How much does it really cost to buy property in Greece in 2026?

Full breakdown of taxes, fees, hidden costs, and annual expenses for foreign buyers

One of the most common questions we get ay BUYGREECE® is: 

How much does it actually cost to buy property in Greece?

Many international buyers look only at the listing price. The reality is that total acquisition cost includes taxes, legal fees, notary expenses, and post purchase obligations.

We created this guide and it explains the full financial picture for Americans, Canadians, Australians, UK buyers, EU citizens, and global investors purchasing real estate in Greece in 2026. Share and save it. You will need it.

Purchase price vs total acquisition cost

If a property is listed at €500,000, that is not the final amount you will spend.

In Greece, total acquisition costs typically range between 7 percent and 10 percent of the purchase price, depending on structure and negotiation.

Understanding the full breakdown prevents costly surprises.

Property transfer tax in Greece

The standard property transfer tax is approximately 3 percent of the contract value.

This tax must be paid before signing the final notarial deed.

In most modern transactions, the 3 percent is calculated on the declared purchase value.

Notary fees

All real estate transfers in Greece must be executed before a notary.

Notary fees typically range from 1 percent to 1.5 percent of the contract value.

This covers contract drafting, official execution, and registration procedures.

Legal fees for foreign buyers

International buyers should retain an independent property lawyer.

Legal fees typically range from 1 percent to 2 percent of the purchase price.

Your lawyer performs title search verification, zoning compliance checks, permit validation, and confirmation that the property has no liens or encumbrances.

Proper legal due diligence significantly reduces investment risk.

Land registry and administrative fees

Land registry fees generally range between 0.5 percent and 1 percent depending on the region.

Additional small administrative expenses may apply for certified documents and translations.

Real estate agent commission

Commission structure varies depending on representation.

In Greece, agent commission typically ranges between 2 percent and 4 percent.

This may be paid by the seller, the buyer, or shared depending on the agreement.

Clarify commission structure before signing any reservation document.

Example total cost calculation

Let us use a €500,000 property as an example.

Purchase price: €500,000

Transfer tax 3 percent: €15,000

Notary 1.2 percent average: €6,000

Legal 1.5 percent average: €7,500

Land registry 0.7 percent average: €3,500

Estimated additional costs: €32,000

Estimated total investment: €532,000

In more complex cases, total additional costs may approach 8 to 10 percent.

Annual property tax in Greece

After purchase, buyers must consider ongoing expenses.

ENFIA is the annual property tax in Greece.

The amount depends on location, square meters, age of the building, and zone classification.

For a €500,000 apartment in the Athens riviera, ENFIA may range between €800 and €2,000 annually depending on specifications.

Rental income tax

If you rent your property, rental income is taxed progressively based on income level.

Short term rentals require proper tax registration and compliance.

Professional structuring may reduce overall tax exposure depending on ownership model.

Renovation and setup costs

Many buyers underestimate post purchase expenses.

These may include furnishing, renovation upgrades, energy certification updates, and property management setup.

For heritage buildings, renovation budgets may range between €800 and €1,500 per square meter depending on complexity.

Golden visa related expenses

If purchasing for Golden visa eligibility, consider residency application fees, legal structuring costs, and administrative processing fees.

These represent a relatively small percentage of the qualifying investment threshold.

Hidden costs foreign buyers should watch

Common mistakes include underestimating renovation timelines, ignoring permit verification, misunderstanding shared building expenses, and overestimating rental yield without management deductions.

Professional due diligence prevents unexpected financial exposure.

How much cash do you actually need?

If purchasing a €500,000 property without financing, buyers should budget approximately €535,000 to €550,000 to comfortably cover acquisition related costs.

If renovation is planned, include an additional contingency of at least 10 percent of the renovation budget.

Is Greece expensive compared to Portugal or Spain?

Compared to many western European coastal markets, Greece offers competitive transfer tax rates, moderate annual holding costs, and relatively accessible entry pricing in many regions.

This cost structure contributes to increasing international demand.

Final answer: what is the real cost to buy property in Greece?

Expect purchase price plus approximately 7 to 10 percent acquisition costs, plus annual ENFIA property tax, plus optional renovation and management expenses.

Transparent budgeting is the foundation of a successful real estate investment in Greece.

BUY GREECE LLC provides international buyers with detailed pre acquisition cost modeling, yield projections, legal coordination, and post purchase structuring so investors understand the full financial picture before committing. As a real estate company we understand the markets in USA and Greece navigating the proccess accordingly.

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