Buying Property in Greece Checklist

How to use this checklist

Work through the stages in order, but expect overlap — you will assemble your team and arrange your AFM and banking early, then run legal, tax, and building checks in parallel before signing. This is a summary companion to our full step-by-step guide to buying property in Greece, which explains the process and costs in depth. Tick nothing off on trust alone: each item is something your lawyer, accountant, or engineer should confirm in writing.

Before you make an offer

• Define your budget in full — purchase price plus transaction taxes, professional fees, and a contingency.
• Confirm you can buy where you want — some border and strategically sensitive areas require special permission for non-EU buyers.
• Research the area across seasons, not just on a good day — access, amenities, and year-round life.
• Consider renting first if you are relocating, to test the location before committing capital.
• Get your AFM (Greek tax number), which is required to purchase.
• Plan your banking — a Greek bank account is typically used to route funds transparently.

Professional team checklist

Assembling the right independent professionals early is what keeps a Greek purchase safe. You will not need every role for every property, but you should know who does what.

• Appoint your own independent lawyer before any money moves — our lawyer guide explains what they check and how to choose one.
• Engage an accountant if your tax position is cross-border or you plan to let the property.
• Line up an engineer or surveyor for older, rural, or renovation properties.
• Understand the agent acts for the seller, even when helpful to you.

Legal and title checklist

This is where a good lawyer earns their fee. Each of these should be verified before you sign:

• Ownership — the seller genuinely owns the property and has the right to sell.
• Encumbrances — no mortgages, liens, or unpaid debts attached to the property.
• Unpaid taxes or charges — nothing outstanding that could transfer to you.
• Land registry / cadastral checks — the property is correctly recorded and boundaries are consistent.
• Building permits — the structure is legally built and matches its permits, with no unresolved unauthorized construction.
• Access and rights of way — legal access to the property, especially for rural land.
• Protected-area or border-zone rules — any special permissions confirmed where relevant.

Tax and payment checklist

• AFM in place — required to complete the purchase.
• Bank account and fund transfer plan — route the money transparently and keep evidence of the source of funds.
• Transfer tax or VAT — resale purchases typically attract transfer tax; qualifying new builds may attract VAT instead. Confirm which applies and the current rate.
• Notary and registration fees — scaled to the property value; get an estimate in advance.
• Legal and agency fees — agreed in writing before you proceed.
• ENFIA awareness — budget for the annual property ownership tax after purchase.
• Currency planning — factor exchange and transfer costs if your funds are not in euros.

To put rough numbers on the taxes and fees for your own budget, try our Greece property purchase cost calculator, and read our ENFIA property tax guide for the ongoing cost. If you may become a Greek tax resident, our tax residency guide explains how that affects your wider position.

Building and engineering checklist

Especially for older, rural, or renovation properties, the physical and planning condition matters as much as the paperwork:

• Structural condition — an engineer's assessment for older or damaged buildings.
• Permit and planning compliance — the building as it stands matches what is legally authorized.
• Boundaries and land area — verified against the title and cadastre, particularly for plots and rural land.
• Utilities and connections — water, electricity, drainage, and internet availability confirmed.
• Renovation feasibility and cost — realistic estimates and confirmation of what is legally permitted before you commit.
• Insurance considerations — including any seismic or flood exposure for the area.

Signing and closing checklist

• Due diligence complete and satisfactory — all legal, tax, and building checks resolved in writing.
• Preliminary agreement reviewed — where used, with deposit terms understood.
• Final contract before the notary — the deed is formalized and funds are transferred.
• Power of attorney (if remote) — tightly scoped and arranged with your lawyer in advance.
• Register the transfer — record the purchase at the land registry / cadastre to perfect your ownership.
• Retain all documents — signed deed, receipts, and tax confirmations, kept safely.

After-purchase checklist

• Transfer utilities into your name and set up payment.
• Update property records — ensure the E9 / property declaration reflects your ownership for tax purposes.
• Budget for ENFIA — the annual property ownership tax.
• Arrange insurance and maintenance — including any seasonal upkeep for a second home.
• If letting the property, understand that rental income is taxable in Greece and possibly at home.
• Keep your accountant informed — ownership can affect your broader tax position, especially if you become resident.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Skipping independent legal advice. The notary is neutral; you need your own lawyer.
• Underbudgeting transaction costs. Taxes and fees add materially to the headline price.
• Overlooking planning legality. Unauthorized construction can derail a sale or resale.
• Rushing to close. Pressure to sign quickly is a reason to slow down, not speed up.
• Ignoring border-zone rules. Non-EU buyers may need special permission in certain areas.
• Buying before renting. If relocating, test the area across seasons before committing capital.
• Underestimating renovation. Price the works and confirm what is permitted before you buy.