Buying Property In Greece As A Foreigner: The Process Explained

Buying property in Greece can take time, particularly when an older property has planning, cadastral or technical issues that must be resolved before the sale.

For this reason, international buyers should avoid assuming that finding the property means the transaction can be completed immediately.

A buyer needs a Greek AFM (Tax Identification Number) before purchasing property in Greece.

Step 2: Get In Touch With A Tax Professional

International buyers should consider speaking with a tax professional early in the process. A tax adviser can explain your tax obligations, help ensure your tax records are in order and provide guidance on matters related to the property purchase, including the E9 property declaration and ENFIA.

Getting the tax side organised from the beginning can help prevent delays later in the transaction, particularly if there are discrepancies or outstanding tax matters relating to the property.

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For tax guidance, you can also get in touch with Tax Wise Greece, who can assist with the tax and administrative aspects of purchasing property in Greece.

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Step 3: Find the Property, But Allow Enough Time

Many Greek properties, particularly older ones, require detailed documentation and checks by the buyer's lawyer concerning, such as:

• building permits;
• legalisation of alterations;
• cadastral registration;
• discrepancies in square metres;
• building identity documentation;
• other technical matters.

In areas where the Hellenic Cadastre has been completed, the property information may be more organised, but due diligence remains essential.

The seller generally needs to work with the notary and, where required, an engineer to ensure that the property can legally be transferred.

If the technical characteristics of the property do not agree with the seller's E9 declaration, corrections may be required. These corrections can also affect previous ENFIA assessments. Where additional ENFIA becomes due, this may need to be assessed and paid before the transaction can proceed.

Once the file is ready, the property transfer tax declaration is prepared and the buyer pays the tax due before the final contract.

The notary prepares the final purchase deed. After signing, the transfer must be properly registered with the relevant Land Registry/Cadastre.

After the purchase, the buyer should verify that the property is correctly reflected in the E9 property declaration. This is particularly important because E9 data is used for ENFIA and future property transactions.

This becomes particularly important when the purchase is financed through a mortgage. A bank pre-approval may have a limited validity period, while the legal and technical preparation of a Greek property can take time.

The property search, technical due diligence, financing and tax process should therefore be coordinated from the beginning.

For foreign buyers, planning the tax and administrative side before making an offer can prevent unnecessary delays later.

Need Help With The Tax Side Of Buying Property In Greece?

Navigating the tax and administrative requirements of buying property in Greece can be complicated, particularly for international buyers. Getting professional advice early can help you understand your obligations and avoid unnecessary delays.

For guidance on the tax aspects of purchasing property in Greece, get in touch with Tax Wise Greece and speak with a qualified tax professional about your individual circumstances.