Law of Greece

Module 5

Buying and owning property in Greece: who may buy, due diligence, the notary and the registry, forms of ownership, planning and building legality, protected areas, and the costs and taxes of ownership

A property purchase in Greece is a legal process, not just a transaction. The buyer needs a Greek tax number (AFM), an independent lawyer, a notary and usually an engineer. Ownership passes by a notarial deed and registration at the land registry or cadastre, not by a preliminary agreement. EU and EEA citizens may buy freely, while non-EU buyers need permission in designated border and sensitive areas. A title search is not enough: planning irregularities, unauthorised constructions, forest and archaeological restrictions and coastal rules can affect value and lawful use. Owning property brings annual taxes and charges, and buying property is not the same as obtaining residence or tax residence. Rules and rates change often, so check the current text and take local advice.

General education on the law of Greece, using invented people and businesses. It states laws and procedures in simplified form and is not legal advice. The law and its practice change, and every case turns on its facts and the authority concerned. It does not offer legal representation or a legal opinion on any case. Consult a Greek lawyer for any real matter.

This course was written on 6 November 2026. To the best of our knowledge, it describes the law of Greece as it stood on that date. Laws change, and we may have missed or misunderstood something. If you notice a change, or have other information, please do not hesitate to contact us: we will review it and update the course. We do not claim to be the final source of the law.