The Buying Process - What Most People Don't Know
For many international buyers, the Greek buying process is unfamiliar. The legal steps are different from what you may be used to at home, and the costs can surprise you if you don’t plan properly.
One common source of confusion is the role of the notary. In Greece, the role is different compared to other European countries. The notary is a public official who oversees the signing of the deed and handles certain formalities on behalf of the state. This does not mean the notary represents you as a buyer. Based on that, understanding exactly how the Greek system works is essential, because it affects how comfortable you may feel throughout the whole process.
The additional costs of buying are another area where buyers are often caught off guard. Greece offers an affordable real estate market. But there are taxes, fees, and commissions on top of the purchase price, which need to be known from the very beginning to avoid unpleasant surprises.
There are also practical steps that every buyer needs to take before a purchase can go ahead. Some are administrative, others are legal requirements, and some affect the timeline directly. Many tasks can be arranged from abroad, eliminating the need to travel to Greece. Knowing what these steps are, their order, and how long each one typically takes is one of the best things you can learn before starting.
Once the purchase is complete, ownership comes with its own set of responsibilities. There are annual taxes to be aware of, obligations that vary depending on whether you plan to use the property personally or rent it out, and newer regulations around short-term rentals that have changed the picture for many owners in recent years. We will cover the key points so you know what to expect not just on the day of signing, but in the years that follow.
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