When selling my home in Greece, you’ll need to address several utilities and services including electricity, water, gas, internet, municipal services, and property management contracts. Some services transfer automatically to new owners while others require active cancellation or transfer processes. Managing these properly prevents delays and ensures a smooth property sale transaction.
What utilities and services need to be handled when selling greek property?
Greek property sales require attention to electricity (DEI/DEDDIE), water supply, natural gas or propane, internet and telephone services, municipal waste collection, and any property management contracts.
The electricity connection transfers through Greece’s public utility system when ownership changes hands. Your lawyer will coordinate this transfer during the completion process, ensuring the new owner receives an active connection without interruption.
Internet and telephone services require direct contact with providers like Cosmote, Vodafone, or Wind. These companies need written notification of the ownership change and may require new contracts with the incoming owner. Gas services, whether natural gas or bottled propane, need similar direct coordination.
Property taxes and municipal fees will be addressed separately through your legal team during the conveyancing process.
Should you cancel utilities before selling or transfer them to the new owner?
Most experienced sellers keep utilities active until completion and arrange transfer rather than cancellation. This approach maintains property functionality for viewings, inspections, and the final handover process. Cancelling utilities prematurely can complicate the sale and create unnecessary costs for reactivation.
Keeping electricity and water active allows potential buyers to test systems during property inspections. Air conditioning, heating, lighting, and plumbing all need to function properly for buyers to assess the property’s condition. Properties with disconnected utilities often raise concerns about hidden problems.
The transfer approach also proves more cost-effective than cancellation and reconnection. Greek utility companies charge connection fees for new services, which the buyer would need to pay if you cancel everything beforehand. Transfer processes typically involve lower administrative costs.
However, you should cancel services you personally contracted that won’t benefit the new owner, such as premium internet packages, satellite television, or specialized monitoring services. Focus on maintaining essential utilities while eliminating personal service contracts.
How do you handle utility deposits and final bills when selling greek property?
Utility deposits are typically refunded to the original account holder after final bills are settled and meters are read. Request final readings at least two weeks before completion to ensure accurate billing and smooth deposit processing. Outstanding amounts must be cleared before ownership transfer.
Contact each utility provider to schedule final meter readings and request deposit refund procedures. Greek utility companies require written requests, often including copies of your identification and bank account details for refund processing. Allow sufficient time for administrative processing, which can take several weeks.
Your legal team should verify that all utility bills are current before completion. Outstanding utility debts can create complications during the property transfer process. Some buyers request confirmation that all services are paid to date as a completion condition.
Document all final readings and bills for your records. Keep receipts showing final payments and deposit refund requests. This documentation helps resolve any disputes that might arise after the sale completion and provides proof of proper account closure.
What happens to property management and maintenance contracts during a sale?
Property management and maintenance contracts don’t automatically transfer to new owners and require specific handling based on contract terms. Review each contract for termination clauses and transfer options, then communicate directly with service providers about the ownership change and their preferences for continuation or cancellation.
Pool maintenance, gardening, security, and cleaning contracts typically include termination clauses that allow cancellation with 30-60 days notice. Contact these providers early in your selling process to understand their requirements and avoid penalty fees for early termination.
Some buyers prefer to continue existing service relationships, especially with reliable local contractors. You can facilitate introductions between quality service providers and the new owners, though any ongoing contracts will need to be renegotiated directly between them.
Property management companies require formal notification of ownership changes and may offer to continue services under new contracts with the buyers. Provide them with completion dates and buyer contact information when available, allowing them to coordinate transition arrangements.
How can you avoid utility-related delays in your greek property sale?
Start utility coordination at least 6-8 weeks before your planned completion date to avoid delays. Create a comprehensive checklist of all services requiring attention and contact each provider systematically. Documentation issues and outstanding bills are the most common sources of last-minute complications.
Common pitfalls include missing final readings, outstanding municipal fees, and incomplete service transfer documentation. Greek bureaucracy can be slow, so early action prevents these issues from affecting your completion timeline. Your legal team can help coordinate some aspects, but direct contact with providers is often necessary.
Maintain detailed records of all utility communications, including reference numbers, contact names, and promised action dates. Follow up regularly on pending requests and document any delays or problems. This proactive approach helps resolve issues before they impact your sale.
Consider appointing someone locally to handle utility matters if you’re selling from abroad. This person can coordinate meter readings, collect final bills, and ensure all administrative requirements are completed properly. Remote coordination can be challenging with Greek utility companies.
Managing utilities and services properly is just one aspect of successfully selling your home in Greece. The process involves numerous administrative and legal requirements that benefit from professional guidance. Our experienced team handles these complex coordination requirements daily, ensuring nothing is overlooked that could delay your sale. For comprehensive support with your Greek property sale, including utility coordination and legal requirements, contact our specialists who understand both the local requirements and international seller needs.
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.
