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You have found the house you love. The location is right, the view is right and you can already picture yourself renovating the kitchen or sitting on the terrace.

Then comes the question: should you put down a deposit?

This is often the point where it is worth slowing down rather than rushing ahead. The problems buyers discover later are rarely about the price of the property itself. They are more often about what was signed, what was not checked and when money changed hands.

The good news is that most of these issues can be identified before a buyer commits.
 
Start With An Independent Lawyer
 
When buying a property, everyone involved has a different role.

The seller wants to sell. The estate agent wants the transaction to go ahead. A developer has their own interests in the project.

The buyer's lawyer has a different responsibility: to look at the transaction from the buyer's side and make sure they understand exactly what they are purchasing before they commit.

For international buyers, Nikos Paterakis, Attorney at Law and founder of Paterakis Legal, can provide this independent legal support, checking the property, the seller's ownership, the relevant documents and any agreements the buyer is being asked to sign.

This is particularly important for someone buying from abroad, who may not be familiar with the Greek property system or the way transactions are handled.

What Needs To Be Checked Legally?

The first stage is establishing that the person selling the property actually owns it and has the right to sell it.

This involves checking the title and the property's records at the relevant Land Registry or Cadastre, as well as looking for mortgages, liens, claims and other encumbrances.

The buyer also needs to know whether there are any unresolved inheritance issues or other claims affecting ownership.

Another important question is whether the property has been correctly declared and recorded in the Cadastre.

These checks may sound technical, but they answer a very simple question: are you actually buying what you think you are buying?

The Technical Inspection Is Just As Important

Legal checks are only half of the picture.

A technical inspection looks at the physical and planning status of the property. Nikos works with engineers who can examine issues such as unauthorised alterations, building permits and planning compliance, as well as the property's electronic building identity.

This becomes particularly important if you are buying a house with plans to renovate it.

A beautiful old property may have an extension, enclosed balcony or other alteration that was never properly authorised. If you discover that after buying the property, the renovation you had planned may not be possible in the way you expected.

This is exactly the kind of problem that is much easier to deal with before money changes hands.

What About The Tax & Paperwork?

A foreign buyer also needs to take care of several administrative steps before the purchase can be completed.

A Greek tax number is required before signing the purchase deed, and this can be arranged in advance.

Transfer tax is paid before the notarial deed is signed, while the seller needs to provide the relevant tax and insurance clearance certificates and other documents required for the transaction.

The seller's paperwork can sometimes take time to gather, which is another reason not to assume that a property can be completed immediately simply because both sides have agreed on a price.

If you have already found a property in Greece and are considering paying a deposit, Nikos Paterakis can help you understand what should be checked before you commit.

You can contact Nikos at info@paterakislegal.com or +30 694 760 1994 (WhatsApp & Viber), or connect with him on LinkedIn.

The Proposed 15% Transfer Tax
 
There is also a tax change that prospective buyers from outside the EU and EEA should be aware of.

In September 2026, the Greek government announced a proposed increase in the property transfer tax on residential property purchased by individuals who are citizens of countries outside the EU and EEA. The rate would rise from 3% to 15% from 1 July 2027. Including the municipal surcharge, the effective burden would move from 3.09% to 15.45%.

The proposal is aimed at residential property purchased by individuals. As currently announced, commercial properties, land and purchases through companies would remain outside this particular increase, while ethnic Greeks and holders of long-term resident status are among the categories identified for exemption. A residence permit such as the Golden Visa is not the same thing as long-term resident status and would not, by itself, create that exemption.

There is an important qualification, however: at the time of writing, this is an announcement rather than enacted law. The final legislation could change the scope, exemptions or timing.

For a buyer considering a purchase before July 2027, that makes timing worth discussing. A purchase completed before the proposed start date would be subject to the current rate, assuming the measure ultimately takes effect as announced.

But that does not mean everyone should rush to buy.

If a purchase was already part of your plans, it makes sense to understand how the proposed change could affect you. If you were not planning to buy yet, however, the existence of a proposed tax increase is not in itself a reason to purchase a property before you are ready.

