Step by step process, total costs, and realistic timeline.

Buying property in Greece as a foreigner is legally accessible, but operationally complex if you are not familiar with local procedures, documentation standards, and market realities.

At Buy Greece, we work directly with vetted developers, lawyers, and notaries across Greece to guide international buyers through the entire acquisition process, from property selection to final ownership transfer.

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This guide explains exactly how buying property in Greece works, what it really costs, how long it takes, and where foreign buyers most often make mistakes.

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Can foreigners buy property in Greece?

Yes. Foreign nationals can legally buy property in Greece with the same ownership rights as Greek citizens.

The only restrictions apply to specific border or military sensitive areas, and even in those cases, permits are usually granted when the buyer works through a structured legal process.

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Step by step process to buy property in Greece.

Step 1. Property selection and reservation

Once a property is selected, a reservation agreement is typically signed.

This removes the property from the market while legal checks are performed.

A reservation deposit is usually required and is later credited toward the purchase price.

At Buy Greece, we present only properties that have already passed an initial legal and technical screening, reducing the risk of wasted time.

Step 2. Legal due diligence and title checks

This is the most critical stage of the process.

A licensed Greek lawyer verifies:

• Clear ownership title

• Absence of debts, liens, or claims

• Zoning compliance

• Building permits and legality

• Land registry records

This step protects the buyer from hidden legal issues that are difficult or impossible to resolve after purchase.

Step 3. Contract signing and payment structure

Once due diligence is completed, the main purchase contract is signed before a Greek notary.

Payment structure depends on whether the property is:

• Resale

• New construction

• Under development

Payments are always made through traceable banking channels and documented in the contract.

Step 4. Tax registration and compliance

Before signing, the buyer must obtain:

• A Greek tax number

• A local bank account (in most cases)

These are procedural steps handled with legal assistance and do not require residency.

Step 5. Final transfer and ownership registration

The notary finalizes the transfer and registers the ownership at the local land registry.

Once registration is completed, the buyer is officially recognized as the legal owner.

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How long does it take to buy property in Greece

A typical purchase timeline is:

• Resale property: 45 to 60 days

• New construction: 60 to 90 days

• Off plan developments: based on delivery milestones

Delays usually occur when properties have unresolved legal or permitting issues, which is why early verification matters.

Total costs when buying property in Greece

Beyond the property price, buyers should budget for the following costs.

Transfer tax or VAT

• Resale properties: approximately 3 percent transfer tax

• New properties: VAT may apply depending on status

Legal fees

Typically 1 to 1.5 percent of the purchase price.

Notary fees

Approximately 1 to 1.2 percent, depending on property value and complexity.

Land registry fees

Usually under 1 percent.

Annual ownership costs

• Property tax

• Utility fees

• Maintenance and communal expenses

A realistic total cost buffer is 7 to 10 percent above the purchase price.

Common risks foreign buyers face

Foreign buyers most often encounter problems when:

• Buying directly from unverified sellers

• Relying on informal agreements

• Skipping legal due diligence

• Trusting unrealistic pricing or timelines

These risks are avoidable with a structured process and verified information.

How Buy Greece reduces buyer risk

Buy Greece operates as a bridge between international buyers and the Greek real estate market.

We reduce risk by:

• Working directly with vetted developers

• Pre screening properties before presentation

• Coordinating legal, tax, and notary steps

• Aligning buyer expectations with market reality

Our role is not to sell everything, but to present what is legally sound, fairly priced, and suitable for long term ownership.

Who this guide is for

This guide is designed for:

• International buyers

• Greek diaspora investors

• Lifestyle purchasers

• Long term real estate investors

If you are considering buying property in Greece and want clarity before committing, this process applies to you.

Next steps

If you would like:

• A curated list of properties

• Guidance on the best regions for your goals

• A clear breakdown based on your budget

You can contact Buy Greece to begin a structured, transparent purchase process.

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Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, financial, or investment advice.While Buy Greece makes every effort to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the information presented, real estate laws, tax regulations, and procedures in Greece may change over time and can vary based on property type, location, and individual circumstances.Buyers are strongly advised to seek independent professional advice from licensed lawyers, tax advisors, and financial professionals before making any property purchase decisions.Buy Greece acts as a real estate advisory and facilitation platform, working with vetted third party professionals, but does not replace the role of licensed legal or tax advisors.