Greek Property Title Checks: What Your Lawyer Should Review Before You Buy
Why title checks matter
A beautiful home is not enough. A buyer needs clean ownership, clear boundaries, and no hidden claims. This is why a Greek lawyer is not a nice extra. For most foreign buyers, it is a core safety step.
Your lawyer should review the legal file before you pay a non-refundable deposit.
Key checks
- Is the seller the true owner?
- Are there co-owners who must sign?
- Are there mortgages, liens, seizures, or disputes?
- Is the property correctly recorded at the land registry or cadastre?
- Do the boundaries match the title and survey?
- Are there rights of way, easements, or shared-access issues?
- Are property taxes and certificates in order?
- Can the notary complete the file without delay?
Cadastre and registry risk
Greece has moved toward a national cadastre system, but older records can still be complex. Some areas have older land registry records. Some properties have unclear boundaries or missing updates.
Ask your lawyer to explain which system applies to the property and what they found. Do not accept a vague answer such as "the title looks fine." Ask for the actual risk points.
Practical buyer tip
Use a simple traffic-light report:
- Green: no issue, or standard paperwork only.
- Amber: issue exists, but it can be fixed before signing.
- Red: do not proceed unless the issue is solved first.
If a seller says the issue can be fixed after completion, be careful. Once you own the problem, your leverage is much lower.
Documents to request
Ask for the title deed, cadastre or registry extract, topographic survey where relevant, tax clearance, building permit details, and any documents that show past loans or claims have been cleared.
Your lawyer should tell you what is missing, what is normal for the area, and what must be fixed before the notary signs.
Useful next read: Greek Property Due Diligence Checklist for Overseas Buyers.
For registry context, visit the Hellenic Cadastre.
