Buying property in Greece requires a budget beyond the agreed purchase price. Transfer tax, professional fees, registration charges and administrative expenses all contribute to the total acquisition cost. Buyers should also plan for annual property taxes and ongoing ownership expenses.
Understanding the property purchase process in Greece helps clarify when these costs arise and which professionals are involved.
1. Property transfer tax
Where property transfer tax applies, the buyer pays 3% of the property's taxable value, plus a municipal levy equal to 3% of that tax. The effective total is therefore 3.09%.
For a property with a taxable value of €250,000, the transfer tax is €7,725, assuming no exemption applies. The notary should confirm the taxable value used for the transaction; buyers should not assume it is always identical to the advertised price. The tax must be settled before the final purchase contract is signed.
First-home exemptions are available to eligible buyers under specific conditions concerning existing property ownership, beneficiary status and residence in Greece. Purchasing your first Greek property does not automatically qualify you for an exemption.
2. VAT on new-build properties
New-build purchases require confirmation of the applicable tax treatment. Greece has extended the suspension of VAT on qualifying new buildings through 31 December 2026. Where the suspension applies, the purchase is subject to transfer tax rather than VAT on the sale.
Before reserving a new-build property, ask the notary to confirm its tax status and whether the quoted price includes any applicable tax. For completion after 2026, confirm the rules in force at the time of purchase.
3. Legal, notarial and agency fees
Professional fees depend on the property, transaction value and scope of work. Request written quotations that identify VAT and any additional charges.
As an indicative starting point, buyers can allow around 10% of the purchase price for additional acquisition costs where transfer tax applies. This is a budgeting guide, not a fixed charge or guaranteed total. Obtain a transaction-specific breakdown and budget separately for financing, renovation, furnishing and annual ownership expenses.
|
Cost |
Indicative estimate |
What buyers should confirm |
|
Legal fees |
1.5%–2% + VAT |
Scope of title checks, review of encumbrances, contract advice and representation. |
|
Notarial fees |
1.5%–2% + VAT |
Deed preparation, applicable charges, copies and VAT. |
|
Registration fees |
0.5%–0.8% of contract value |
Charges for registering the deed with the competent Land Registry or Hellenic Cadastre office. |
|
Agency fees |
2% + VAT |
Agreed commission, VAT and when payment becomes due. |
|
Technical inspection |
€500–€1,000 |
Cost of an independent engineer's review and what it covers. |
Indicative budgeting estimates. Percentage-based professional fees are estimates; confirm the calculation basis, applicable VAT and final quotation. The engineer's fee is a euro amount rather than a percentage.
Professional legal support during the purchase helps buyers assess ownership, potential legal restrictions and contractual obligations. An independent technical review serves a separate purpose: assessing the building's condition and relevant documentation.
Obtain a property-specific calculation before setting your final budget, as published fee examples may not reflect the complexity of your transaction.
After signing, the purchase deed must be registered with the competent Land Registry or Hellenic Cadastre office. Confirm who will submit it, the applicable charges and how registration will be documented.
4. Additional expenses for international buyers
Depending on how the purchase is organised, additional expenses may include:
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Certified translations, interpretation and document legalisation.
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Preparation of a power of attorney for representation in Greece.
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Assistance with obtaining a Greek tax identification number (AFM) and completing administrative formalities.
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Bank transfer charges and currency conversion.
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Mortgage-related valuation, arrangement and security-registration costs.
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Travel, accommodation and independent technical inspections.
Agree which services are included in each professional quotation. A deposit credited towards the purchase price should be recorded separately from additional acquisition expenses to avoid counting it twice.
Buyers need a Greek tax identification number (AFM) for the transaction. Any quotation for arranging it should clearly identify the professional assistance and related documentation services being charged.
International buyers may also need specialist assistance with property acquisition and Greek administrative requirements, particularly when coordinating documentation and representation from abroad.
5. Annual property taxes and ownership expenses
Acquisition costs should be assessed separately from the annual cost of owning the property.
ENFIA is Greece's annual property ownership tax. It is assessed on property rights held on 1 January each year, using information recorded in the E9 property declaration. Foreign residents also have E9 obligations. Although eligible digital transfers can generate an E9 declaration automatically, buyers should confirm that the property details have been recorded correctly.
The ENFIA assessment depends on the property's location, surface area and other characteristics, as well as the ownership rights recorded in E9. Request a property-specific estimate rather than applying a standard percentage to the purchase price.
Other ownership expenses may include insurance, utilities, municipal charges, shared building expenses, maintenance and property management. When planning a holiday home purchase in Greece, account for these recurring costs alongside the initial acquisition budget.
TAP (Telos Akinitis Periousias) is a separate municipal property charge, generally collected through electricity bills for connected properties. Confirm the applicable amount and collection arrangements with the municipality, including where the property has no active electricity connection.
Property insurance should be assessed separately, including cover for fire and earthquake risks. If financing the purchase, confirm the lender's insurance requirements. Review insured values, exclusions, excesses and any conditions applying while the property is unoccupied.
Buyers planning to rent out the property should also budget for accounting, applicable taxes and rental compliance.
6. What to confirm before buying
Before paying a reservation deposit or signing an agreement, obtain a written cost breakdown confirming:
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The applicable purchase tax and taxable value.
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Professional fees, VAT and services included.
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Registration charges and responsibility for submission.
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Additional documentation, technical or financing expenses.
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Payment deadlines and deposit refund conditions.
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Estimated annual ownership costs.
Plan your property purchase with Grekodom
Contact Grekodom with your preferred region, budget and purchase objectives. Our team can help you identify suitable properties and coordinate the next steps with the relevant professionals.
Talk to our experts to discuss your purchase and request a property-specific breakdown of taxes, fees and expenses.
Tax information checked in October 2026. Final costs depend on the property, buyer circumstances and rules applicable when the transaction completes.
