Do I pay stamp duty on property in Greece?

In Greece, the main tax applied to the purchase of existing properties is the property transfer tax (Φόρος Μεταβίβασης Ακινήτων). The standard rate of this tax is 3.09%* of the property’s taxable value. In most cases, this is calculated on the higher of the agreed purchase price or the objective (tax) value determined by the Greek tax authorities under the national valuation system. Importantly, this tax applies equally to all buyers, whether they are Greek residents, EU citizens, or international buyers purchasing a holiday home or investment property in Greece.

*Important update: The Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, has announced that the property transfer tax for purchases by non-EU citizens is set to rise to 15%, with the change expected to apply from 1 January 2027. The implementing legislation has not yet been published, so the final scope, including how it may treat plots of land and commercial property, is not yet confirmed.

For anyone considering buying a home in popular destinations such as Crete, Corfu, the Peloponnese, or the Greek islands, this tax is a key part of understanding the true cost of buying property in Greece.

The transfer tax is usually paid at the completion stage of the transaction. In most cases, the buyer pays it when the final notarial deed is signed before a notary. However, local procedures and administrative requirements can vary depending on the specific transaction. In some cases, Greek tax regulations may require the tax to be paid earlier, such as when the transfer tax return is filed with the tax authorities prior to completion. For this reason, the exact timing and responsibility are ultimately determined by local legal and tax procedures. In practice, your legal representative or lawyer coordinates this process on your behalf, ensuring that the tax is paid correctly and at the appropriate stage so that the property transfer can proceed without delay. For international buyers, this structured process is designed to ensure compliance and reduce administrative risk during the transaction.

If you are buying a newly built home in Greece, the tax picture is slightly different. When a completed new-build property is sold directly by a construction company, VAT of 24% applies rather than the standard property transfer tax. That said, the Greek government allows construction companies to apply for an exemption from this VAT, and in practice many do. It is worth confirming the VAT status of any new-build property you are considering, as this affects the overall cost of the transaction.

For buyers purchasing off-plan, the process works differently again. Rather than buying a completed property, you first purchase the building plot before construction begins, and the standard 3.09%* property transfer tax applies to the price of the plot. VAT on the full purchase price is not due in this scenario. For a full explanation of how VAT applies to real estate in Greece, see our dedicated tax guide.

*Important update: The Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, has announced that the property transfer tax for purchases by non-EU citizens is set to rise to 15%, with the change expected to apply from 1 January 2027. The implementing legislation has not yet been published, so the final scope, including how it may treat plots of land and commercial property, is not yet confirmed.

When budgeting for a property purchase in Greece, it is important to consider more than just the purchase price. The property transfer tax is only one element of the total acquisition cost. Additional costs may include notary fees, legal fees, and land registry or cadastral registration fees. While these vary depending on the property and transaction complexity, buyers should generally expect total additional costs to be approximately 10% of the purchase price. Understanding these costs in advance helps buyers plan realistically and avoid unexpected expenses during the purchasing process.

The Greek property market continues to attract strong interest from international buyers seeking holiday homes, retirement properties, or investment opportunities across the islands, coastal regions, and mainland Greece.

The legal and tax framework is well-structured and transparent, although it differs from systems in the UK, Ireland, and other parts of Northern Europe. There is no stamp duty in Greece. Instead, buyers typically pay a property transfer tax of 3.09%* on most resale properties, in addition to standard legal and transaction costs. Understanding these costs early in the process helps ensure accurate budgeting and avoids unexpected expenses later on.

*Important update: The Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, has announced that the property transfer tax for purchases by non-EU citizens is set to rise to 15%, with the change expected to apply from 1 January 2027. The implementing legislation has not yet been published, so the final scope, including how it may treat plots of land and commercial property, is not yet confirmed.

Working with experienced local professionals ensures that the legal and administrative aspects, including tax registration, due diligence, contract review, and coordination of the transfer tax payment, are handled correctly from the outset, providing a smoother and more secure transaction process.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does NOT constitute legal or tax advice. For any issues relating to specific cases, it is highly recommended to consult a lawyer, an accountant or a notary depending on your needs.