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Dual Representation in Greek Real Estate: How Does It Work?

Purchase Tips

10.06.2026

Giorgos Gavriilidis

If you have bought or sold property in the Netherlands, Germany, the UK, or most other Western European countries, you are probably used to a clear setup: the seller has their agent, the buyer has theirs, and each represents their respective client. In Greece, things work differently, and it is very important to have a clear overview before you decide to move forward with a property transaction.

What Dual Representation Means in Greece

In many countries, an agent works exclusively for one party. In Greece, the law defines a real estate agent primarily as a mediator: a professional who facilitates a transaction between two parties. As a result, it is legally possible for a single agent to work with both the buyer and the seller within the same transaction. This is a recognised and common practice in the Greek property market, not an exception.

Who Pays the Agent?

Each side pays the agent representing them. The seller's commission goes to their agent on completion; the buyer's commission goes to theirs on the same basis. When a single agency represents both sides, each still pays for the service provided to them, as dual representation is permitted under Greek law and is not uncommon. Commission levels vary across the market, so the terms should always be agreed before anything moves forward. Prior to committing to an agency, ask directly how their commission is structured, who pays it, and when it falls due. At Elxis, our brokerage commission is 3% + VAT, due only on successful completion of the transaction, since we work on a no-cure, no-pay basis.

What Does the Buyer Pay?

Beyond the agent's commission, buyers in Greece should plan for several additional one-off costs at the time of purchase. The transfer tax is paid directly by the buyer and amounts to 3.09% of the purchase price or the taxable value of the property, whichever is higher. A notary is required for every property purchase in Greece. They prepare and oversee the signing of the final deed, either with both parties present or through their appointed lawyers. Notary fees are generally around 2% of the sale price or the property's tax value, whichever is higher. Once the deed is signed, the notary registers the transaction at the Greek Cadastre. This fee is approximately 0.5% of the property's value and is a routine part of every purchase. Both the notary fees and the registration fees of the purchase deed are borne by the buyer. 


Having a lawyer is not legally required in Greece, but it is strongly recommended. A legal expert will verify what you are buying, check for any encumbrances or legal issues, and guide you through the process from start to finish. Fees generally range between 1% and 2% of the purchase price, plus VAT, depending on the scope of services. At Elxis, our in-house legal team handles this work directly, so buyers do not need to coordinate separately between lawyers and agents. As a general rule of thumb, buyers should budget an additional 10% of the purchase price to cover one-off transaction costs. 

We have a dedicated article on what the buyer pays.

donations and parental gifts in Greece

What Does the Seller Pay?

As mentioned earlier, the seller pays a commission to the agent representing them once the sale is completed. Sellers should also bear in mind that the agent's commission is not the only professional cost involved. Depending on the transaction, an engineer, a lawyer, an accountant, or other advisors may need to be engaged separately, each with their own fees.

We have a dedicated article on what the seller pays.

What to Ask Before You Proceed

Regardless of which side of a transaction you are on, these are the questions worth raising with any agency before you commit: Is the same agent working with both buyer and seller in this transaction? What is the commission that you have to pay, and when? Are these terms set out clearly in a written agreement? Does the agency have in-house legal support, or will you need to arrange your own lawyer independently?

Getting clear answers at the start avoids misunderstandings later.

How Elxis Approaches This

At Elxis, we are selective about the properties we take into our portfolio. Every property we list has characteristics that make it genuinely appealing to our buyer base, which spans Western Europe, the US, and Canada. For 35+ years, we have worked to act as a bridge between buyers and sellers, and between Greek culture and the expectations of international clients. Our fee structure and the terms of our representation are explained clearly at the start of every engagement and confirmed in writing. We have an established presence in the market, with more than 28,000 newsletter subscribers, 250,000 followers on social media, and more than 150,000 monthly visitors to our website. For over three decades, we have also participated in well-known international property fairs, including the Second Home Expo in the Netherlands and Belgium, and A Place in the Sun in the UK. If you have questions about how representation and commission work in a specific situation, we are happy to walk you through it before you make any decisions. 

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. For guidance specific to your situation, consult a qualified lawyer, notary, or accountant. 

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