On a €400,000 property, the difference between the current and the proposed rate would be €48,000, or around €49,400 including the municipal surcharge, which is why the question deserves a proper calculation rather than a rumour or headline.

Be Careful With The Deposit
 
One of the easiest mistakes to make is also one of the most difficult to undo.

A buyer sees the perfect house, worries that somebody else will take it and agrees to pay a deposit immediately.

The problem is that a deposit or preliminary agreement can bind the buyer before they know what they are actually buying.

Ideally, the legal and technical checks should come first. Any deposit should be properly documented and the terms should clearly address what happens if the necessary checks reveal a problem.

Signing something simply because the seller or agent says that it is “standard” is not a substitute for having your own lawyer review it.

The Notary Is Not Your Buyer's Lawyer
 
Property sales in Greece are completed before a notary, who prepares and certifies the purchase deed.

The notary is a neutral professional in the transaction.

The buyer's lawyer has a different role: checking the transaction from the buyer's perspective and making sure that what is being signed reflects what was actually agreed.

For an international buyer, having someone independently review the documents can be particularly useful when the transaction is taking place in a legal system they do not know well.

How Is The Purchase Price Paid?
 
The purchase price is paid through the banking system, and the payment is recorded in the purchase deed.

This provides an important record of the transaction and is also particularly relevant where the property purchase is connected to a Golden Visa application.

The method of payment should therefore be considered part of the legal process rather than simply an administrative detail.

What Happens After You Complete The Purchase?

Signing the deed is not quite the end.

The purchase deed needs to be registered with the relevant Cadastre or Land Registry. Other practical matters then follow, including utilities and the buyer's ongoing property-tax obligations.

Registration is an important final step because it records the transfer of ownership.

For someone buying remotely, this is another stage where having the process coordinated locally can make things considerably easier.

Can You Buy Property Without Being In Greece?

Yes, many parts of the process can be handled remotely.

With an appropriate power of attorney, a buyer can authorise someone in Greece to handle various steps on their behalf. This is particularly useful for international buyers who cannot travel to Greece every time a document needs to be signed or an administrative step needs to be completed.

Nikos works with estate agents, notaries and engineers in different parts of Greece, including Athens, Crete, the Cyclades and Northern Greece, allowing the different parts of the transaction to be coordinated while the buyer remains abroad.

The Traps Worth Avoiding
 
The most common problems are often avoidable.

Paying a deposit before the property has been checked. The emotional excitement of finding the right house can make it tempting to move quickly, but the checks should come first.

Signing someone else's preliminary agreement without independent advice. A document prepared by the other side may not address the buyer's interests.

Assuming the advertised square metres are the legal square metres. The measurements in a property listing are not necessarily the same as those recorded in the official documents.

Buying a property with unauthorised alterations. This is especially important if your plans involve renovation.

Buying land without checking what can actually be built. Planning restrictions, settlement boundaries, forest maps and protected areas can all affect development potential.

Ignoring the seller's clearance certificates. Missing tax or insurance documentation can delay completion.

Panicking about the proposed 15% transfer tax. The proposed change is significant, but its scope and final form still need to be confirmed through the legislative process.

An Example From Practice

In one case, a couple had already paid a deposit on a beautiful house before the property had been properly examined.

The technical inspection revealed that alterations to the building had never been legalised.

The couple's main reason for buying the property was to carry out a substantial renovation. The problem was that the renovation they had planned could not lawfully be carried out in the way they had intended.

The issue could have been identified before the deposit was paid.

That is the important point: the earlier these checks happen, the more choices the buyer still has.

Check Before You Commit

Buying a property in Greece can be an exciting step, whether it is a holiday home, an investment or the place where you eventually plan to live.

But the most useful thing a buyer can do is let an independent lawyer and engineer look at the property before any money moves.

At that stage, potential problems can still be identified and decisions can still be changed.

Once a deposit has been paid and documents have been signed, those choices can become much more limited.

