Prepare before viewing
Define how the property must work: permanent home, holiday base, rental, retirement, or long-term investment. Set a total budget that includes professional checks, taxes, registration, travel, repairs, and a reserve.
- Confirm how funds will reach Greece and keep a clear source-of-funds trail.
- Ask an accountant what registrations and filings apply to your circumstances.
- Choose an independent lawyer before paying a non-refundable reservation amount.
Build an independent professional team
The selling agent can coordinate access and documents, but buyers should appoint their own lawyer and technical adviser. A notary handles the formal deed; an accountant can explain tax registration and ongoing filings.
- Lawyer: title, liens, ownership rights, contract terms, and registry checks.
- Engineer: permits, plans, boundaries, floor area, and unauthorised works.
- Accountant: tax number, declarations, ownership tax, and rental obligations.
- Notary: formal contract and completion requirements.
Check title, building records, and location
Ask for legal and technical review before committing. Greece uses the Hellenic Cadastre in areas where land registration is complete, while local registry arrangements may still matter elsewhere.
- Confirm the seller and every required signatory.
- Check mortgages, liens, easements, boundaries, and access rights.
- Compare the property as built with permits and approved plans.
- Visit outside peak season and check access, utilities, damp, heating, and local services.
Understand reservation, contract, and completion
Do not treat a reservation payment as routine until your lawyer explains when it is refundable, what checks remain, and what happens if the seller cannot complete. The final transfer is formalised through the notarial process and then registered.
- Use written conditions for legal and technical review.
- Confirm the completion timetable and required translations or powers of attorney.
- Keep copies of payments, tax filings, the deed, plans, certificates, and registration evidence.
Plan for ownership after completion
Completion is the beginning of ownership administration. Confirm that tax and property records are correct, transfer utilities, arrange insurance, and establish local maintenance support if you live abroad.
- Calendar annual tax and filing dates.
- Keep a digital property document folder.
- If renting, confirm registration, reporting, building rules, management costs, and net income assumptions.
Frequently asked questions
Can foreigners buy property in Greece?
Many foreign buyers purchase Greek property, but nationality, border-area rules, ownership structure, tax registration, and immigration goals can affect the process. Confirm your position with an independent Greek lawyer.
Do I need a Greek lawyer and engineer?
Independent legal and technical review is a prudent buyer safeguard. Your lawyer and engineer should explain title, registry, permit, boundary, and building risks before you commit.
What should I budget beyond the purchase price?
Allow for transaction taxes, notary and registry work, legal and technical advice, translations, banking or currency costs, insurance, repairs, and ongoing ownership expenses. Ask advisers for a property-specific estimate.
Should I pay a reservation deposit before checks?
Only after your lawyer has reviewed the wording, refund conditions, due-diligence timetable, and seller obligations.