15.12.2025
When you buy or sell property in Greece, the legal side and the real estate side are usually handled by different people who never speak. The agent finds the property. A lawyer handles the contracts. A notary signs at the end. The gaps between them are where deals stall. A company that does both keeps them together. One team handles the marketing, the transaction, and the legal work, from first valuation to final transfer. For clients abroad, that removes the stressful part of the process.
At Elxis, our sales team handles orientation, property selection, and viewings. Our in-house legal team handles due diligence, contracts, the AFM tax number, power of attorney, and cadastral registration. The notary in Greece is an independent public official, not a company employee. Our legal team coordinates that appointment, so you don't have to track one down. This matters most for clients abroad. There is no separate lawyer to find and brief, and no language barrier to manage on your own. With a power of attorney in place, our lawyer can act for you in Greece, so a sale can complete without you travelling for every signature.
Most failed transactions come down to gaps between people who do not share information. An agent promises a timeline the lawyer cannot meet. A title problem surfaces late, because the legal check was never lined up with the marketing. Two parties prepare paperwork separately, and the versions do not match. A buyer grows uncertain about the legal process and walks away. Sellers often get conflicting advice from professionals who never speak to each other. For owners abroad, it is harder still. You manage several relationships from another country, in another language. Cross-border tax and documentation add more room for things to slip. When something goes wrong, it is not clear who fixes it.
The biggest gain is timing. Legal checks happen early. Before a property is sold, our lawyers can flag a title issue, a planning restriction, or a tax problem. Problems found early are far cheaper to solve than problems found the week before signing. Documents follow one standard, with legal review at each stage. Timelines are based on what the procedures actually require, not on an optimistic guess. The legal side is watched throughout the negotiation, so the contract terms protect you while the deal still makes sense commercially.
With several providers, the coordination is your job. You chase the agent, then the lawyer, then the notary, and hope their schedules line up. With one company, that coordination is our job. You have one point of contact who understands both the commercial and the legal side of your case. Accountability is clearer too. One company is responsible for the whole process, so there is no passing of blame between an agent and a lawyer who barely know each other. Our fees are set out plainly, so you know what you are paying before you commit.
Most of our clients are not in Greece, and many do not speak Greek. The team works in Dutch, English, German, French, and Greek. You deal with the real estate side in your own language, and the legal side in English. Some checks only come up in international cases. A property near a border or military zone needs an extra permit. Buying through a company has its own rules. Our legal team flags these during due diligence and handles them.
A few things are worth checking, whoever you work with. Qualified lawyers, a real track record with international clients, clear pricing with no surprises later, and people who speak your language. Elxis has worked this way since 1991, when Giorgos Gavriilidis, a Greek lawyer based in the Netherlands, founded the company. The service runs from the first valuation through to completion, and continues after: rental management and resale support when the time comes.
If you are weighing up a sale or purchase in Greece and want to talk it through, our team is happy to help.
Disclaimer: This content is for general information only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. For your specific situation, please consult a lawyer, an accountant, or a notary as appropriate.
02.06.2026
Buying a house in Greece is often an exciting decision, whether it is for holidays, relocation, investment, or future retirement. At the same time, property buyers need a clear overview of the additional costs involved in the purchase process. This helps them understand the full budget required and make an informed choice based on their financial plans, personal needs, and property preferences.
18.05.2026
You've dreamed for years about your home in Greece: where it will be, the taverna meals you will have, and the summer sun. Now comes one of the logistics of buying a home in Greece: what kind of ownership you want.
17.05.2026
If you’re searching for your dream home in Greece, you’ve probably already run into the question: should I buy an existing home in Greece, or a new, off-plan home? Many buyers are specifically looking for off-plan houses in Greece in the best locations in Greece to maximize their investment and lifestyle benefits, with off-plan apartments and villas also being popular choices among buyers. Off-plan property investment refers to purchasing real estate before construction is completed, allowing buyers to secure a unit at lower pre-construction prices and benefit from potential capital appreciation. Many investors choose to invest in off-plan properties in Greece for both lifestyle and financial benefits, such as flexible payment plans and the potential for rental income.
