Benefits of Co-Ownership
It generally benefits couples to buy in two names rather than one, because the rates above apply per owner. For high-income rental properties, it can be worth buying through a company, since you can then deduct expenses, costs, and the depreciation of the building. Company tax in Greece is 22%. If you would like to explore buying as a company, contact us, and our legal team can help.
TAP (Telos Akinitis Periousias)
TAP is a municipal tax and the smallest of these. It is usually only a few euros and is charged through your electricity bill.
Finding an Accountant
Whether you bought an existing property or a new development, you will need an accountant in Greece for your yearly tax filings. When your AFM was issued through Elxis, a local accountant was added as your tax representative in Greece. You can keep using this accountant or choose another.
If you own a home in Greece, you file a tax return every year, even if you do not rent it out. Your accountant helps you file and keeps track of your ENFIA payments, and will tell you about upcoming changes to tax law. If you let your property, your accountant can submit the relevant declarations to the tax authorities, so you stay compliant with the rental rules and avoid fines.
New Inheritance Law
Greece has passed the most significant reform of its inheritance law in over 80 years, aiming to modernise procedures, cut bureaucracy, and better protect owners and heirs. The new framework, Law 5303/2026, introduces binding inheritance contracts, removes the automatic personal liability of heirs for inherited debts, recognises long-term partners under certain conditions, and speeds up the process through digital tools. Most provisions come into force on 16 September 2026.
Owning a Vehicle
Annual road tax on your car or motorbike is paid online, through the AADE myCar platform. Payment notices usually include a QR code so you can pay through mobile banking. As a homeowner, it is worth staying in regular contact with your accountant and keeping on top of your Greek obligations each year.
Renting a Vehicle
Some owners prefer to rent a car when they visit. This can be cheaper than buying one in Greece, and cars are available near most major airports.
How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Car in Greece?
It depends on the size of the vehicle, how long you rent, and where you pick it up. As a rough guide, expect to pay around 30 to 100 euros a day.
What Documents Do I Need to Rent a Car?
A valid driving licence
A valid passport (the physical document, not a photo)
A credit or debit card for payment
Any necessary insurance documents
Home Insurance
Greek law does not require home insurance, so it is not mandatory, but it is well worth having. If you own a new development, note that the construction company's insurance has probably expired on the date of delivery. There are insurance agencies throughout Greece, with plans for every budget.
Maintenance of Your Home in Greece
Pool and Garden
Maintaining a pool and garden can cost between 150 and 350 euros a month. This varies with the type of pool and the size of the garden.
Annual Upkeep
Most homes need occasional work over the years, such as painting, polishing, and repairs. In Greece, it is worth repainting pergolas and wooden items exposed to the sun so they keep looking new. Annual upkeep for an average home can range from 1,000 to 4,000 euros a year, depending on the quality of the construction and furniture.
Getting to Know the Locals
Wherever your home is, it helps to get to know the locals. Greeks are generally hospitable to newcomers and enjoy hearing about your life and interests. Here are a couple of easy ways in.
Visit a Local Taverna
Eating at a Greek taverna is a central part of life here. It often means sitting for hours with family and friends around the table. The food is fresh and local, with simple ingredients. Greek waiters are informal and may even sit down at your table on a quiet evening. Greeks will talk about anything over a meal, and they are naturally curious about visitors, so be ready for direct, personal questions and to share your own views.
Visit a Local Coffee Shop
You have not really experienced Greece until you have sat in a traditional kafeneion. A coffee shop here is more than a quick stop. Unlike the takeaway culture in many countries, the kafeneion is a place to slow down and spend time with others. A Greek coffee is often a first sign of hospitality to a newcomer, and it can lead to a meal, a new friendship, or a lively discussion. The locals will happily ask where you are from, what brings you to Greece, and where you are headed next. It is also the place to get advice on almost anything, or to learn what there is to explore nearby.
Purchase Tips
.jpg)
