Costs to Consider Before Purchasing Real Estate in Greece (2025)

In recent years, purchasing real estate in Greece has become one of the most attractive options for international investors. Competitive property prices, strong rental opportunities, and favorable tax conditions have all positioned Greece as a highly appealing and profitable investment destination.

At Beta Real Estate, after years of accompanying investors through the processes of purchasing, registering, and managing properties in Greece, we know from experience how easy it is to get excited about the potential — and how critical it is to fully understand all the additional costs involved in a transaction.

Before signing a purchase agreement, it’s important to remember: the property price is only part of the picture. There are several additional expenses you must be prepared for.

In the following guide, we break down all the costs you should consider before buying real estate in Greece, so you can plan your investment accurately and avoid surprises down the road.

Key Points

• Property Transfer Tax – Approximately 3.09% based on the government-assessed value (not always the actual purchase price). Must be paid before signing.

• Local Lawyer – Legally required. Handles title checks, contracts, payments, and registration. Cost: 1%–2% + VAT.

• Greek Notary – Drafts and validates the purchase deed. Cost: 1%–2.5% + VAT.

• Brokerage Fee – Typically 2%–3% + VAT. Important to verify licensing, representation, and scope of service.

• Land Registry (Title Registration) – Required for legal ownership transfer. Average cost: ~0.6%. Timeline varies by region.

• Notarized Translations – Required for non-Greek documents. Cost: €50–€300 per document.

• Ongoing Costs – Property tax (ENFIA), utilities, building fees, maintenance, and property management — typically several hundred euros per year.

• Rental Income Tax – Progressive rates of 15%, 35%, and 45%, depending on annual income.

1. Property Transfer Tax in Greece

Purchasing real estate in Greece requires payment of a property transfer tax of approximately 3.09% of the property’s value, as assessed by the authorities.

Important:
This tax is calculated based on the official government-assessed value, not necessarily the actual market price. The assessed value appears in parentheses beneath the purchase price in the notarial deed.

Are There Exemptions or Discounts?

• First-home exemptions may apply to Greek residents (generally not relevant for foreign investors).

• New-build properties sold for the first time may be subject to VAT (24%) instead of transfer tax, depending on circumstances.

When Is the Tax Paid?

The transfer tax must be paid before signing the notarial purchase agreement. Without proof of payment, the transaction cannot proceed.

Payment Process:

• The lawyer completes the title check and verifies there are no debts.

• A tax file is opened with the Greek tax authority.

• The notary submits tax declarations via the AADE MyProperty system.

• A payment voucher is issued.

• The tax is paid online or through a bank (GSIS / MyAADE).

• Proof of payment is attached to the purchase agreement.

2. Legal Representation – Local Lawyer

In Greece, real estate purchases must be conducted with a lawyer.
Cost: typically 1%–2% of the property value + VAT.

Why Is a Lawyer Mandatory?

Greek law requires legal representation for property transactions above a certain value. In practice, completing a transaction without a lawyer — especially as a foreign buyer — is nearly impossible.

What Does the Lawyer Handle?

• Title (Land Registry) Check: ownership, liens, mortgages, legal disputes, zoning issues

• Contract Review & Negotiation: buyer protections, timelines, conditions

• Coordination with the Notary: review before signing

• Translation Oversight: legally required if a party does not speak Greek

• Debt Verification: utilities, property tax, municipal obligations

• Title Registration: submitting documents and transferring ownership

• Tax & Administrative Filings

• Power of Attorney: enabling remote purchases if the buyer is not present in Greece

Important Note:
We strongly recommend working with a lawyer experienced in assisting international investors.

3. Notary Fees in Greece

Cost Range:

• 1%–2.5% of the transaction value + VAT

• Minimum fees may apply for smaller transactions (€1,000–€1,500)

• Additional costs may apply for copies, translations, or complex cases

Role of the Notary:

Unlike some countries, the notary in Greece plays an active and essential role:

• Drafts the official Notarial Deed

• Verifies legality and tax compliance

• Authenticates signatures

• In some cases, submits documents for land registry registration

4. Brokerage Fees

Typical Fee:

• 2%–3% of the purchase price + VAT

Services Usually Include:

• Property sourcing

• Viewings and negotiations

• Initial documentation

• Coordination with legal and professional parties

• Local language support

What to Watch Out For:

• Confirm the agent is licensed

• Clarify fees and services in advance

• Avoid exclusivity agreements without full understanding

• Ensure no conflict of interest (agent representing both sides)

Reminder:
A good broker can save money by securing better pricing and avoiding costly mistakes.

5. Land Registry (Title Registration)

Registering the property in the Greek Land Registry (Ktimatologio) is the final and legally binding step.