If you have found a property in Greece and are ready to take the next step, it may be worth getting in touch with Nikos Paterakis before paying a deposit. He can help coordinate the legal and technical checks and explain what needs to be addressed before you commit to the purchase.

To get in touch, send Nikos a short email explaining where the property is, what stage you have reached and whether anything has already been signed or paid, and he can advise you on the next steps. 

You can contact Nikos at info@paterakislegal.com or +30 694 760 1994 (WhatsApp & Viber), or connect with him on LinkedIn. His office is located at 64 Panepistimiou Street, Athens 106 77, 3rd floor.

Thursday, 08 October 2026 15:09

White Lotus Yoga By Vicky Tomsky

Twenty years ago, when Vicky’s mum was diagnosed with lung cancer, she made a decision that changed the direction of her life.

She wanted to dedicate her life to helping people reconnect with themselves, find inner peace, and experience more joy and freedom. That feeling has stayed with her ever since, and since losing her mum 11 years ago, her love for this work has only grown stronger.

Today, Vicky is a mother of three, a solo entrepreneur, and the founder of White Lotus Yoga Athens in Kifissia.

With 20 years of personal yoga practice and more than 15 years of teaching experience, her work has naturally evolved beyond yoga. Alongside her yoga classes and restorative yoga, she also works with hypnotherapy and Ayurveda, bringing together different practices to help people better understand themselves, slow down, let go of what no longer serves them, and feel more connected to who they truly are.

Vicky also leads retreats every year, both in Greece and internationally. For her, retreats are about much more than yoga or travelling to a beautiful destination. They offer an opportunity to step away from busy routines, breathe, reconnect, share meaningful experiences, and rediscover a sense of self.


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White Lotus Yoga Athens

White Lotus is an intimate warm and peaceful space in Kifissia, a place to retreat from the noise, the rush and the overwhelm of everyday life.

You can come to move, rest, breathe, practice active or restorative yoga, or simply have a little time for yourself. And often, the best part is what happens afterwards, sitting with a cup of herbal tea, talking and getting to know the people around you.

When you live away from where you grew up, creating a sense of community becomes even more important. White Lotus is a place where people can meet, connect and feel welcome.

At the heart of the studio are three things Vicky deeply believes in:

Connection. Expansion. Presence.

So if you are looking for a yoga space in Athens, or simply a place to meet like minded people, slow down and feel a little more at home, White Lotus is the place to be.

And if you live further away from Kifissia, Vicky also work online, offering hypnotherapy, Ayurveda and other practices from wherever you are.

Conctact Info

Website
Email: vicktomsky@gmail.com
Phone: 6948890034


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Monday, 05 October 2026 10:13

Physis Group Show

Nature has always occupied humanity as a model, an objective, and a challenge in its en tirety. In art, the theme has emerged as a favorite protagonist since prehistoric times, and  ever since, it has not ceased to be the subject of search and inquiry for artists of all places  

and eras on various levels - pictorial, conceptual, spiritual, philosophical, even metaphysi cal. The group show Physis explores the idea of nature as that which springs forth, grows  and transforms from within. It is nature understood as an active principle: a generative  force, a process, a becoming. 

The participating artists — from Chile, Greece, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, Spain, the  United Kingdom, and France — offer their interpretations to a shared question: what does it  mean today to work with nature in a world increasingly mediated by technology and imma teriality? In the face of acceleration, virtualization, and the production of images detached  from physical experience, their works put an emphasis on the notions of the resistance of  materials, the behavior of matter, the processes of erosion, accumulation, or transformation,  and in the direct relationship between the artist’s body and the materials. 

The exhibition unfolds as a field of resonances rather than a closed discourse, asserting ma teriality as a critical position. In a social and artistic context marked by immediacy and de materialization, the works of the exhibition (painting, drawing, stone sculpture, mixed media and video) propose a different tempo — slower, more attentive — where the sensory,  the tactile and the processual recover their capacity to generate meaning. 

