The “E-ID” or Electronic Building Identity (Ηλεκτρονική Ταυτότητα Κτιρίου) is an electronic file on each property in Greece that contains information on its current condition and changes made throughout its lifetime.
Why Does This Matter For Me As a Homeowner?
The new E-ID system boosts security and transparency for homeowners in Greece. This gives you immediate access to crucial details of your home, helping you to make better-informed decisions.
An E-ID is necessary for real estate transfers in Greece. So, if you plan on buying or selling a home in Greece, an updated E-ID file is necessary to complete the transfer of your home.
What Existed Before the E-ID?
It may seem like a given to have economic files available for your home in Greece, but this was not the case for many years in Greece. As recently as 2020, many documents about homes in Greece were physical and not stored online.
The E-ID system was introduced in 2021 in Greece and now applies to all property (apartments, detached homes, etc) being bought or sold.
“It is better organizing the entire process in the interests of homeowners and the market. This should have been done years ago,” says Elxis managing director Giorgos Gavriilidis.
Who Prepares an E-ID?
The electronic file needs to be prepared by a registered engineer and will include information such as construction plans, the building permit, its energy performance, and whether any extensions or alterations have been made to the house and declared. You’ll find the full list below.
What Does an E-ID Contain?
The E-ID includes all data (documents & plans) for each building, such as:
- Building permit and potential amendments
- Drawings supporting the building permit (topographical survey, floorplans)
- Structural stability certificate or structural capacity study
- Floorplans depicting the building (in case the building permit’s file is incomplete)
- Accessibility study for persons with reduced mobility
- Construction inspection certificate (if issued)
- Legalization certificate for illegal constructions
- Energy performance certificate
- Board of co-owners’ participation percentage and cost attribution (for apartments)
- Title deeds
- Cadastral registration number
- Certificate of Completeness of the Electronic Building Identity
What if I Renovate or Make Changes to My Home in Greece?
The online file will be updated every time building work or alterations are executed and needs to be complete in the event that a check is made by officials. Homeowners are required to keep physical copies of the same information found in the E-ID.
Other Improvements for Homeowners in Greece
All data in the electronic file is also linked to the National Cadaster, as more and more state services move online in Greece, boosting efficiency for home buyers.
The continued roll out of the National Cadaster and the drawing up of forest area maps are changes adding transparency and appeal to Greek homes.
We can only expect Greece to continue its focus on digital improvements in the future, which will benefit both buyers and sellers of a home in Greece.
