Main steps to purchase real estate in Greece:
- We advise you as a first step to contact a lawyer in the prefecture where you have decided to purchase the property. The lawyer will assist you through the whole purchase process. If you can’t stay in Greece during the buying process, giving a Power of Attorney to your lawyer enables him/her to complete the sale on your behalf.
- Your next step is to obtain a Greek tax identification number. The Greek tax authorities require that all foreigners have a Greek citizen as their representative. We would recommend you to appoint your lawyer as your representative.
- The third step would be to open a bank account in Greece in your name. The bank will ask for some documents like passport, tax number, etc. We can inform you about the details.
- Before signing the purchase contract, your lawyer will conduct a property title check, carry out all necessary legal surveys, and ensure that the property is free of legal encumbrances.
- The property transfer tax must be paid prior to signing the final purchase contract. Both the seller and the buyer must be present (or represented by their Power of Attorney) during the signature of the final purchase contract before a Notary Public. Your lawyer provided with a power of attorney will register the property deed with the competent Land Registry Office (ownership of the property is transferred when the respective notary deed is registered by the buyer).
- Notary fees and Land Registration fees computed as a percentage of the sale price are borne by the buyer.