Greece has never been more accessible to international buyers — and never more sought-after. Whether you are a European citizen looking for a second home on the Ionian coast, a non-EU national exploring Greece’s Golden Visa programme, or simply someone who has fallen in love with a particular island or region, the process of buying luxury property in Greece is more straightforward than many assume.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know — step by step, without jargon.

Step 1: Understand What You Can Buy

There are no restrictions on foreign nationals purchasing property in Greece. EU citizens and non-EU citizens alike may own real estate here, subject to standard legal procedures.

The only notable restriction applies to certain border regions designated as “frontier zones,” where non-EU buyers may face additional requirements. For the locations we specialise in — Lefkada, Porto Heli, Athens and Zagori — this is not a relevant consideration.

Step 2: Obtain a Greek Tax Number (AFM)

Before any property transaction in Greece can proceed, all buyers — Greek or foreign — must obtain a Greek tax identification number, known as an AFM (Arithmos Forologikou Mitroou). This is a straightforward administrative step handled by your legal advisor, and it can be done either in person or via a power of attorney.

Non-EU buyers will also typically need to open a Greek bank account, through which the property transaction must be processed.

Step 3: Engage a Qualified Legal Advisor

This step is non-negotiable. Greek property law is sophisticated, and a thorough legal due diligence process is essential before any purchase proceeds.

Your legal advisor will conduct title searches at the local Land Registry to verify ownership history and identify any encumbrances, mortgages or legal disputes. They will check building permits and confirm that the property’s physical reality matches its legal description. And they will guide you through the contractual process from preliminary agreement to final notarial deed.

At Angel Properties, we work in close collaboration with an independent legal advisor specialising in Greek real estate transactions. Full legal support is available to our clients upon request.

Step 4: Conduct Technical Due Diligence

For luxury properties — particularly villas and plots — a structural and technical assessment by a qualified engineer is strongly recommended. This will identify any building irregularities, confirm the property’s energy classification, and verify that all construction complies with Greek building regulations.

Greece has a long history of informal extensions and modifications to residential properties, and identifying these before purchase — not after — is essential.

Step 5: Sign the Preliminary Agreement

Once due diligence is complete and both parties have agreed on price and terms, a preliminary sale agreement (prosimfono) is signed before a notary. At this stage, the buyer typically pays a deposit of 10% of the agreed purchase price. This agreement is legally binding and sets out the timeline for the final transaction.

Step 6: Complete the Final Notarial Contract

The final contract (symvolaio) is signed before a notary public, in the presence of both buyer and seller (or their legal representatives). At this point, the remaining purchase price is paid, and ownership formally transfers to the buyer.

Step 7: Register at the Land Registry

Following the signing, the property must be registered with the Greek Land Registry (Ktimatologio). This is the final step that formally establishes the buyer’s legal ownership.

Understanding the Full Cost of Purchase

One of the most important things for buyers to understand is that the purchase price is not the total cost. The following additional expenses should be budgeted:

• Property Transfer Tax: 3% of the declared purchase value (applies to existing properties)

• Notary Fees: approximately 1–1.5%

• Legal Fees: approximately 1–1.5%

• Real Estate Agency Commission: 2–3%

• Land Registry and administrative fees: approximately 0.5%

In total, buyers should budget for an additional 7–9% above the property price to cover all transaction costs.

A Note on Currency and Payments

All property transactions in Greece are conducted in euros and must pass through a Greek bank account. For non-EU buyers transferring significant capital from abroad, it is worth working with a specialist currency and banking advisor to manage transfer costs and timing efficiently.

Annual Ownership Costs

Greek property owners pay an annual property tax (ENFIA) calculated on the assessed value of the property. For luxury properties, this typically represents a modest ongoing cost relative to the property’s market value. Legal and accounting advice on managing your Greek property tax position is available through our professional network.

The Timeline

From the decision to purchase to the signing of the final contract, the typical timeline for a straightforward luxury property transaction in Greece is two to four months. More complex transactions — involving title issues, planning clarifications or international financing — may take longer.

We believe in being honest with our clients about timing. A transaction done correctly takes the time it takes. The alternative — rushing a purchase that has not been properly verified — creates risks that no luxury buyer should accept.

Buying luxury property in Greece is one of the most rewarding decisions our clients have made. When done with the right guidance, the process is clear, secure and ultimately straightforward.

We are here to make sure it goes exactly that way.

Buying luxury property in Greece is one of the most rewarding decisions our clients have made. When done with the right guidance, the process is clear, secure and ultimately straightforward.

We are here to make sure it goes exactly that way.