Buying Property in Greece as a Foreigner: 2026 Guide for Overseas Investors
Overseas buyers can buy property in Greece, but the best purchases are not the ones rushed from a listing photo. A strong result usually comes from matching the property to a clear goal, checking title and planning records before money is committed, and budgeting for taxes and professional fees before the notarial contract is signed.
This guide was reviewed on 19 May 2026. It is general information for international buyers from markets such as the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the EU. It is not legal, tax or immigration advice.
Can foreigners buy property in Greece?
In general, foreign buyers can purchase Greek real estate. EU and non-EU buyers both commonly buy homes, apartments, land and investment properties. Non-EU buyers should take extra legal advice for sensitive border or security areas, for Golden Visa eligibility, and for any purchase structure involving a company or co-ownership.
If residency is part of the plan, decide that before choosing the property. A home that is ideal as a lifestyle base may not satisfy the current Golden Visa threshold, size rule, conversion requirement or rental-use restrictions.
Step-by-step buying process
- Set the investment brief. Decide whether the property is for relocation, seasonal use, long-term rental income, capital preservation, renovation, or a Golden Visa pathway.
- Build the buyer team early. Most overseas buyers need an independent lawyer, notary, accountant, engineer or surveyor, and sometimes a mortgage broker, translator and property manager.
- Get a Greek tax number. The AFM is needed for property ownership and tax filings. Your lawyer or accountant can usually coordinate this with a power of attorney.
- Check funding and currency risk. Confirm whether funds will arrive from savings, refinancing, a Greek mortgage or another bank. Allow time for source-of-funds checks and foreign exchange movement.
- Run legal and technical due diligence. Title, encumbrances, cadastral records, building permits, planning use, energy certificates, common expenses and any unauthorised works should be checked before completion.
- Sign the notarial deed and register ownership. The buyer normally pays real estate transfer tax before the final deed, and the transaction is completed through the notary and the land registry or cadastre.
Buying from abroad
Remote purchases are possible, but they need discipline. Use a limited power of attorney that names exactly what your representative may do. Ask for translated summaries of the key documents. Keep a dated audit trail of offer terms, deposits, legal findings and technical findings.
Do not rely on a seller, broker or developer to explain defects in a property. Their information can be useful, but your lawyer and engineer should verify it independently.
What to budget beyond the purchase price
- Real estate transfer tax, currently calculated at 3% on the taxable value, plus a municipal levy on the main tax.
- Notary, lawyer, land registry or cadastre fees.
- Engineer, survey, translation, apostille and power-of-attorney costs where needed.
- Real estate agent fees if payable by the buyer under the agreed brokerage terms.
- Ongoing ENFIA property tax, insurance, building common charges, utilities, accounting and property management.
Buyer mistakes to avoid
- Treating a verbal assurance as proof of legal status.
- Paying a reservation deposit before the lawyer has reviewed title and basic encumbrance information.
- Assuming every property can be used for short-term rental or Golden Visa purposes.
- Underestimating renovation approvals, contractor timelines, heritage restrictions and utility upgrades.
- Comparing regions only by headline price per square metre instead of liquidity, rental depth and exit demand.
Practical next move
Create a one-page buying brief before viewing properties: budget, location shortlist, purpose, preferred property type, required timeline, Golden Visa needs, rental plan, renovation appetite and exit strategy. That brief helps GreekHomes and your professional advisers filter opportunities faster and avoid expensive mismatches.
