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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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
Lawyer, Head of Athens Office
Eleni Maderaki
Head of Corporate Department Athens
Maria Balaoura
ParalegalIS TO MAKE CLIENTS HAPPY
How Can We help you?
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