Buying Property in Greece: The Full Process, Step by Step
What actually happens between choosing an apartment and receiving the key, including documents, professionals involved and realistic timelines.
The Professionals Involved
A property purchase in Greece runs through a fixed set of professionals. A lawyer represents the buyer, checks the title and reviews contracts. A notary, required by law, drafts and certifies the final deed. A civil engineer verifies that the property matches its building permits. Where financing or tax structuring is involved, an accountant joins the process.
Step by Step
- Obtain a Greek tax number (AFM). Required for any transaction, issued within days.
- Open the legal file: your lawyer runs a title check at the land registry and reviews permits.
- Sign a preliminary agreement and pay a deposit, typically 10 percent, which takes the property off the market.
- The notary prepares the final deed while transfer tax is calculated and paid.
- Sign the final deed at the notary. The balance is paid and the deed is registered at the land registry.
- Utilities and property management are transferred to the new owner.
Realistic Timelines
A clean transaction on a renovated apartment typically completes within four to eight weeks from deposit to deed. Complications such as inheritance chains or permit discrepancies extend the timeline, which is why the legal check happens before any money moves.
Buyers who cannot travel can complete the entire process through a power of attorney signed at a Greek consulate or apostilled locally.
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or investment advice. Figures are indicative and change with regulation. For a answer specific to your situation, contact us.