Artists: Christina Almodóvar, Susana Botana, Birgit Cauer, Leonidas Chale pas, Efi Fouriki, Paula Fraile, Katerina Gutiérrez, Sophie Horvath, Ingela Nils son, Neal Rock, Reto Steiner, Xisca Veny 

Curators: Vassiliki Vayenou, Susana Botana 

Duration: 29 October- 15 November 2026 

Opening: Thursday, 29 October | 19:00


Please CLICK HERE to access the press kit, which includes photos and CVs of the artists.


 

Owning and renting property in Greece can be attractive, but the Greek taxation of rental income often differs significantly from the system foreign owners are familiar with in their home country. Rental income is taxed separately from income such as salaries and pensions.




Can I Deduct Repairs, Electricity & Renovation Costs?


This is one of the areas that surprises international property owners.

For an individual landlord, actual property expenses are generally not deducted individually from rental income in the way they may be in other countries.

Instead, Greek tax legislation provides a standard 5% deduction for repair, maintenance, renovation and other operating expenses.

This distinction is important when calculating the real return from a Greek rental property.

How Is Rental Income Taxed In Greece?

For individuals, rental income is taxed separately, from the salary or pension.

From tax year 2026, the applicable scale is:

up to €12,000: 15%
€12,000.01–€24,000: 25%
€24,000.01–€36,000: 35%
above €36,000: 45%

The tax treatment should also be reviewed in the owner's country of tax residence where the owner is a non-Greek tax resident.

The Lease Must Be Declared To AADE

A detailed private lease agreement may be prepared between landlord and tenant, particularly where the parties want to describe furniture, property condition or specific contractual terms.
However, the required rental information must also be submitted electronically to AADE.

The landlord submits the rental declaration electronically and the tenant can then view and accept it through the tax system.

E9 Comes First

Before renting the property, its details must be correctly reflected in the owner's E9 property record.

For recent purchases processed digitally through myPROPERTY, an E9 declaration may be generated automatically, but it should still be checked for accuracy.

Energy Performance Certificate

Where an Energy Performance Certificate (PEA/EPC) is required, its details must be included in the electronic rental declaration.

An EPC is generally valid for up to ten years. If the property undergoes a major renovation affecting its energy performance, the existing certificate may cease to be valid and a new assessment may be required.

What About the Three-Year Minimum Rental Period?

Greek residential leases are generally subject to statutory minimum-duration rules even where the written agreement specifies a shorter term.

For foreign owners, the key is to consider Greek rental taxation before calculating the expected net yield of a property investment.

Need Help With Greek Rental Property Taxation?

If you own or are planning to rent out property in Greece, understanding the tax implications is an important part of calculating your potential return. This is particularly relevant for non-Greek tax residents, who may also have tax obligations in their country of residence.

For guidance on Greek rental income taxation, E9, rental declarations and your wider tax obligations as a property owner, get in touch with TaxWise Greece to discuss your individual circumstances with their team.

Friday, 02 October 2026 16:20

Getting A Mortgage In Greece As A Foreigner

Foreign residents can apply for financing to purchase property in Greece, but Greek banks will assess both the borrower and the property before approving and completing a mortgage.

What Documents Will The Bank Ask For?

The exact documentation depends on the bank and whether the applicant lives in Greece or abroad, but banks generally want evidence of:
  • income and recent tax assessments of the last 3 years;
  • employment and source of income;
  • existing debts and financial obligations;
  • credit history;
  • available funds for the buyer's own contribution.
Foreign residents are also required to provide a credit report or credit score from their country of residence, as well as a bank reference letter from the bank where they maintain their funds.

For Greek residents, banks can access relevant domestic credit information through systems such as Tiresias.

How Much Can A Bank Finance?

Since 1 January 2025, Bank of Greece rules set maximum loan-to-value (LTV) limits of 90% for first-time buyers and 80% for other buyers. These are regulatory maximum limits and do not mean that a bank will finance this percentage. The actual financing offered depends on the bank's credit assessment and the borrower's profile.