Cost:

• Typically ~0.6% of the property value

• Registration fees: €20–€80

• Example: €100,000 property ≈ €600 total

Timeline:

• Ranges from days to several months

• In some areas, registration may take longer due to regional processes

Critical:
Until registration is complete, legal ownership is not fully transferred.

6. Notarized Translations & Document Authentication

All legal documents in Greece must be in Greek.

What Requires Translation:

• Passport / ID

• Power of attorney

• Purchase agreement

• Financial confirmations

• Company documents (if applicable)

Cost:

• €50–€300 per document

• Discounts may apply for document bundles

• Typical turnaround: 1–3 business days

7. Ongoing Property Ownership Costs

Annual Property Tax (ENFIA)

• Typically €100–€600 per year for standard properties

• Based on size, location, age, and assessed value

Utilities

• Electricity: relatively expensive

• Water & gas: generally affordable

• Average: €100–€200 per month, depending on usage

Building / HOA Fees

• Usually €20–€60 per month

Maintenance

• Repairs, painting, systems, cleaning

• Average: €200–€1,000 per year

Property Management (Optional)

• 8%–15% of monthly rent

• Sometimes includes fixed monthly fees

Tip:
Opening a local Greek bank account simplifies recurring payments.

8. Tax on Rental Income in Greece

Rental income is taxed progressively:

• Up to €12,000 – 15%

• €12,001–€35,000 – 35%

• Above €35,000 – 45%

Working with a local accountant is highly recommended to ensure proper reporting and optimization.

Final Thought

Understanding the full cost structure before purchasing real estate in Greece is essential for building a successful, stress-free investment. Proper planning, professional guidance, and realistic budgeting are the keys to maximizing returns and avoiding unpleasant surprises.

In Conclusion – Planning Your Investment the Right Way

The true cost of a property in Greece goes far beyond the price shown in the listing. At Beta Real Estate, we often meet investors who discover hidden or overlooked expenses only after completing the purchase — and that’s a mistake that can easily be avoided.

To turn a real estate investment into a profitable and secure opportunity, it’s essential to understand the full cost structure, prepare in advance, and move forward with the support of experienced professionals who know the local market inside and out.

At Beta Real Estate, we specialize in providing personalized and professional support for investors in Greece — from assisting in property selection and connecting with trusted local professionals, to conducting full legal and Land Registry (title) checks, and offering complete guidance all the way through final property registration.

Looking to Purchase Real Estate in Greece with Full Professional Support?

At Beta Real Estate, we specialize in providing personalized, end-to-end guidance for investors in Greece — from property selection and connections with trusted local professionals, to legal and title (Land Registry) checks, and full support through final registration of the property.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it a good time to invest in real estate in Greece in 2025?

Yes. The Greek real estate market continues to show steady growth, relatively affordable prices compared to other European markets, and rising demand for rental properties — especially in tourist destinations.
In addition, Greece offers attractive tax conditions for foreign investors.

Can foreign citizens purchase property in Greece?

Absolutely. There are no restrictions on property ownership in Greece for foreign citizens.
The process requires basic identification, obtaining a Greek tax number (AFM), and opening a local bank account.

Is it possible to buy property in Greece remotely?

Yes. Through a notarized Power of Attorney, a local lawyer can represent you and handle the entire purchase process on your behalf — without the need for physical presence in Greece.

What is the property purchase tax in Greece?

Approximately 3% of the property’s official assessed value, as determined by the authorities.
For example, for a property valued at €100,000, the purchase tax would be around €3,000.

How much does a lawyer cost in Greece?

Legal fees typically range between 0.8% and 2% of the transaction value, depending on the complexity of the deal and the scope of services required.

Who pays the real estate brokerage fee in Greece?

In most cases, both the buyer and the seller pay a brokerage fee.
The standard range is 2%–3% of the property value.

What ongoing expenses should be expected after purchasing a property?

Ongoing costs may include:

• ENFIA (annual property tax)

• Electricity, water, and gas

• Building management / HOA fees

• General maintenance

• Property management services (if applicable)

Do I need to travel to Greece to purchase a property?

No. The entire process can be completed remotely through a local lawyer using a Power of Attorney.

Why purchase property in Greece through Beta Real Estate?

We provide full-service support from A to Z — from identifying the right property, through legal due diligence and Land Registry registration, to ongoing property management.
With extensive experience, strong local partnerships, and a dedicated professional team, we ensure a secure, transparent, and smooth purchase process.

Does Beta Real Estate provide legal support?

Yes. We work closely with licensed and experienced lawyers in Greece, fluent in English and fully familiar with the needs of international investors.

Do you also assist with renting the property after purchase?

Absolutely. We offer solutions for short-term and long-term rentals, property management, rent collection, and tax reporting support.

How do I get started with Beta Real Estate?

Simply contact us through our website or by phone — and we’ll build a tailored investment plan designed specifically for your goals in Greece.