Transparent Title Transfer & Registration When Buying Property in Greece

Buying a house or property in Greece involves a fully transparent, secure, and easily verifiable title transfer and registration process. As a member of the European Union since 1981, Greece follows both national and European property laws. At Real Estate Greece, our expert lawyers, civil engineers, and notaries work together to ensure your purchase is smooth, legal, and stress-free.

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Step 1: Signing a Power of Attorney for Property Purchase in Greece

The first step is signing a Power of Attorney (PoA) with a Greek notary in the presence of a certified translator (mandatory). This legal document authorizes our lawyer to act on your behalf during the property purchase. Thanks to this, you avoid lengthy and complex legal procedures. The PoA specifically empowers the lawyer to draft and execute the real estate purchase agreement for you.

Step 2: Legal Due Diligence and Property Investigation by a Greek Lawyer

Our lawyer, holding the PoA, will:

• Register you as a taxpayer in Greece
• Open a Greek bank account in your name (optional)
• Conduct a thorough legal investigation of the property through the Greek Land Registry

This includes checking the property’s ownership history, any mortgages or liens, previous contracts, and any legal restrictions. After completing this due diligence, the lawyer prepares a detailed legal report for you.

The lawyer also files the transfer tax return with the local tax office, which currently amounts to 3.09% of the property price.

Step 3: Signing the Property Purchase Agreement in Greece

The buyer and seller sign the purchase agreement before a Greek notary and certified translator. This is a key legal step confirming the sale.

Once signed, the lawyer registers the contract with the Greek Land Registry. This registration is the final and mandatory step to officially transfer ownership.

Step 4: Receiving Your Official Property Documents

After the purchase agreement is registered, you will receive the full set of official property documents, including:

• The notarized purchase contract
• Building permit
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
• Property map and topographic plan

This complete documentation confirms your ownership and complies with all Greek property regulations.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How long does the property transfer process take in Greece?

A: The entire process typically takes 2 to 3 months from signing the Power of Attorney to receiving your official documents, depending on the complexity of the property and local registry timings.

Q: Is it necessary to have a Greek bank account for property purchase?

A: While not mandatory, opening a Greek bank account is highly recommended to facilitate payments, tax procedures, and utility transfers.

Q: What taxes are involved when buying property in Greece?

A: The primary tax is the transfer tax, currently at 3.09% of the property value. Other minor fees may include notary and registration fees.

Q: Can I trust Real Estate Greece with the legal process?

A: Yes, we provide expert legal support through our team of qualified Greek lawyers and notaries, ensuring full compliance and transparency.

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