The same framework also provides debt-service-to-income (DSTI) limits of 50% for first-time buyers and 40% for other borrowers.

Note by the accounting experts at TaxWise Greece: Based on actual banking cases, financing for non-residents can often be around 65%. Keep this wording as indicative banking practice, not a guaranteed lending ratio.

The Property Is Also Assessed

Mortgage approval is not only about the borrower. The bank will also review the property and usually requires security over the property.

Insurance requirements may also apply, including property insurance and, depending on the financing structure and bank, life insurance.

Pre-Approval Has A Time Limit

A common mistake is to obtain mortgage pre-approval and only then begin a long property search.

Because Greek properties can require time for legal and technical preparation, buyers should understand how long their bank approval remains valid and coordinate the property search accordingly.

Need Help Navigating The Process?

Buying property in Greece as a foreign resident involves more than securing a mortgage. Understanding your tax obligations and coordinating the banking and administrative requirements from the beginning can make the process much smoother.

If you need guidance with the tax and administrative side of purchasing property in Greece, get in touch with TaxWise Greece to discuss your individual circumstances with their team.

 
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.


Step 1: Obtain A Greek Tax Number

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.


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.


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.

Step 4: The Seller Must Prepare The Property File

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.

Step 5: Property Transfer Tax

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

Step 6: Sign & Register The Contract

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

Step 7: Check Your E9

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.

Do Not Underestimate Timing

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.
Before SOLACE returns to the Athens Conservatoire in December, the creative community comes together for SOLACE PRELUDE, the official fashion and arts rave presented in collaboration with REJUV.

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Taking place at ODDITY on 7 November, PRELUDE brings together electronic music, fashion, visual culture and performance, with local and international DJs and performers.

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The event marks the first major gathering of the 2026 SOLACE community ahead of the main two-day expo in December, offering a night focused on music, creativity and contemporary culture.

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Athens is getting ready for another weekend dedicated to independent creativity, as SOLACE returns to the city this December for two days of fashion, art, design, music and contemporary culture.

Taking place on 19 and 20 December 2026 at the Athens Conservatoire’s Ω2 space, SOLACE will bring together more than 150 independent designers, artists and creative brands from Greece and abroad, transforming the venue into a meeting point for fashion, visual culture, music and creative expression.

Following the success of its previous major edition, which welcomed more than 10,000 visitors, this year’s SOLACE aims to build on that momentum with an even more immersive experience centred around independent creation.

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A Different Kind Of Creative Market

At the heart of SOLACE is the idea that discovering and buying something can be much more than a traditional shopping experience.

The concept, developed around the vision of Chrysanthi Podaras, places independent creativity at the centre, creating a space where visitors can encounter the people, ideas and stories behind the things they discover.

This is the thinking behind Creative Shopping, one of the key concepts of this year’s event.

Rather than functioning simply as a conventional market, SOLACE brings together elements of an exhibition, installation, concept store and cultural event. Visitors can meet the creators behind the work, learn more about their process and aesthetic, and discover the story behind each brand before taking a piece of that creative world home with them.

The result is an intentionally diverse mix of creative disciplines. Fashion will sit alongside sculpture, jewellery alongside photography, and ceramics alongside installations, performances and sound.

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150+ Independent Creatives Under One Roof

Across the two-day event, visitors will be able to discover work from independent fashion designers, jewellery and accessories brands, visual artists, photographers, ceramicists, object designers, sculptors, installation artists, multidisciplinary creatives and emerging creative brands.

The focus is firmly on independent creation and on giving different creative practices space to exist alongside one another.

And while shopping and discovery are central to SOLACE, the programme extends beyond the objects on display.

Throughout the day and into the evening, the event will feature DJ sets, performances, installations and creative activations, with participation from Greek and international DJs and performers.

The Athens Conservatoire’s Ω2 is particularly suited to the format. Located in the centre of Athens, the venue is a spacious underground space with an industrial aesthetic that is designed to accommodate everything from art exhibitions and trade shows to parties and larger-scale events.

