03.08.2026
A new regulation regarding the calculation of ENFIA (Eniaios Phoros Idioktesias Akineton/annual property tax) was announced by the Greek Ministry of National Economy and Finance. The purpose of this regulation appears to be to address cases where property owners were previously taxed on more square meters than their property actually has. The new regulation, which is expected to take effect in the 2027 tax year, introduces the Electronic Building ID as a key factor in determining taxable floor area.
Starting in 2027, the Electronic Building ID will also be taken into account when calculating the Annual Property Tax (ENFIA), so that the tax is calculated based on the actual floor area of the buildings. So far, the ENFIA is determined based on data from the Land Registry, the title deed, or the building permit. If the actual area of the property is larger than that listed in the Land Registry, the title deed, or the building permit, or if the property’s use has changed, then the tax is calculated based on the actual area and actual use.
Specifically for buildings for which an Electronic Building ID has been issued, if the actual area is smaller than that listed in the Land Registry, in the title deed or the building permit, the area indicated in the Electronic Building ID will be deemed valid. The regulation also specifies that E9 declarations, ENFIA assessment notices, and ENFIA certificates already issued will remain valid. Furthermore, no penalties will be imposed in cases where the actual area, as evidenced by the Electronic Building Number, is smaller than that listed in the Land Registry, the title deed, or the building permit.
The Electronic Building Identity is an electronic file held in a national registry for each building in Greece. Its purpose is to capture the real state of a property and to track any changes during the building's life. The file is tied to a single property. It records the building permit, the approved plans, the energy performance, and the legal status of any extensions or alterations. In short, it is the building's history in one place, kept online rather than scattered across paper archives. The system covers houses, apartments, and other buildings. It applies whether the property is a city apartment, a village house, or a holiday villa near the coast.
The Electronic Building Identity adds security and transparency for owners and buyers alike. It gives you a clear view of a property's legal and technical position before you decide anything. It matters most at the point of transfer. An E-ID is needed to complete any property transfer in Greece. This includes a sale, a gift, and a parental transfer.
28.07.2026
As UNESCO recently announced, Mount Olympus – also known as the Home of Ancient Greek Gods, or Greece’s highest mountain – has been added to the list of World Heritage Sites. Of course, Greece welcomed the news with a wave of euphoria, as Mount Olympus is widely recognized for its cultural and natural significance.
23.06.2026
Moving your life to a new country brings enough to think about, including the costs. For those settling permanently in Greece, there is some welcome news on that front. Bringing your household belongings and even your car can come with relief from customs duty, VAT and vehicle registration tax. The Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) has recently set out clearer rules on how this works. It's important to clarify that this relief is not exactly new, but what has changed is a significant detail: a recent AADE circular (reference E.2027/2026) spells out the eligibility, the supporting documents and the procedure, with the aim of handling applications more consistently across customs offices.
14.05.2026
For many people who own, or plan to buy, a home in Greece, the journey is part of the experience. Some fly directly to Athens, Thessaloniki, Heraklion, or Chania. Others prefer slower travel, combining trains, ferries, buses, and regional routes across Europe. Until now, however, planning a cross-border trip by train has often required patience, several booking platforms, and a healthy tolerance for uncertainty. A new proposal from the European Commission aims to make that process much simpler. The plan introduces a more unified system for booking cross-border journeys across Europe, especially train journeys involving more than one operator. The goal is clear: travellers should be able to search, compare, and book a complete journey through one platform, even when different transport companies are involved. For international buyers, second-home owners, and regular visitors to Greece, this could become an important step towards easier, more flexible travel across Europe.
07.05.2026
If you own property in specific areas of the Regional Unit of Rethymno in Crete, there is an important deadline to keep in mind. As of 30 April 2026, the posting of cadastral data begins for several areas in Rethymno, giving property owners the opportunity for the first time to review how their property has been recorded in the Hellenic Cadastre. This is an important stage in the cadastral process. It allows each owner to check the legal and technical details of their property before the records become final. In simple terms, this is the moment to confirm that your property has been correctly registered and, if something is wrong, to request a correction within the official deadline.
30.04.2026
Buying a home in Greece has always come with a long list of pleasures: sea views, sunny terraces, village squares, fresh fish by the water, and the small but serious joy of never being too far from a good bakery. Soon, for many destinations, there may be another reason to smile: better airports. Greece is preparing for a new wave of airport upgrades, with a major tender planned for 22 regional airports that are still under state management. The project is expected to mark the next chapter in the modernization of Greek aviation infrastructure, following the earlier upgrade of the 14 regional airports managed by Fraport Greece. For travellers, this means smoother journeys. For local communities, it means better connectivity. And for international property buyers, it could make certain areas of Greece even more attractive.
24.04.2026
Greece has long been associated with sun, sea, and unforgettable island landscapes, but Tripadvisor’s 2026 beach rankings offer a fresh reminder of just how powerful the country’s appeal remains. This year, Greece has made an especially strong impression, with four beaches appearing among the world’s top 15. Even more striking is the role of Crete. Two of the top three beaches in the world are located on the island: Elafonisi in second place and Balos in third.
A third Cretan beach, Falassarna, also appears in the global top 20, ranking 11th. Alongside them, Paleokastritsa in Corfu takes 14th place, giving Greece one of the strongest national showings in the ranking. At the very top of the list is Isla Pasión in Mexico, praised for its tropical scenery and distinctive natural shape. But while Mexico may hold first place, Greece clearly dominates the podium, with Crete claiming two of the three highest positions.
23.04.2026
Law 5293/2026 introduces a framework that redefines the role of the notary in property transfers in Greece. The notary is designated as a “one-stop shop” for the completion of transactions involving the transfer of property rights. The provisions apply to transfers arising from sale, donation, parental gift, or inheritance.
21.04.2026
Greece has announced that British travellers will be exempt from biometric checks when entering the country this summer.
