land Registry.

 

How can a lawyer help me?

From the moment you have decided to invest in Greece, you are on a journey of discovery and excitement. But there are many factors that overseas buyers might be unaware of or struggle to understand. 

If you have identified the property you’d like to buy, it’s essential to check that the property is mortgage-free and that all the documentation is correct and in order. This includes purchase or sale contracts, mortgages from recognized financial institutions to ensure that there are no surprises, receipts for payments to Greek municipalities and no outstanding litigation or arbitration on the property.

At Lexidy, our team of Real Estate lawyers have extensive knowledge and experience in all types of procedures and services related to investing in property. 

As a first step, we recommend appointing the right legal advice before considering a purchase in Greece.

Make sure your property purchase is risk-free with us and let us help you with all the necessary documentation. We will also use our network of partners and relationships across notaries, engineers, architects and real estate agents to ensure you invest in the right property at the right price.

¨We will be with you each step of the journey.¨

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes and there are only two requirements

  • have a Greek tax Registration Number and
  • prove the ability to transfer the specific amount to buy the property

Greece encourages overseas investment in both residential and non-residential real estate. For example, investors can apply for a Golden Visa if they spend €250,000 or more on any real estate.

All property owners in Greece must pay two different taxes annually.

Residents and Non- residents are subject to Income Tax and Real Estate Tax.

Yes. If you invest €250,000 or more in Greek real estate, you can apply for residency with a Golden Visa. Our lawyers can assist you with this type of residency and you can read more about this here.

You must pay a 3% property transfer tax for an existing property and a Value Added Tax (VAT) (24%) to purchase a new building directly from a builder. In all cases, you will need to pay for a Notary’s and Lawyer’s fees.

OUR WORK

We are a department formed by qualified legal experts who have been trained in the field of real estate law. We work on these requests every day and it’s our passion. For us, Lexidy is a way of life and what excites us the most is to be able to deliver the happiness and satisfaction of a successful real estate process. We want to help you achieve your goals and dreams.

Eleftheria Charalambous

Eleftheria Charalambous

Lawyer, Head of Athens Office
Eleni Maderaki

Eleni Maderaki

Head of Corporate Department Athens
Maria Balaoura

Maria Balaoura

Paralegal
Charalampos Zachariadis

Charalampos Zachariadis

Lawyer

IS TO MAKE CLIENTS HAPPY

Lexidy Legal Tech
4.9
Based on 15 reviews
Mario
Mario
19:38 06 Mar 24
Good service and fast help!Thanks to Miss Maria B
Meir Rosinnes
Meir Rosinnes
09:33 14 Feb 24
Lexidi, Ms. Eleni Menderaki, helped me to issue an importer EORI nunber and authorization to DHL to enable clearing goods which were shipped from a non-EU country. Without help, Customs procedures were very cumbersome, but very professional and efficient service from Lexidi made it easy and sucessful. Very pleasant friendly conduct by Eleni.
Aditya Swarup
Aditya Swarup
18:35 06 Oct 23
Beat all expectations! We worked with Maria and she was phenomenal! She was able to clearly explain a very complex process and helped us meet a tight deadline in record time.10/10 would recommend!
Gabriel
Gabriel
02:50 07 Aug 23
I used Lexidy in Athens via email correspondence. The experiece was excellent and every detail was looked after as if I was in person in Athens. I highly recommend them for your legal needs.
Janett Riebe
Janett Riebe
12:18 04 Aug 23
Our experience with Maria and Eleni was immaculate. Responsive and personable communication, every detail simply and beautifully explained, and we felt completely untouched by the complexity of all immigration and legal processes thanks to their support. The speed and ease they brought to our residency and tax processes exceeded all expectations.
Tala Re
Tala Re
06:41 03 Aug 23
I worked with Eleni Maderaki, she helped me with opening an bank account. It was a very good experience. I’m happy that I worked with them.
zaneta freyer
zaneta freyer
13:20 30 May 23
With Lexidy Law Boutique I had a very nice experience. Eleni Maderaki is very competent but at the same time practical. She is service minded and interested in customs needs. Lexidy Law Boutique meets my Norwegian standards!
Daniel Matcham
Daniel Matcham
08:27 12 May 23
Eleni has been exceptional every step of the way! She guided me through the formation of my company in Greece (as a foreigner), set the up tax number, opened me a bank account, set up civil liability insurance and more. I would recommend her to anyone!
beyouta myriam
beyouta myriam
08:28 22 Feb 23
Very nice experience.We feel that we do not know how to begin with such as many procedures to establish a new company. Lexidy Law Boutique giving us all facilities and clarification.Assistance highly appreciated step by step.They answered to all our questions and didn't leave any doubts to succeed, very responsive rate through all channels, phone ,emails.Thank you Lexidy, you made my dream a reality.I recommend very much.Bonne continuation !
Rosa Akbari
Rosa Akbari
16:07 10 Jan 23
Lexidy staff were speedy, straightforward, and reassuring. No hesitation to recommend to anyone needing help navigating residency bureaucracy.
Julians Mjankovs
Julians Mjankovs
08:10 21 Nov 22
I got everything I needed. Big thanks to Eleftheria and Maria for help! You just ask what you need, and they'll figure out how you can get it.
Natasha Halicki
Natasha Halicki
09:51 09 Nov 22
Genuinely welcoming and friendly! As well as very knowledgeable, professional and have great integrity. We hit a few bumps in my visa process but I was supported the whole way through and didn't give up and I was finally successful in my application thanks to their hard work going above and beyond. I wouldn't have been able to do it alone and I would certainly use Lexidy again.
Stephanie Bratnick
Stephanie Bratnick
13:28 05 Sep 22
I can't recommend Lexidy enough. They made our move to Greece incredibly smooth and went up and beyond their regular legal duties to help my family. They new all the ins and outs of the Greek immigration, and the whole process went flawlessly all due to their expertise. Thank you so much! And we will definitely use their services for many years to come.
Kenneth Shen
Kenneth Shen
00:32 24 Aug 22
If you’re looking for knowledgeable, responsive, and extremely supportive lawyers on your side - look no further. Lexidy and Eleftheria made my process of applying for residency smooth and easy. It’s hard to imagine working with someone with more professionalism and knowledge of the subject than the team at Lexidy.
Rossy Rojas
Rossy Rojas
12:28 23 Mar 22
Max is the best and Lexidy LegalTech Boutique solved our immigration process with great aplomb. we were very lucky!
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