Yes. In Greece, the final sale and transfer of ownership is completed via a notarial deed. The notary prepares the official deed and verifies that the required documents are in place so the transfer can be legally completed.

Tip: The notary’s role is essential, but they are not your personal legal advisor. A buyer’s lawyer is recommended for full due diligence.

Strongly recommended. A buyer’s lawyer typically performs a title deed review and checks for legal issues and encumbrances (mortgages, claims, seizures, easements/right-of-way, etc.), commonly by reviewing records for at least the last 20 years.

Strongly recommended. A technical inspection helps confirm the property’s condition, identify any irregularities, and estimate realistic renovation or upgrade costs before you commit.

Depending on the property and the transaction, engineer documentation may also be required as part of the transfer file.

Highly recommended, especially for non-residents. An accountant can help you understand tax obligations, set up registrations, and ensure filings are correct (property-related declarations, taxes, etc.).

Yes. A Greek Tax Identification Number (AFM) is essential for buying and owning property and for most related actions (tax payments, utilities, and often banking).

Tip: Arrange the AFM early, because it enables several next steps in the process.

Not always mandatory, but in practice it is often very helpful for paying taxes, fees, utilities, and handling the transaction smoothly—especially for non-residents.

Banks usually request identification, AFM, proof of address, and other supporting paperwork depending on the case.

A practical rule is to budget roughly about 8%–12% on top of the purchase price (depending on the property, taxes, and the services you choose). A typical breakdown may include:

• Property transfer tax (commonly for resales): typically around 3% (plus small surcharges, depending on the case).
• Notary fees: vary by transaction complexity and value (plus VAT and fixed charges where applicable).
• Land Registry / Cadastre registration: fees depend on where and how the property is registered.
• Lawyer fees (if appointed): by agreement, often a percentage plus VAT.
• Real estate agency fee (buyer side): by agreement, usually plus VAT.
• Engineer / technical checks: depend on the scope (inspection, documentation, etc.).

Tip: Total costs can change notably if the property is a new-build with VAT, has legal/technical complexities, or needs extra documentation.

EU citizens: generally do not need a residence permit just to buy property.
Non-EU citizens: can also buy property in Greece. In some situations (e.g., specific “border areas”) extra permissions may apply.

Note: Residency-by-investment programs and rules can change. Always confirm with your lawyer for your exact case.

1. Select the right property and define your goals (home / investment / rental).
2. Secure financing (cash, bank, or other arrangement).
3. Appoint professionals (lawyer, notary, engineer/inspector, accountant as needed).
4. Obtain AFM (Greek Tax Number).
5. Open a Greek bank account (recommended) and plan payments.
6. Legal & technical due diligence (title checks, encumbrances, inspection, required documentation).
7. Reservation / pre-agreement (if used): terms, timelines, deposit handling.
8. Pay applicable taxes/fees and prepare the transfer file.
9. Sign the final notarial deed and complete registration (Land Registry / Cadastre).

Tip: If you cannot be present, many buyers use Power of Attorney so their lawyer can sign on their behalf.

This depends on what you have signed and the wording of the reservation/pre-agreement. A good practice is to structure deposits so the buyer is protected if serious legal issues are discovered during due diligence. Your lawyer should review the terms before any deposit is paid.

It depends on the agreement and the deposit terms. In many cases, if the buyer withdraws without a valid reason defined in the contract, the deposit may be forfeited; if the seller withdraws, the agreement may require refunding the deposit (sometimes with a penalty).

Tip: Always have your lawyer review the reservation/pre-agreement terms before paying any deposit.

Feel free to email us—tell us your preferred area, budget range, intended use (home / investment / rental), and whether you are an EU or non-EU buyer, and we will guide you to the next best steps.