03.09.2026
Buying an Off-Plan House in Greece from Abroad Explained
“How can I buy a house in Greece that is not built yet from abroad?”
That’s a very common question we receive from clients interested in buying an off-plan house.
Purchase Tips
You have made your dream come true: you own a beautiful home in Greece. Now it is time to keep your investment safe. Think of home insurance as a shield for your house and everything in it. This guide explains how to get home insurance in Greece, what it might cost, and answers some common questions. The information in this article has been reviewed by Hella Kounio-Matalon, a trusted insurance broker who has helped many first-time homeowners in Greece find the right insurance for their new home.
What Does Home Insurance Cover In Greece?
Home insurance in Greece usually covers a few important things.
Building Insurance
This typically pays for repairing or rebuilding your house if it is damaged by fire, earthquake, flood, or other risks such as storms or vandalism. A common option for foreigners buying a home in Greece is an "all-risk" plan, which offers the most complete coverage: the insurance company pays the cost of restoring the building to the condition it was in before the damage occurred. It does not cover the foundations of the building. The compensation depends on the construction value you declare, which has to be accurate. A declared value lower than the actual one will result in proportionally lower compensation. A value higher than the actual one brings no benefit either, so accuracy is what matters.
Contents Of The House
This covers your furniture, appliances, electronics, clothes, and other personal items against risks such as fire, water, and theft. As with the building, an all-risk plan offers the broadest protection. If you want your contents covered, be sure to request it, since this is not included automatically.
Third-Party Liability
If someone is hurt or their belongings are damaged because of your house or your ownership of it (a guest tripping on a step, faulty wiring, water damage to a neighbour), this coverage helps pay any claim raised against you. It is not offered automatically either, so request it if you want it. It becomes even more important if you intend to rent out your property, whether long-term or short-term.
Short-Term Rental Plans
You may hear brokers refer to "Airbnb insurance plans." These are designed for owners who rent out their Greek home to holiday guests. They cover the property against many risks, including certain damage caused by guests, and include third-party liability for the use of the house.
A Note On Burglary Insurance In Greece
Some plans do not include burglary coverage if you do not live permanently in your Greek home. Request this coverage from your insurance provider, and if they cannot offer it, look for an all-risk plan. Even then, the insurance company may require specific security measures before covering theft and burglary.
Steps To Get Home Insurance In Greece
1. Look For Your Insurance Provider
Many companies sell home insurance in Greece. You can search online, ask friends for recommendations, or ask locals. Compare what each offers and what it costs rather than choosing the first one you see. Our suggestion is to work with a broker or agent located in Greece. A local, experienced representative who works with several different insurance companies is valuable for a foreigner buying a home in Greece. They can advise you on what suits your needs, both when you first buy insurance and later at the claim stage, when it helps to have a local partner with your best interests in mind. Buying directly from an insurance company or through a website can mean dealing with someone you have never spoken to, or with several different people at once.
2. Talk To Insurance Companies Or Brokers
You can approach insurance companies directly, or you can speak with an insurance broker. A broker works with many different companies and can help you find the right insurance for you, explained in plain terms. Choose someone who speaks fluent English or another language you are comfortable with, check their experience, and make sure they work with several companies rather than just one.
Which Insurance Providers Are Available In Greece?
Several established and trustworthy insurance companies operate in Greece. Some are international names you may know from your own country, such as NN (Nationale-Nederlanden), Ergo, Generali, Allianz, and Interamerican, the Greek subsidiary of the Dutch group Achmea.
3. Tell Them About Your Home
You will need to give the insurer information about your home: its location (near the sea? in a city?), its size, its age, what it is made of, and any special features such as a swimming pool or a security system.
4. Get A Price Quote
The broker or insurance company will give you a quote based on the information you provide. This is an estimate of what you will pay.
5. Read The Papers Carefully
Before you buy any insurance, read all the documents carefully and make sure you understand them. Pay attention to the small print, and ask questions where anything is unclear.
6. Pay For The Insurance
Once you choose the policy that suits your needs, you pay for it, usually once a year or sometimes in instalments, and receive your insurance policy. We recommend having your broker walk you through exactly how it works, what it covers, and what it does not cover.
How Much Does Home Insurance Cost In Greece?
The cost of home insurance depends on a few things.
How much your home is worth. Premiums depend on the risks you wish to cover, the insured value of the house and contents, the third-party liability amount, the location, and other factors. More valuable homes cost more to insure, and the insured value should reflect current construction costs.
