What to check before buying property in Greece

Buying a property is one of the most significant financial decisions. A meticulous legal review before signing prevents unpleasant surprises and secures your investment.

We check the chain of title at the competent Land Registry or Cadastre to confirm that the seller is indeed the owner and that the property is transferred clean.

We verify the existence of mortgages, prenotations, seizures or third-party claims that could threaten your ownership.

We confirm the legality of the construction, any unauthorised works, and the existence of the required engineer's certificates and energy performance certificate.

Before the final transfer, a well-drafted preliminary agreement secures the price, deadlines and consequences of withdrawal, reducing the buyer's risk.

On purchase, transfer tax is due — or VAT on new builds — and the fees of the notary, lawyer and estate agent must be factored in, together with the costs of registration at the Land Registry or Cadastre. Calculating the total cost before making an offer prevents unpleasant surprises at the signing table.

For non-EU investors, purchasing property above the applicable thresholds can found a right to a residence permit for the investor and their family. The thresholds vary by area and the regime evolves — which is why the eligibility check should come before the choice of property.

From intention to registration: legal due diligence (typically 1–2 weeks), a preliminary agreement with a deposit, gathering the paperwork (a Greek tax number and bank account for foreign buyers), the final deed and its registration. Properly coordinated, a straightforward purchase completes in 4–8 weeks.