Buying Property in Greece

Budget planning for buying property in Greece, including fees and ongoing ownership costs

Foreign Buyers • 2026 Guide • Greece Real Estate

Buying Property in Greece: Step-by-Step Process for Foreign Buyers

Buying property in Greece can be straightforward when you follow a structured process and work with the right local professionals. This guide outlines the typical steps foreign buyers take—from planning and due diligence to signing the notarial deed and registering ownership—so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.

Note: This is an informational overview. Requirements and timelines can vary depending on the property, location, and buyer profile. Domitech Real Estate can help you build a clear plan and coordinate next steps with trusted local partners.

Foreign buyers reviewing the home-buying process with a real estate professional
Planning the purchase process with the right local guidance.

Step-by-step process (overview)

  1. Define your goal and budget
    Decide whether the purchase is for personal use, relocation, long-term rental, short-term rental, or a mixed strategy. Set a realistic budget that includes not only the purchase price but also professional fees and ongoing ownership costs.
  2. Choose the right area (micro-market)
    Greece offers distinct micro-markets: Athens (North Suburbs, Athens Riviera, City Center), mainland cities, and islands. Your lifestyle goals, seasonality tolerance, and rental strategy should guide the location choice.
  3. Get your paperwork ready (including tax setup)
    Foreign buyers typically need a Greek tax number (AFM) and a basic compliance setup before completing a transaction. Your legal/tax partners can guide you through the required documentation.
  4. Engage a lawyer and notary for due diligence
    Due diligence is essential. Your lawyer and notary will help verify the property’s legal status, ownership, and any encumbrances, and confirm what will be transferred at completion.
Documentation and signing stage in a property purchase process
Documentation and due diligence are key steps before completion.
  1. Make an offer and agree key terms
    Once you select a property, you’ll typically agree on price, timeline, inclusions, and any conditions. In some cases, a preliminary agreement or deposit may be used to reserve the property while checks are completed.
  2. Sign the notarial deed (purchase contract)
    In Greece, the purchase is typically completed through a notarial deed. This is the key legal document that records the transfer of ownership.
  3. Register the purchase (Land Registry / Greek Cadastre)
    After signing, the transfer must be registered with the competent authority (Land Registry or the Hellenic Cadastre, depending on the area). Registration is what finalizes and publicizes ownership rights.
  4. Post-purchase setup
    Plan practical next steps: utilities, insurance, property management (if renting), and ongoing tax obligations such as ENFIA. If your goal includes rentals, align early on compliance and operational setup.

Common costs to plan for (beyond the price)

Foreign buyers often focus on the purchase price, but the best decisions include a clear view of total ownership. Typical cost categories include:

Budget planning for buying property including fees and ongoing costs
Plan beyond the price: fees, registration, and ongoing ownership costs.
  • Professional fees: legal support, notary services, and other transaction-related costs
  • Registration costs: costs associated with registering the transfer
  • Ongoing ownership costs: utilities, maintenance, and annual property tax (ENFIA)
  • Rental-related obligations: if you rent out the property, plan for tax and compliance requirements
Property search and area selection planning for buyers in Greece
Area selection and a structured shortlist make the process easier.

How Domitech Real Estate supports foreign buyers

International buyers often need more than listings—they need a structured process and local guidance. Domitech Real Estate supports you with:

  • Area selection based on lifestyle and investment goals
  • Shortlisting properties that match your criteria
  • Guidance through the buying process with trusted local partners
  • Practical planning around ownership costs and rental strategy
  • Support for buyers exploring Golden Visa pathways (where applicable)

FAQ

Can foreigners buy property in Greece?

Yes. Foreign buyers can purchase property in Greece. The process typically includes documentation, due diligence, signing a notarial deed, and registering the transfer with the competent authority.

Why is due diligence important in Greece?

Due diligence helps confirm the property’s legal status, ownership, and what rights are being transferred. It reduces risk and helps ensure the transaction proceeds smoothly.

What finalizes ownership after signing?

After the notarial deed is signed, the purchase must be registered with the Land Registry or the Hellenic Cadastre (depending on the area). Registration is a key step in finalizing and publicizing ownership rights.

How long does the process take?

Timelines vary depending on the property, the completeness of documentation, and the complexity of due diligence. A structured approach and responsive coordination with local partners can significantly reduce delays.

How can Domitech help me as an international buyer?

Domitech Real Estate helps you choose the right area, shortlist properties, and follow a structured buying process with trusted local partners—aligned with your lifestyle and investment goals.

Contact Domitech Real Estate

If you’re considering buying property in Greece and want a shortlist aligned with your goals, we’re happy to help you plan the next steps.

  • Address: 253 Kifisias Ave. Kifisia, Attica 14561, Greece
  • Phone: 210 8017156
  • Mobile: +30 698 5803774
  • Email: [email protected]
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DOMITECH Real Estate