Property Buyer’s Checklist – Greece

1. Define Your Purpose

• Holiday home, relocation, retirement, or investment

• Short‑term rental, long‑term rental, or personal use

• Preferred regions (Athens Riviera, Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Cyclades, Peloponnese)

2. Set Your Budget

Include:

• Purchase price

• Taxes (typically 3–10% depending on property type)

• Legal fees

• Notary fees

• Land registry fees

• Survey/inspection costs

• Ongoing ownership costs (ENFIA tax, utilities, maintenance)

3. Choose the Right Location

Evaluate:

• Proximity to beaches, airports, ferries, amenities

• Rental demand (tourism vs long‑term)

• Island vs mainland accessibility

• Local climate differences

• Neighbourhood safety and year‑round population

• Infrastructure (roads, hospitals, schools)

4. Appoint an Independent Greek Lawyer

Your lawyer should:

• Be fully independent from the seller/agent

• Specialise in Greek real estate law

• Handle due diligence, contracts, and title checks

• Explain all documents in English

• Represent you with Power of Attorney if needed

5. Obtain a Greek Tax Number (AFM)

Required for:

• Buying property

• Opening a bank account

• Paying taxes

• Signing utility contracts

This is essential for all foreign buyers.

6. Open a Greek Bank Account

Useful for:

• Utility payments

• Tax payments

• Property management

• Rental income

Some transactions can be done without one, but it simplifies ownership.

7. Conduct Full Legal Due Diligence

Your lawyer should verify:

• Title deeds and ownership history

• Debts, charges, or mortgages on the property

• Planning permissions and building legality

• Boundary accuracy

• Land registry status (old vs new cadastre)

• Energy performance certificate

• Zoning and coastal law compliance

8. Arrange a Survey or Technical Inspection

Recommended for:

• Older homes

• Rural properties

• Island houses

• Renovation projects

Check structure, damp, roof, plumbing, electrics, and earthquake‑resilience.

9. Understand All Purchase Taxes

Depending on the property:

• Property Transfer Tax (3%)

• VAT (24%) on certain new builds (often suspended)

• Notary fees

• Land registry fees

• Legal fees

Your lawyer should provide a full cost breakdown before signing.

10. Plan for Ongoing Ownership Costs

Include:

• ENFIA (annual property tax)

• Utilities

• Insurance

• Maintenance and repairs

• Property management (if renting or living abroad)

• Communal fees (if part of a complex)

11. Check Rental Regulations

If planning to rent:

• Register for short‑term rental licensing (AADE platform)

• Understand local restrictions (especially on islands)

• Confirm condominium rules

• Register guests and income correctly

• Consider professional property management

12. Understand the Buying Timeline

Typical stages:

• Offer accepted

• Due diligence

• Preliminary agreement (if used)

• Final contract signing at notary

• Registration in the land registry

Timelines vary from 4–12 weeks depending on complexity.

13. Consider Residency Options

Property ownership may support:

• Greek Golden Visa (for qualifying property investments)

• Digital Nomad Visa

• Long‑term stays for EU/EEA citizens