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BlogSelling a property in Greece involves gathering a specific set of legal documents before the transfer can proceed. For foreign owners in particular, understanding what is required and starting the process early, makes a significant difference to how smoothly the sale goes. This guide covers the core documents needed, what each one involves, and what to expect from the overall process.
What documents do you need to sell your property in Greece?
The confirmed document list for selling a property in Greece includes:
1. Title deed The title deed is the primary proof of ownership and is typically registered at the local land registry near the property. If you are unsure where your deed is held, a lawyer can search the land registry using the owner's name. Keeping the title deed in your records from the time of purchase saves time when you come to sell.
2. Electronic Building Identity (E-ID) The Electronic Building Identity is a digital file containing all necessary information about the property, its legal, technical, and planning data. It is prepared by a certified engineer and is a mandatory prerequisite for signing the purchase deed. The E-ID is valid for two months and can be reissued if it expires before the sale completes.
3. Topographical plan A recent topographical plan showing the true measurements of the property is required. This must be electronically submitted to the relevant authority.
4. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) The EPC measures the energy efficiency of the property and has been mandatory for property sales since 2011. It is required for any building over 50 square metres. The certificate is issued by a specialised engineer following an energy audit of the property.
5. Building permit The original building permit issued when the property was first constructed is required. This document is used by the engineer when preparing the Electronic Building Identity and verifying that the property's current condition matches its approved plans.
6. Personal identification A valid passport is recommended as the primary form of personal identification.
7. Electricity bill A recent electricity bill, front and back, is required as part of the documentation package.
8. E-9 tax form Your accountant in Greece will provide the E-9 tax form. Before the sale, your accountant must ensure that the property is accurately described in the form and that all property taxes from previous years have been paid.
Additional documents required at the notarial stage: Beyond the core list above, the following are also required when preparing the notarial purchase deed:
Tax clearance certificate confirming no outstanding national tax obligations
ENFIA certificate confirming property tax payments are up to date
Municipal certificate confirming no outstanding local debts
Social insurance clearance certificate
If any modifications have been made to the property, the relevant building permits or regularisation certificates must also be provided.
What is the role of the engineer?
Before a property can be transferred, the seller must engage a certified civil engineer. The engineer retrieves the original building permit and approved plans, inspects the property in its current condition, identifies any discrepancies, and assesses whether deviations can be declared and regularised under the applicable legal framework. The engineer also prepares the Electronic Building Identity.
This process is more than a formality, it is the mechanism through which the property's actual condition is aligned with its official documentation before transfer. Properties must be correctly depicted and any unresolved irregularities addressed before the sale can proceed.
What are the tax implications for sellers?
For individual sellers, the main tax consideration is capital gains tax. Under current Greek legislation, capital gains tax on real estate transactions has been suspended for individual sellers. However, this suspension is subject to legislative change, and sellers should verify the applicable rules at the time of sale with a qualified tax advisor or legal professional.
Sellers must also ensure that all annual property tax obligations, including ENFIA, are up to date, as a tax clearance certificate is required for completion of the notarial deed.
Tax obligations in the seller's country of residence are separate and may vary significantly depending on individual circumstances. Independent advice from a qualified tax advisor in your home jurisdiction is strongly recommended.
Can you sell your Greek property without travelling to Greece?
Yes. By signing a power of attorney, you can authorise a legal representative to handle the entire sale process in Greece on your behalf. This is a straightforward and commonly used arrangement for international sellers. The power of attorney allows your representative to manage document preparation, legal procedures, and the signing of the final deed at the notary.
The power of attorney must be notarised in your country of residence and then apostilled to ensure international validity. Alternatively, it can be authenticated by a Greek consulate. The cost of signing a power of attorney at a Greek notary is approximately €100-150.
Keep in mind that third-party professionals involved in the process, such as the accountant and engineer, charge their own fees, which are also paid by the seller.
How long does the process take?
Once an offer has been accepted, the transaction typically takes around six weeks to complete. The overall time to find a buyer varies depending on pricing, location, and market conditions.
The overall property transfer process, from initial preparation through to completion, typically takes between two and six months, depending on the complexity of the property's legal situation, the availability of required documents, and how quickly both parties can progress through the legal and notarial stages.
Starting document preparation early is one of the most effective ways to avoid delays. Several documents have expiry dates or may need renewal, and waiting until an offer is in place to begin gathering them can extend the timeline unnecessarily.
Do you need a lawyer?
While not legally required, hiring a qualified lawyer is strongly recommended and in practice almost essential for foreign property owners. A lawyer helps ensure all legal requirements are met, documents are properly prepared, and potential issues are identified early. They coordinate with notaries, arrange power of attorney, and can represent you throughout the entire process remotely if needed.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. For matters specific to your situation, we recommend consulting a lawyer, accountant, or notary as appropriate.
