Real Estate
Our firm is a dedicated partner for anyone buying or selling property in Greece. We help the Greek Diaspora and international clients navigate complex property laws and government bureaucracy.
Real Estate Transactions Guidance
At LawinGreece, we provide end-to-end legal support for real estate transactions—whether you are buying, selling, leasing, or building a new property. Our role is simple: to guide you through every step and ensure your investment is secure, compliant, and successfully completed.
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The First Steps
Power of Attorney setup for clients abroad, enabling us to act on your behalf throughout the process. We also obtain your Greek Tax Number (A.F.M.), which is mandatory for any property transaction in Greece.
- 2
Price Alignment & Preliminary Agreement
We ensure the price is fair based on current market trends and comparable transactions. A reservation or preliminary agreement is drafted to protect both parties and secure the terms before proceeding.
- 3
Clear Title Guarantee & Due Diligence
This is the most critical step: ensuring the property has clean, undisputed ownership. Many Greek properties have title issues stemming from old inheritances, multiple owners, or incomplete transfers. We conduct thorough research to uncover any risks.
- 4
Legal Compliance & Technical Legality
We verify that the property complies with building regulations and zoning laws. This includes checking for any illegal constructions, unpermitted modifications, or technical legality issues that could affect the transaction.
- 5
Final Step – Signing the Notarial Deed
Before signing, we perform a final check for any new loans, claims, or encumbrances. The notarial deed is then signed, and the property is registered with the Land Registry to complete the transfer of ownership.
Why Choose Us?
Real estate transactions in Greece require navigating complex legal requirements, technical compliance checks, and administrative processes across multiple government bodies. We bring together the expertise and on-the-ground presence needed to protect your investment.
Unified Legal and Technical Team
Our team includes lawyers, civil engineers, and accountants working together under one roof. You won't need to coordinate between multiple offices—we handle every aspect of your transaction internally.
Manage Your Property from Anywhere
Through a Power of Attorney, we handle your entire transaction remotely. From obtaining your tax number to signing the deed, you can buy or sell property in Greece without traveling.
Document Compliance
We ensure every document meets Greek legal requirements: apostille certification, official Greek translations, resolution of name discrepancies, and proper formatting for all submissions to notaries and registries.
Protection Against Hidden Risks
We go beyond standard checks to uncover unclear titles, old debts, liens, illegal building modifications, and zoning violations. Our thorough due diligence protects your investment from hidden problems.
Finding the Records Others Can't
When digital records aren't enough, our team conducts physical searches in municipal archives, land registries, and cadastral offices across Greece to verify ownership history and uncover any issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about buying and selling property in Greece. If your specific situation isn't covered here, please don't hesitate to contact us for personalized guidance.
Do I need to travel to Greece to buy or sell property?
No. Through a specialized Power of Attorney, we can handle the entire transaction on your behalf—from document preparation to signing the notarial deed. You can manage your property purchase or sale from anywhere in the world.
What is a Greek Tax Number (A.F.M.) and how do I get one?
The A.F.M. (Arithmos Forologikou Mitroou) is Greece's tax identification number, required for any financial or property transaction. We can obtain your A.F.M. on your behalf using your Power of Attorney, without you needing to visit Greece.
How long does a property transaction take in Greece?
A straightforward transaction typically takes 4-8 weeks from initial agreement to deed signing. However, properties with complex title histories, multiple owners, or technical legality issues may require additional time for due diligence and resolution.
What are common title issues with Greek properties?
Common issues include: incomplete inheritance transfers spanning multiple generations, properties with multiple co-owners who haven't formalized their shares, boundary disputes, unregistered donations or gifts, and discrepancies between the Land Registry and Cadastre records.
Can foreigners buy property in Greece?
Yes. EU citizens can purchase property without restrictions. Non-EU citizens can also buy property in most areas of Greece, though properties in designated border regions require special permission from the Ministry of Defense.
What costs should I expect beyond the purchase price?
Additional costs typically include: property transfer tax (3.09% of the declared value), notary fees (0.8-1.5%), land registry fees (0.5%), legal fees, and potentially VAT (24%) for new-build properties. We provide a complete cost breakdown before you proceed.