First things first, let’s define off-plan homes and discover the unique opportunities they offer in Greece. The Greek property market continues to attract international investors seeking geographic diversification, with a growing number of off-plan developments available. Recent data from market reports shows a steady increase in off-plan property purchases among overseas buyers, with data analysis highlighting this upward trend. Off-plan developments in Greece typically offer modern specifications and warranties, making them especially attractive to international investors looking for both quality and security in their property investments.
15.05.2026
Buying a house in Greece comes with many things people already expect: sunshine, sea views, olive trees, village squares, and terraces that seem specifically designed for “just one more coffee.” But the buying process itself may also include a few details that feel different if you are used to purchasing property elsewhere. The Greek real estate process has its own rhythm, local habits, and practical steps. Some are legal. Some are technical. Some are simply part of life in Greece.
Here are 10 things you may find a bit strange when buying a house in Greece.
13.05.2026
“I need to be a Greek citizen to buy a home in Greece, right?” “Don't I need a Greek bank account to buy a home in Greece?” “I signed a Private Purchase Agreement... does that mean I own the house now?” In this article, we present the most common misconceptions we hear from clients. Keep in mind, this is perfectly normal if you're buying a home in Greece for the first time!
12.05.2026
I want to buy a home in Greece, but I don’t know anything about the process. Who will I work with when buying a home in Greece? If I don’t speak Greek, will someone help me with the documents? Do I need a lawyer, a real estate agent, or an engineer? Which of these contacts do I need to have in Greece before I start the process of buying a home?
When buying property in Greece, you will typically work with a real estate agent, a buyer’s lawyer, who is a key participant in drawing up and signing the purchase deed in collaboration with the notary, and a notary. The notary office is the expert entity for notarial acts and legal services related to property transactions, including property conveyancing, document formalization, and legal consultancy, as well as notarial acts and legal services for documents intended for use abroad, addressing cross-border requirements such as translations and legalization. The office serves as the professional space where legal and notarial services are conducted, such as signing, verification, and consultations. Understanding all the costs involved, such as notary fees, transfer taxes, and legal fees, is crucial to avoid surprises and ensure a smooth transaction. These professionals are essential for both individuals and businesses looking to invest in Greek real estate.
Buyers, whether private individuals or commercial entities, often require guidance to navigate the Greek notary system, understand the legal framework, and ensure all necessary documents and legal requirements are met. Greece is a popular destination for international clients, including those seeking a golden visa through real estate investment. This is especially important for international clients who may not be familiar with the local language or the digital systems now supporting notarial acts in Greece. The contract for property transactions is always drafted in Greek, so a translator is required for non-Greek speakers. The process and role of notaries can differ from those in other countries, so expert guidance is highly recommended. Notaries in Greece also provide services related to wills, which are important for estate planning and succession.
11.05.2026
In recent years, buying a second home in Greece has become especially popular, driven by the steady growth of the real estate market and increased interest from investors. This growth is supported by Greece's economic recovery and government incentives, making it an attractive investment opportunity. The rise of home rental websites like Airbnb and VRBO has further fueled demand. Greece offers something for every lifestyle, with a diverse range of property types including modern apartments in vibrant city centers, luxury villas on the islands, and family-friendly homes in the mainland regions. As a popular tourist destination, Greece attracts both buyers and investors seeking lifestyle benefits, strong rental income potential, and long-term appreciation. The country's warm hospitality and high quality of life further enhance the experience of owning a second home here.
16.04.2026
In this comprehensive guide to buying a home in Greece, we will cover the entire process of buying a home in Greece, including where to buy a home in Greece, what types of homes you can buy in Greece, the documents needed, the legal process of buying a Greek home, and also frequently asked questions.
- Trustworthy: Elxis has over 30 years of experience buying, selling, and performing all legal procedures for the purchase and sale of properties in Greece. The information in this guide comes directly from our team of lawyers and real estate consultants, so you don’t need to think twice about the credibility of the information.
- Up to Date: Most similar guides you will find on the internet have old information about tax rates, documentation, and legal processes. This buyer’s guide is continually updated as the rules and regulations in Greece change, so you don’t have to wonder if anything is out of date by the time you start your home search.
- Optimized for English Speakers: Many similar guides are translated from Greek to English, and as a result, some of the meaning is lost in translation. This guide is written 100% by native English speakers and proofed by native Dutch and German speakers, so the information is clear and understandable, no matter where you’re reading from.
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