Greece has evolved into one of the most attractive destinations for real estate investment, combining its favorable Mediterranean climate, strategic geographical location, and upgraded tourism infrastructure. Many foreign nationals choose to purchase property either for personal use or for investment purposes, taking advantage of the growing demand for short-term and long-term rentals, as well as the significant benefits of the Golden Visa program.
However, acquiring property in Greece requires caution, proper guidance, and specialized legal support. Karpouzis – Lianou & Associates Law Firm undertakes to guide every interested buyer or investor through all stages, ensuring that the investment is safe, lawful, and profitable.
Market Research and Property Selection
The process of purchasing property in Greece always begins with a thorough market research, enabling the investor to identify the best available options. From luxury villas and apartments in Athens and the southern suburbs, to seaside residences on popular islands such as Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, or Rhodes, the Greek market offers solutions for every preference and budget.
The lawyer plays a decisive role at this stage: advising the client on the legal particularities of each region, warning against potential pitfalls, and ensuring that the choice of property is safe, advantageous, and consistent with the buyer’s investment strategy.
Obtaining a Tax Identification Number and Bank Account
Every foreign national wishing to purchase property in Greece must first obtain a Tax Identification Number (AFM), which is mandatory for any transaction in the country. Equally important is opening a Greek bank account, through which all payments and fund transfers related to the purchase are carried out.
Our law firm handles all these procedures through a power of attorney, without requiring the client’s physical presence in Greece, thus offering an easy, safe, and efficient solution for international investors.
Preliminary Agreement
As a standard practice, a preliminary agreement is drawn up, which may take the form of a private deposit agreement or a notarial deed. This sets out in detail the essential terms of the sale: the price, payment schedule, deposit, withdrawal clauses, and any conditions for completing the transaction.
Our firm undertakes to review or draft the preliminary agreement, ensuring that the terms are clear, balanced, and binding, without ambiguities that could lead to future disputes.
Title Deed Review (Due Diligence)
Legal due diligence on property titles is a critical stage of any real estate transaction in Greece. Our legal team conducts an in-depth investigation at the Land Registry or Cadastre, verifying the legal validity and correctness of ownership and the history of previous transfers.
At the same time, we examine the existence of any liens, mortgages, seizures, or third-party rights, the planning and zoning legality of the property, building permits, potential unauthorized constructions, as well as any outstanding tax or municipal obligations.
Through this process, we ensure that the property is entirely “clean” both legally and urban-planning-wise, offering the international investor maximum security and peace of mind regarding their purchase.
Cooperation with Real Estate Agents, Engineers, Notaries, and Accounting Firms in Greece
Purchasing property in Greece is a complex process that requires meticulous planning and cooperation with various specialized professionals. Our law firm coordinates the entire process, ensuring that each stage is carried out with precision, consistency, and in due time:
- real estate agencies that identify the most suitable options depending on the type of investment (residential, tourist, or commercial properties) in Athens, Thessaloniki, and the Greek islands,
- civil engineers and architects who guarantee the property’s technical soundness, energy efficiency, and compliance with urban planning laws,
- accountants and tax advisors who cover all fiscal and accounting obligations while providing guidance for the optimal utilization of the investment.
With this holistic approach, every foreign investor enjoys a safe, transparent, and profitable property purchase experience in Greece.
Drafting and Signing the Final Contract
The final purchase contract in Greece is always drafted and signed before a notary public, with the decisive contribution of a specialized lawyer. The lawyer carefully reviews each clause and provision, adapting them to the investor’s needs and preventing any future disputes.
Our firm attends the signing either together with the client or through power of attorney, ensuring that the process is completed with full legality, transparency, and safety. In this way, the international investor gains the confidence that their property acquisition in Greece is carried out in the most professional, organized, and reliable manner.
Registration with the Land Registry and Completion of Transfer
The registration of the notarial deed with the Greek Cadastre is the definitive step that legally secures ownership. Without it, the transfer is not formally completed, and the buyer is not recognized as the property’s legal owner.
Our law firm ensures the timely and correct registration, monitors the procedure at the Cadastre, and obtains all necessary certificates, so that the investor has full legal certainty and documented proof of ownership in Greece.
Golden Visa and Residence in Greece
For non-EU citizens, the purchase of property in Greece valued at a minimum of €250,000 grants the possibility of acquiring a residence permit through the internationally recognized Golden Visa program.
This permit provides the investor and their family with the right to reside legally in Greece, access healthcare and education, and travel freely throughout the Schengen Zone.
Our law firm prepares and files the complete application package, ensuring compliance with all requirements of Greek law. Thus, international investors not only acquire valuable property in Greece but also a powerful residence and mobility tool within Europe.
Tax Guidance and Rental Management
Beyond the purchase itself, the tax regime plays a decisive role in Greece. Our law firm collaborates with specialized tax advisors and accountants to ensure full compliance with all fiscal obligations.
At the same time, we provide guidance on the strategic management of properties intended for rental—whether as tourist accommodations on the islands or commercial spaces in major cities such as Athens and Thessaloniki.
This way, international investors enjoy not only legal security but also optimal returns on their real estate investments in Greece.
Comprehensive Legal Protection
Our long-standing experience in real estate acquisitions and investments in Greece for international clients guarantees that every stage of the process is carried out with absolute accuracy, transparency, and legal completeness.
The active presence of a specialized lawyer is the strongest safeguard for the foreign investor, ensuring that the purchase is completed without any risk of capital loss or involvement in time-consuming litigation.
Thus, real estate investment in Greece becomes a secure, profitable, and strategically beneficial choice.
Conclusion
Greece is today one of the most dynamic destinations for real estate purchase and investment, attracting foreign investors seeking stability, high returns, and a strategic geographical location in Europe.
From seaside residences on islands such as Mykonos, Santorini, or Crete, to luxury apartments and commercial properties in Athens and Thessaloniki, the options are numerous and adaptable to the needs of each investor.
The key to a successful investment lies in specialized legal support, ensuring that every stage of the process is conducted with safety, precision, and transparency.
Karpouzis – Lianou & Associates Law Firm stands by your side at every step, providing full guidance, legal due diligence, and representation. With extensive experience in international transactions and expertise in the Greek real estate market, we guarantee that your investment in Greece will be both secure and profitable.
📩 Contact us today to discuss your investment plan and guide you through the process of purchasing property in Greece.
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