We can assist you with:
Our role is to protect your legal interests independently and to identify problems before they affect the transaction.
A property should not be assessed only by its physical appearance, location or commercial value. Before proceeding with a purchase, the buyer should verify that the seller is legally entitled to transfer the property and that the property is not affected by legal defects or third-party rights.
Legal due diligence may include an examination of:
The legal review is separate from the technical inspection carried out by a qualified civil engineer. The engineer examines matters such as planning legality, building permits, unauthorised constructions, floor plans and the physical condition or technical characteristics of the property.
Both reviews are important. A legally valid title does not necessarily mean that the building is technically compliant, and technical compliance does not by itself establish clear ownership.
Before signing a reservation agreement, preliminary contract or other binding document, we review the available information and explain the legal steps, documents and professionals required for the transaction.
Buyers should seek legal advice before paying a substantial deposit, especially if the document provides that the payment is non-refundable.
A buyer must have a Greek Tax Identification Number, commonly referred to as an AFM, before completing the purchase. A person residing abroad may also need access to the Greek tax system and, depending on the circumstances, a tax representative in Greece.
We can coordinate this process with an accountant or other competent tax professional and advise on the documents and authorisations required.
If you cannot travel to Greece or do not wish to attend every stage personally, you may appoint a lawyer or another authorised person through a special power of attorney.
The content and form of the power of attorney must be tailored to the particular transaction. Depending on where it is signed, notarisation, an Apostille or consular certification and an official Greek translation may be required.
A general or inadequately drafted authorisation may not be sufficient for the intended transaction. The document should therefore be prepared or reviewed before it is signed abroad.
We conduct the appropriate title and cadastral investigation to verify ownership and identify registered encumbrances, claims or other legal issues.
The scope of the investigation depends on the property, its location, the applicable registration system and the documents available. If irregularities are found, we assess whether they can be resolved before completion.
A qualified civil engineer examines the planning and technical status of the property. The seller and the professionals involved must also collect the certificates and documents required for the notarial deed.
We coordinate with the notary, engineer, accountant and other professionals so that legal, technical and tax matters are addressed in the correct order.
The notary prepares the final deed. Before signing, we review the draft contract, confirm that it accurately reflects the agreed terms and examine any provisions that could affect the buyer’s rights.
The applicable property transfer tax must ordinarily be declared and paid before the deed is executed. The precise tax treatment and availability of any exemption should be confirmed for the particular transaction.
The final transfer is completed through a notarial deed. The buyer may attend personally or, where legally possible, be represented by an authorised attorney-in-fact under a valid power of attorney.
Signing the deed is not the final administrative step. The deed must be registered with the Hellenic Cadastre or the competent Land Registry.
After registration, the buyer should also ensure that the acquisition is properly reflected in the Greek tax records and that future obligations concerning the property are addressed.
In many cases, a foreign buyer or Greek citizen living abroad can complete a substantial part—and sometimes all—of the process without repeated travel to Greece.
Remote handling may include:
Whether the entire process can be completed remotely depends on the purchaser’s circumstances, the available identification and tax credentials, the location of the property and the form of the power of attorney.
Additional checks may be necessary when the seller acquired the property through inheritance. The inheritance must have been legally established and the seller’s ownership properly registered before a valid transfer can be completed.
Depending on the circumstances, the file may involve:
These matters should be reviewed at an early stage because missing inheritance documents can delay or prevent the sale.
Purchasing property in Greece may create continuing legal and tax obligations. These may include:
Tax advice should be obtained from a qualified accountant, particularly where the buyer remains tax resident in another country.
Yes. A Greek Tax Identification Number is required before the purchase can be completed. Additional tax registration steps may apply to persons residing outside Greece.
Not every transaction is identical. The payment method, source-of-funds documentation and banking arrangements should be discussed with the notary, bank and accountant before completion. Funds must be transferred and documented in a legally acceptable manner.
Legal representation is not formally compulsory in every ordinary purchase. However, the notary acts as an impartial public official and does not replace the buyer’s independent legal adviser. A buyer’s lawyer conducts due diligence and protects the buyer’s individual interests.
Yes, but the document must be prepared in a form that can be validly used in Greece. Depending on the method and place of execution, notarisation, an Apostille or execution before a Greek consular authority and an official translation may be required. The wording should be approved before signature.
Planning and technical compliance is primarily examined by a qualified civil engineer. The lawyer and engineer perform different but complementary reviews.
The discrepancy must be assessed before completion. Depending on its nature, it may require an administrative application, a notarial correction, consent from another party or court proceedings.
Most foreign nationals can purchase property in Greece. However, special restrictions or authorisation requirements may apply in certain designated border areas and depending on the buyer’s nationality. This should be checked before making a binding commitment.
No. Ownership of property does not automatically grant a right of residence. A purchaser interested in residence through investment must obtain separate and current advice about the applicable immigration requirements.
There is no single timeframe. It depends on the legal and technical status of the property, the completeness of the seller’s documents, cadastral accuracy, tax arrangements and the availability of the professionals involved. A legally uncomplicated and well-prepared transaction can proceed much faster than one involving title, inheritance or planning irregularities.
Our office assists clients living in the United States and worldwide with property matters in Greece. We provide clear communication in English and Greek, coordinate with the professionals involved and keep clients informed throughout the transaction.
Early legal review can prevent delays, unexpected costs and disputes. Ideally, you should contact a lawyer before signing a reservation document, paying a substantial deposit or granting authority under a power of attorney.
If you are considering buying or selling property in Greece, contact us and send a short description of the property and the stage of the transaction.
