How to Sell Property in Greece: A Step-by-Step Transaction Process
Selling real estate in Greece typically takes 2 to 4 months and consists of 5 consecutive steps:
- Document Preparation and AFM Issuance: The seller obtains a Greek Tax Identification Number (AFM) and compiles the core legal paperwork.
- Property Valuation and Marketing: Establishing a realistic market value, arranging professional photography, and listing across international property portals.
- Signing a Private Purchase Agreement (PPA): Executing a preliminary contract and receiving a buyer deposit (usually 5% to 10% of the sale price).
- Engineer Inspection and Electronic Building ID (E-ID): A licensed civil engineer checks the property for building unauthorized works and issues the Electronic Building ID.
- Notarial Deed Signing and Fund Transfer: Executing the final deed before a notary public, completing the bank transfer, and registering the title transfer with the Hellenic Cadastre (Ktimatologio).
What Documents Are Required to Sell Property in Greece?
To finalize the sale of real estate in Greece, the seller must provide the following essential documents:
- Tax Identification Number (AFM / ΑΦΜ) for both seller and buyer.
- Title Deed (notarial purchase contract, gift deed, or inheritance certificate).
- Electronic Building ID (E-ID / Ηλεκτρονική Ταυτότητα Κτιρίου) — issued by a licensed civil engineer.
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC / ΠΕΑ).
- Topographical Survey Plan anchored to the Greek National Coordinate Reference System (EGSA '87).
- ENFIA Property Tax Certificate covering the last 5 years.
- Tax Clearance Certificate for the seller.
- Municipal Property Tax Certificate (TAP / ΤΑΠ) confirming no outstanding local property taxes.
- Cadastral Registry Extract (cadastral sheet and cadastral plan).
- E-9 Tax Declaration Form confirming the property is properly registered on the seller’s tax account.
Taxes and Costs for Property Sellers in Greece
| Expense Item | Rate / Amount | Paid By |
|---|---|---|
| Capital Gains Tax | 0% (suspended until December 31, 2026) | Seller |
| Property Transfer Tax | 3.09% of property value | Buyer |
| Civil Engineer Fees (E-ID & Legalization) | From €500 to €2,500+ (depending on property complexity) | Seller |
| Real Estate Agency Commission | By agreement | Seller & Buyer (by agreement) |
| Notary & Land Registry Fees | Approx. 1% – 1.5% | Buyer |
Do Sellers Pay Capital Gains Tax in Greece?
No. For individual property owners, the 15% capital gains tax on residential property sales is officially suspended under Greek tax legislation through December 31, 2026. Private resident and non-resident sellers are currently exempt.
How to Sell Greek Property Remotely
You can complete the entire property sale in Greece without traveling, by issuing a Power of Attorney (PoA) to a qualified Greek lawyer.
Remote Transaction Workflow:
- Sign a Power of Attorney at the nearest Greek Consulate in your home country or before a local public notary with an Apostille certificate and certified Greek translation.
- Your appointed lawyer gathers all administrative certificates, coordinates with the civil engineer, updates tax records, and signs the preliminary contract (PPA).
- On closing day, the lawyer executes the final notarial deed on your behalf.
- Sale proceeds are wired directly to your designated bank account (in Greece or internationally).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take to sell a house or apartment in Greece?
With realistic market pricing and all base documents prepared in advance, finding an international buyer usually takes 1 to 6 months. Completing legal due diligence, engineer checks, and notarial transfer takes an additional 4 to 8 weeks.
What deposit is required when selling property in Greece?
Under a standard Private Purchase Agreement (PPA), the buyer deposits 5% to 10% of the agreed purchase price. If the buyer defaults without legal cause, the deposit is retained by the seller. If the seller defaults, standard legal practice requires returning double the deposit amount.
What is the Electronic Building ID (E-ID) and why is it mandatory?
The Electronic Building ID (E-ID) is a centralized digital record detailing a building's technical and legal status. Greek notaries are legally prohibited from executing a property transfer without an active E-ID certificate issued by an engineer verifying that no unauthorized modifications exist.
Who pays notary fees and transfer tax in Greece?
Under Greek law, the 3.09% property transfer tax, notary fees, and Cadastral registration fees are paid by the buyer. The seller covers their own legal representation, engineer fees (including E-ID certification), and agreed brokerage commissions.
Professional Advice and Transaction Support
To sell your property in Greece at the best price and without delays, it is crucial to resolve technical engineer checks on time, clear tax requirements, and connect with qualified international buyers. If you need a certified valuation, document preparation, or full legal and transaction management, contact the specialists at Grekodom Development and MBG Consulting Services. We handle the entire process from initial assessment to final fund receipt, including 100% remote representation without requiring your presence in Greece.