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From Fashion To Music & Contemporary Culture

One of the defining characteristics of SOLACE is its refusal to place creativity into separate categories.

Instead, the event brings together fashion, art, design, music and contemporary culture in the same environment, allowing different communities and creative disciplines to overlap.

For visitors, that means the experience can shift from browsing independent fashion and jewellery to discovering an artwork, encountering an installation or listening to a DJ set — all within the same visit.

It is this crossover that forms an important part of the identity of SOLACE and its ambition to create a community around independent creativity.

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SOLACE PRELUDE: The Night Before December

The SOLACE experience will actually begin before the December event.

On 7 November 2026, SOLACE PRELUDE will take over ODDITY in Athens for the official fashion and arts rave, presented in collaboration with REJUV.

PRELUDE brings the more nocturnal side of SOLACE to the forefront, connecting electronic music, fashion, visual culture and performance through a programme featuring local and international DJs and performers.

More than simply a standalone party, PRELUDE is designed as the first major gathering of this year’s SOLACE community — a meeting point ahead of the main December expo.
A December Weekend for Independent Creativity

With more than 150 creatives participating, a programme extending from daytime shopping and discovery into music and performance, and a concept built around connecting people with the stories behind independent creation, SOLACE is returning to Athens with an expanded vision for 2026.

The December edition will take place on 19 and 20 December at the Athens Conservatoire, bringing together fashion, art, design, music and contemporary culture in one of Athens’ distinctive cultural spaces.

And for those who want to experience the SOLACE community before then, SOLACE PRELUDE takes place on 7 November at ODDITY.
Wednesday, 30 September 2026 13:15

Buying Property Ιn Greece: Taxes, Fees & Costs

Buying a property in Greece involves more than agreeing on a purchase price. Foreign buyers should understand the taxes, professional fees and registration costs involved before deciding on their total budget.

Property Transfer Tax In Greece

As a general rule, the buyer pays property transfer tax before the purchase contract is signed.

The standard property transfer tax is 3% and is calculated on the higher of the property's objective tax value and the purchase price stated in the contract. A municipal levy of 3% is then applied to the transfer tax itself.

Certain buyers may qualify for a first-home exemption, provided the legal requirements are met.

Where a first-home exemption is granted, the property generally needs to remain under the buyer's ownership for at least five years. Selling or transferring rights over the property earlier can have tax consequences.

The Purchase Price Is Not The Total Cost

In addition to the property transfer tax, a buyer should budget for several other costs:
  • real estate agent fees, based on the agreed percentage;
  • notary fees, which depend on the transaction and value;
  • lawyer fees, where a lawyer is appointed;
  • engineer or technical due-diligence costs, where applicable;
  • Land Registry or Hellenic Cadastre registration fees;
  • other administrative or document-related costs.
  • Real estate agent fees are commercially agreed and should therefore be confirmed before proceeding.
What About the Announced 15% Tax For Non-EU Buyers?

In September 2026, the Greek Prime Minister announced a proposal to increase the property transfer tax from 3% to 15% for buyers from third countries outside the European Union. The final legislation, effective date, scope, exemptions and transitional provisions should be confirmed before this paragraph is published as law.

What Happens After You Buy?

The property must be correctly reflected in your Greek property tax records, known as E9.

In many digital property transfers, the E9 declaration can now be automatically generated through myPROPERTY. Nevertheless, the final E9 should always be checked carefully.

The E9 information is important because it is used for Greek property taxation, including ENFIA, the annual property tax.

Plan The Total Cost Before Signing

A property may appear affordable based on its purchase price alone, but buyers should calculate the complete acquisition cost before making a financial commitment.

For international buyers in particular, tax, legal, banking and property-registration matters should ideally be reviewed together before signing.

If you’re considering buying or owning property in Greece and would like guidance on the tax and administrative side, get in touch with TaxWise Greece. Their team can help you understand the costs involved and navigate the relevant tax and administrative requirements.
Wednesday, 30 September 2026 13:05

Choosing Movement When Others Choose Excuses

I’ve always known I’m different from most of my family.

