03.09.2026
Buying an Off-Plan House in Greece from Abroad Explained
“How can I buy a house in Greece that is not built yet from abroad?”
That’s a very common question we receive from clients interested in buying an off-plan house.
Purchase Tips
You have bought your home in Greece and are wondering how to add utilities such as electricity, water and internet to your property? In this article we explain exactly how to add utilities to your home in Greece.
Setting up utilities in Greece is one of the first and most important steps when moving into a new home. Whether you’ve just purchased a property, inherited one, or are preparing a holiday house for regular use, you’ll need to connect electricity, water, and internet before you can fully settle in. The good news is that the process is straightforward once you understand the requirements, though it may involve a bit of paperwork and patience.
How to connect electricity in Greece
Electricity in Greece is managed through the national grid operator ΔΕΔΔΗΕ (DEDDIE), but supply is purchased from various private providers (such as DEI, Elpedison, Protergia, Heron, NRG, and more). You are free to choose any provider based on price or contract terms. To connect electricity to your home, you typically need:
A copy of the purchase contract (or rental contract)
Your ID or passport
Your Greek tax number (AFM)
The property’s meter number
A recent Electrical Inspection Certificate (ΥΔΕ) — required if the installation is older or has not been checked in several years. Once submitted, the provider will activate the meter or transfer the contract to your name.
Activation can take from a few days to several weeks, depending on complexity, inspection by the Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator (ΔΕΔΔΗΕ), and the availability of all necessary supporting documents. Another important factor is also whether the meter is active or needs reconnection. In rural areas or islands, it may take slightly longer.
How to Connect Water to Your Home
Water supply in Greece is handled by local municipal water companies (ΔΕΥΑ). Each municipality has its own office and procedures, but the documents required are generally similar. You will need:
Your property purchase contract
ID or passport - AFM (Greek tax number)
A recent E9 tax form showing the property listed under your name (sometimes required)
Application form (provided by the municipality).
Water is usually simpler to activate than electricity, and in most cases, the process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the region, the completeness of the documentation, and the payment of connection fees.
Internet and Telephone Line Setup
Internet service in Greece has improved significantly in recent years, with multiple providers offering fiber-optic connections in many areas. Popular companies include:
Cosmote
Vodafone
Nova
Inalan (fiber-only)
To set up internet for your home in Greece, you will need:
ID or passport
Tax number (ΑΦΜ)
A local address for installation
Most providers will schedule an installation appointment. Activation usually takes from a few days up to two weeks, depending on availability and whether fiber infrastructure already exists in your neighbourhood. For homes in remote or rural areas –especially on islands or in mountainous regions where landline or fiber connections are limited– Starlink is also now available in Greece. It is a satellite internet service by SpaceX that delivers high-speed broadband (often between roughly 100-300 Mbps) via a small dish installed on your property, making it a good option for locations with poor ADSL or 4G coverage. It only requires a clear view of the sky and a power supply.
The main drawbacks are the higher upfront equipment cost and subscription fee compared with standard landline packages, as well as the need for a clear view of the sky, but many seasonal or remote homeowners find it attractive because it can work almost anywhere and plans can be adjusted or paused depending on usage. In remote or rural areas, on islands, or in the mountains where fibre is limited, Starlink is also available. The SpaceX satellite service delivers roughly 100 to 300 Mbps through a small dish, needing only a clear view of the sky and power. It costs more upfront and in subscription than a standard landline, but it works almost anywhere in Greece, and plans can be paused when you are away.
Do You Need a Lawyer or Agent to Help?
While homeowners in Greece can set up utilities on their own, many international buyers prefer assistance due to:
The Greek-only language in many forms
The need to show specific tax documents
Bureaucratic differences between municipalities
The time involved in physically visiting offices
Can You Set Up Utilities Before Finalizing the Purchase?
Generally, utilities can only be placed in your name after you officially own the property. During inspection or renovation stages, builders often use temporary supply contracts, but homeowners must wait for the ownership transfer to be completed. It’s highly recommended to always keep copies of all documents as utilities may request them again in the future, and take a photo of your meter readings when you take possession of the home.
It is also suggested to ask the previous owner for any existing contracts; sometimes transferring is easier than opening a new one and if you don’t speak Greek, consider letting your lawyer or real estate agency handle the process to save time. Keep in mind that Elxis assists its clients with utility issues and can guarantee a smooth process even if you are abroad or struggling with Greek bureaucracy.
Your Final Steps Toward a Fully Functional Home
Adding utilities to your home in Greece is a routine but essential part of property ownership. With the right documents and a clear understanding of how each service works, the process becomes much easier. Electricity, water, and internet can be connected in just a few days, allowing you to enjoy your new home without delays. If you’re a new homeowner, or planning your move soon, setting up utilities is one of the first steps in making your Greek property truly feel like home.
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