Tips for buying land outside built-up areas in Greece

How to check if a plot is buildable in Greece? Many people prefer to buy a remote plot of land in Greece to build their dream home. They want to be far away from noisy cities and busy places, to enjoy the peace and beauty of the countryside in Greece. However, there are a few important points to keep in mind, to ensure that the plot is buildable and to avoid unpleasant surprises.

It is highly recommended that you first seek advice from a professional, such as an estate agent, to find the right piece of land and ensure that your interests are protected.

Once you have found the right property in terms of location, you may want to consider the following first steps when buying a plot of land in the countryside:

Tip 1: Request a new topographic map when purchasing a plot of land in Greece

Ask for a current topographic plan, showing the exact boundaries and size of the plot as indicated by the topographer-construction engineer, as well as the building permit and his signed and stamped confirmation that the plot is buildable.

Tip 2: Tip 2: Forestry in Greece

Make sure the land has a forestry permit stating that it is not classified as forestry land. Otherwise the plot is not buildable

Tip 3: Tip 3: Archaeological excavations in Greece

Check whether there is a certificate from the archaeological service confirming that there are no archaeological objections to making the site ready for construction.

Tip 4: Agricultural land

Check whether there is a certificate from the agricultural authority confirming that the land is not highly productive and that there are no objections from this authority regarding the buildability of the land.

Tip 5: Do not buy public land

Check to see if there is a document from the local district authority confirming that the land does not include public land within its boundaries.

Tip 6: Utilities and roads in Greece

Check utilities such as water, electricity and telephone lines to ensure that services are available nearby. Also check if the land is served by a public or private road or a service road. All the above documents must be obtained before purchase as they are necessary to obtain a building permit.

It is advisable to use an established construction company that provides civil engineers and architects to carry out technical checks and ensure that the land is ready for construction and to assist you later in the construction process. It is also useful not to wait to apply for a building permit to safeguard against future changes to the Greek building regulations. A building permit is valid for the next 4 years, with the possibility of extending it for a further 2 years. There is a tendency to reduce the issuing of building permits to protect the natural landscape as a result of EU regulations.

If you have any questions about buying building land in Greece or are looking for a suitable plot, please do not hesitate to contact us.