Not in a dramatic, “black sheep” way; just in the way I’ve moved through life.

As a child, I was that kid: always outside, always active, always laughing. You could never keep me in. I loved the water. I loved getting dirty. I loved climbing, exploring, taking risks, getting out of breath, because it was fun. It felt like freedom.

As I got older, that love for movement never left me… but it deepened. 

It stopped being only about fun, and became something I understood on a much more meaningful level: movement is one of the greatest gifts we can give our bodies and our minds. It’s not about perfection — nobody is perfect — but it is about choosing what supports you. Choosing what helps you feel strong, capable, calm, and alive.

Every day I’m still learning. New ways to be healthier. New ways to care for my nervous system. New ways to build strength and resilience, physically and emotionally.

And alongside that, I’ve always had this pull to help others.

Because we are here to live, not to suffer.

The Conversation That Brought It All Up

Just this week, I had a conversation with my mum that really highlighted the gap.

I suggested that when she and my sister visit, they could join my Pilates class.

And guess what?

The enthusiasm wasn’t there.

From one, it was a straight-up “no.” 

From the other, it was excuses.

And honestly… it’s what I’ve dealt with my entire life from my family: excuses, avoidance, and an unwillingness to choose a healthier lifestyle.

I won’t repeat the exact words that were said, but I will say this: it landed. 

Because it’s not just about Pilates.

It’s about what it represents.

It represents choosing yourself.

It represents doing something that might feel uncomfortable at first, because you know it will make your life better.

And it represents something I’ve watched my whole life: people punishing themselves without realising they’re doing it.

“I don’t understand why you choose to punish yourself” 

That’s what I said to my mum.

And I meant it.

Because yes, it might not feel easy to do Pilates in the beginning.

Yes, it might not feel easy to go for a walk when you’re tired, or when you don’t feel motivated, or when you’ve spent years disconnected from your body. 

But what you get in return is tenfold.

  • You feel better in your body.

  • You sleep better.

  • Your mood lifts.

  • Your energy improves.

  • Your strength grows.

  • Your posture changes.

  • Your confidence returns.

  • Your mind quietens.

  • You feel proud of yourself.

  • You remember what it feels like to be alive.

And then there are the endorphins: that natural, beautiful shift that happens when you move your body and your brain remembers: Oh… this is what I’m made for.

Why It Frustrates Me (& Why It Makes Me Sad)

If I’m honest, it frustrates me.

Because I care.

Because I can see the impact of small choices over time.

Because I know how much better life can feel when you stop waiting for motivation and start choosing yourself anyway.

But underneath the frustration, there’s sadness.

Because when the people you love refuse to try — not because they can’t, but because they won’t — it can feel like watching them slowly shrink their own world.

And I don’t want that for anyone.

Not for my family.

Not for my clients.

Not for you.

If you’re reading this and you relate...

...maybe you’re the “different one” too.

The one who wants more.

The one who’s tired of excuses.

The one who knows deep down that you’re not meant to feel stiff, heavy, exhausted, and disconnected — but you also don’t know where to start.

Let me tell you something gently, but clearly:

You don’t have to overhaul your entire life.

You don’t have to become a different person.
 
You simply have to begin.

Start small.

Start imperfectly.

Start with five minutes.

Start with one class.

Start with one walk.

Start with one decision that says: I matter.

Because you do.

And the version of you on the other side of that decision? She/He’s worth it.


About the Author

Gilly Gwilliams is the founder of Retreats in Greece and Evexia Wellness on the island of Kos. A passionate wellness seeker, she is on a mission to showcase Greece as a leading wellness destination while helping people reconnect with themselves through meaningful retreat experiences. Inspired by her own journey through health challenges, Gilly believes in the power of holistic wellbeing, purposeful living, and creating space for personal transformation. Originally from the UK and now living in Kos with her husband, two dogs, and a lively collection of animals, she combines her love of Greece, nature, and wellness to help others live healthier, happier lives.

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