Yes. American citizens can legally buy property in Greece without major restrictions. The purchase process requires obtaining a Greek tax number (AFM), opening a local bank account, completing legal checks through a lawyer, and signing the final purchase agreement before a notary. Many international buyers invest in Greece for lifestyle, rental income, and Golden Visa residency opportunities.
Greece has become one of the most attractive real estate markets in Europe for international buyers. U.S. investors are particularly drawn to the country because of its Mediterranean lifestyle, strong tourism market, and comparatively lower property prices compared to Western Europe.
Popular locations include the Athens Riviera, historic neighborhoods in central Athens, and high-demand islands such as Paros, Mykonos, and Crete. In recent years, major developments like the Ellinikon project in Athens have further increased global interest in Greek real estate.
For many Americans, buying property in Greece is not only an investment but also a lifestyle decision connected to culture, travel, and long-term European living opportunities.
Foreign buyers, including U.S. citizens, must complete a few administrative steps before purchasing property.
Greek tax number (AFM)
Every buyer must obtain a Greek tax identification number. This can be arranged through a local tax office or by appointing a lawyer with power of attorney.
Greek bank account
A local bank account is typically required to transfer funds and complete the purchase transaction.
Legal due diligence
A Greek lawyer performs a title search at the land registry to confirm ownership and ensure there are no debts or legal issues attached to the property.
Notary contract
The final purchase agreement is signed before a Greek notary, who officially records the transaction.
Land registry registration
The property is registered in the buyer’s name at the Greek land registry or cadastre.
Buyers should also consider the transaction costs associated with purchasing real estate.
Typical costs include:
Property transfer tax approximately 3 percent of the purchase price
Notary fees around 1 to 1.5 percent
Legal fees around 1 percent
Land registry fees approximately 0.5 percent
Agent commission typically 2 to 3 percent
Compared to many other European countries, Greece remains relatively affordable in terms of transaction costs.
Many international investors purchase property in Greece through the Golden Visa program, which grants residency rights in exchange for real estate investment.
The minimum investment varies depending on the location:
250,000 euros in certain regions
400,000 euros in some areas
800,000 euros in high demand zones such as central Athens and parts of the Athens Riviera
The residency permit allows visa free travel within the Schengen zone and can be renewed as long as the investment is maintained.
The entire process usually takes between four and eight weeks once all documents are prepared.
Do Americans need residency to buy property in Greece?
No. U.S. citizens can purchase property without being residents of Greece.
Can Americans get a mortgage in Greece?
It is possible but uncommon. Most international buyers purchase property using cash or financing from their home country.
Do Americans pay property tax in Greece?
Yes. Property owners pay an annual tax known as ENFIA based on property value and location.
Is buying property in Greece a good investment?
Many investors consider Greece attractive due to strong tourism demand, rising property prices, and long term lifestyle value.
Buy Greece® is a US based real estate brand and international entry point for Greek property, operating with local licensed partners in Greece.
If your question is not listed here, please feel free to reach out to our team.
The legal process includes:
1. Obtaining a Greek tax number (AFM)
2. Appointing a local lawyer
3. Conducting a title search for liens or encumbrances
4. Signing a purchase agreement with a notary
5. Registering the deed at the Land Registry Our legal team, based in both the U.S. and Greece, ensures full compliance with Greek property law.
Yes, American citizens can legally purchase real estate in Greece without restrictions. The process is straightforward, and non-EU buyers can own both residential and commercial property. At Buy Greece, we guide our U.S.-based clients through the entire process, including legal due diligence, tax registration, and property contracts.
Yes. Greece has entered a sustained real estate growth cycle supported by tourism recovery, foreign direct investment, infrastructure spending, and limited new housing supply in prime locations.According to data from the Bank of Greece and Eurostat, residential prices have shown consistent year-over-year growth since 2018, with stronger performance in Athens, the Athenian Riviera, and high-demand islands. International demand continues to outpace local supply in premium segments, supporting long-term value.
Buy Greece® works with licensed real estate professionals, developers, and advisors who meet strict standards for compliance, transparency, and client service.
Yes. Immediate family members can typically be included under the main applicant’s residency permit, according to current regulations.
Yes. Many transactions can be completed remotely through legal representation and power of attorney, subject to proper verification.
Yes. Buy Greece® is structured to support international collaboration while maintaining a centralized framework for quality and consistency.
While not legally mandatory in all cases, using an independent real estate lawyer is strongly recommended.Legal counsel protects buyers by conducting due diligence, reviewing contracts, and ensuring compliance with Greek and EU regulations. Buy Greece coordinates with vetted legal professionals throughout the process.
Yes. Buy Greece® collaborates with a curated network of licensed and verified local professionals across Greece.Partners operate independently while adhering to Buy Greece standards for transparency, compliance, and client experience.
Non-resident owners are subject to annual property tax and applicable income tax on rental earnings.Tax rates depend on property value, usage, and income structure. Greece has bilateral tax treaties with many countries to avoid double taxation.
Yes. Greece operates under European Union property law frameworks that protect ownership rights regardless of nationality.Foreign buyers can hold full freehold ownership, and all transactions are registered through the national land registry and notary system, ensuring transparency and legal security.
Buy Greece® is a US-based real estate agency and international gateway to the Greek property market.Unlike traditional agencies focused on local listings, Buy Greece provides a structured framework combining US service standards, verified local expertise, legal coordination, and cross-border transaction management.
Yes. we offer full support for clients seeking Greece’s Golden Visa program. By investing €250,000+ in real estate, non-EU nationals can gain permanent residency in Greece for themselves and their families. We handle the property selection, legal paperwork, and coordination with immigration attorneys.
Athens and the southern suburbs, including Glyfada, Voula, and Vouliagmeni, lead demand due to proximity to the city, the sea, and major infrastructure projects.The Athenian Riviera benefits from limited land availability, redevelopment projects, and high international interest.Select islands such as Crete, Mykonos, and Paros show strong fundamentals driven by tourism, international accessibility, and controlled development zones.
We only work with vetted developers, architects, and legal professionals. Each listing goes through a strict quality check. We assess:
1. Developer reputation & track record
2. Construction quality & permits
3. Location growth potential
4. Long-term investment value You invest with confidence, knowing that each property is handpicked and fully verified.
Buy Greece® is uniquely positioned with teams in both Chicago and Athens. We:
1. Understand the expectations of U.S. buyers
3. Offer English-speaking legal, tax, and investment support
3. Bridge the cultural and operational gap between the two countries No other company offers our dual-market expertise with real-time, 1-on-1 service across time zones.
The most promising areas include:
1. Athens Riviera (Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, Elliniko).
2. Crete (Elounda, Chania)
3. Mykonos and Santorini (luxury market)
4. Peloponnese (Nafplio, Porto Heli)
These areas offer a mix of lifestyle, rental return, and Golden Visa eligibility.
Yes. Property values in Greece are rising, but still significantly lower than in comparable European destinations. With tourism booming, infrastructure improving, and programs like the Golden Visa and digital nomad visas active, 2026 presents a unique window for high-return investments.
No. Many of our clients complete their purchases remotely via power of attorney. We coordinate virtual tours, provide digital documentation, and manage all steps through our trusted legal team — from offer to closing.