Where your home is. Homes in quiet, safe areas usually cost less to insure. Other geographic factors also play a role, depending on the part of Greece.
What kind of coverage you want. More coverage costs more. Insuring everything you own inside the home costs more than insuring the building alone.
How old your home is and what it is made of. Newer, well-built homes generally cost less to insure. Older homes may need more repairs, so they generally cost more.
Security. A security system can lower your premium, because the home is less likely to be broken into.
Talk to your broker or insurance company for an exact price. They will need specific details about your property.
Common Questions About Home Insurance In Greece
How Do I Choose The Right Insurance Provider In Greece?
Your insurance provider should be experienced and trustworthy, with years in the field and a good reputation. They should be fluent in English or another language you understand well, work with several different insurance companies, and be able to offer you more than one option. Just as important, they should build a relationship with you, so that you feel comfortable reaching out at any time.
How Do I Choose What Kind Of Insurance Coverage I Need?
All-risk coverage vs. other plans. For non-permanent residents of Greece, all-risk coverage is usually the best fit. It costs a bit more, but it gives you peace of mind while you are far away. Plans covering specific named risks are also good products; they simply cannot cover as broadly.
Deductibles. Compare each offer and its deductibles. A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your coverage kicks in: the portion of a damage you are responsible for, with the insurance company covering the rest up to your policy limits. The higher the deductible, the lower the premium. Every company structures its offers differently, and comparing them can be tricky. This is where a good broker earns their keep.
Third-party liability. Consider this for every property. A neighbour's home can be damaged by something that started in yours, such as a water leak or fire, and visitors or tenants can be hurt on your property. If you plan to rent out your house, whether long-term or short-term, consider a high liability amount.
Do I Need To Have Home Insurance In Greece?
No, it is not required by law for homeowners, but it is a very good idea. It is a safety net for your home. There is also a financial incentive: if your home is insured against fire, flood, and earthquake, you are entitled to a discount on ENFIA, the annual Greek property tax. As of 2026, the discount is up to 20% for homes with a taxable value up to 500,000 euros, and up to 10% above that, provided the policy covers all three risks and runs for at least three months of the year (a full year earns the full discount, shorter periods a proportional one). The exact conditions are set each year by the tax authority, so ask your broker what currently applies.
Can I Get Home Insurance In My Home Country?
Insuring your Greek home through a provider in your home country is technically possible, but it will likely cost more. On a practical note, when you make a claim you will usually get faster and more knowledgeable service from a local agent who knows the Greek market and speaks the language. Also, many village homes in Greece do not have street addresses. Greek insurers are used to this; a foreign insurer might struggle without an exact address.
What If I Don't Have Home Insurance?
If something happens to your home and you have no insurance, you pay for everything yourself. The good news is that in Greece, premiums are relatively low for the amount of coverage they provide. A good policy means you can keep enjoying your Greek home even if damage occurs, knowing you will be compensated by a reliable insurer.
How Do I Make A Claim?
If something happens to your home, call your broker or insurance company right away, even if you are not sure whether the specific damage is covered. They will tell you what to do. Usually they ask you to send photos and a technical report with estimated repair costs. If the damage is significant, a surveyor will visit your house to assess it. Do not repair anything, and do not throw anything away, until the surveyor, your broker, or the insurance company tells you to.
Can I Pay For My Insurance A Little Bit At A Time?
Most companies let you pay monthly or every few months, which can make the cost easier to manage. Payment plans vary between providers.
How Do I Renew My Insurance?
Insurance policies in Greece are usually renewed automatically, unless you or the insurance company decide otherwise. If the insurer chooses not to renew, they are obliged to inform you in writing at least one month in advance. In practice, your broker or insurer will usually contact you before your policy expires so you can renew in time. Review your policy every year or two, as the insured values may need adjusting to current construction costs.
What Else Is Unique About Insurance In Greece Compared To Other Countries?
Unlike in many other countries, earthquake coverage is genuinely important in Greece. It is not included automatically and has to be requested separately. If you want to be certain you are covered, all-risk coverage is the best option. Note that some areas cannot be insured against earthquakes at all.
What If My Building Was Built More Than 50 Years Ago?
If your home in Greece was built before 1960, or without a building licence, it may not be possible to insure it against earthquakes. In some cases the insurance company will ask for an additional inspection report from a civil engineer. Ask your broker or provider for the details that apply to your home.
Home insurance can be extremely valuable for foreigners buying a home in Greece. Find a local, trustworthy expert who has your best interests in mind.
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