Key takeaways
- Buying property in Greece usually follows six steps: research, viewings, offer, proposal and pre-contract, formalities and closing.
- The formalities include a Greek taxpayer number (AFM), a local bank account, the purchase agreement and the ownership certificate.
- You can complete the purchase from abroad, with a power of attorney to a lawyer.
- Taxes and fees usually total 9–10% on top of the purchase price; your lawyer confirms the exact amounts.
In this guide
Buying a home in Corfu or Paxos follows a clear path, and you don’t have to manage it alone. Our team, your lawyer and a notary look after the formalities, so you can focus on finding the right property.
This guide gives a simple overview of the six main steps, from choosing an area to collecting your keys, and the main costs to plan for. It is for general guidance only. Every purchase is different, and your lawyer will advise on the details of yours.
What are the steps to buying property in Greece?
Buying property in Greece usually follows six steps: research, viewings, an offer, the proposal and pre-contract stage, the formalities, and the closing at the notary. Here is what each step involves.
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Research | You explore locations and the types of property that suit you. |
| 2. Viewings | You visit and see the properties on your shortlist. |
| 3. Offer | You make an offer on the property you like. |
| 4. Proposal and pre-contract | The terms are agreed and the pre-contract stage begins. |
| 5. Formalities | Tax number, bank account, purchase agreement and payment. |
| 6. Closing | The contract is signed before a notary and ownership is registered. |
Step 1: Research
Begin your property search by exploring locations and the options that suit you. Our guide to the best areas to buy property in Corfu compares them, and you can browse current homes in our property search. Our portfolio also includes off-market properties that are not shown online, so tell us what you are looking for.
Step 2: Viewings
Once you have a shortlist, visit and see the properties in person. Our advisers arrange the viewings and can answer your questions about each property and area as you go.
Step 3: Offer
When you find the right property, you make an offer. We present it to the seller and help both sides reach an agreement on the price and the main terms.
Step 4: Proposal and pre-contract
Once the offer is accepted, the purchase moves to the proposal and pre-contract stage, where the agreed terms are set out. Your lawyer advises you at this stage, and we coordinate with the seller’s side so that everything moves forward smoothly.
Step 5: Formalities
Before the purchase is completed, a few formalities are needed. Your lawyer and our team will guide you through each of them:
- getting a Greek taxpayer number (AFM);
- opening a local bank account;
- concluding the purchase agreement with the seller and paying for the property;
- obtaining the ownership certificate at the land registry.
You don’t need to be in Greece for every step. You can proceed in person or give a power of attorney to a lawyer, who can act on your behalf. Our guide to buying property in Greece remotely explains how buyers abroad usually do this.
Step 6: Closing
The closing is the final stage. The notary, together with your lawyer, prepares the sale contract, collects the documents and handles the signing. If you can’t attend, a representative can sign on your behalf, so you don’t have to travel.
Throughout the process, Roula Rouva | Forbes Global Properties coordinates the people involved, collects the documents and keeps you updated at every stage, so the closing is smooth and straightforward.
What costs should you plan for when buying property in Greece?
On top of the purchase price, buyers in Greece pay a number of taxes and fees. Together they usually total between 9% and 10% of the purchase price.
| Cost | Guide |
|---|---|
| Property transfer tax | Up to 3.09% of the price |
| Public registration fees | 0.5% plus VAT |
| Agent fees | Agreed with the agency |
| Notary fees | Confirmed before signing |
| Lawyer fees | Agreed with your lawyer |
For guidance only
The costs above are a general guide. The exact amounts depend on the property and the purchase, and your lawyer will confirm them for your case before you commit.
If you are considering a specific type of property, our guides to buying land, seafront property and villas with a pool cover what to look for.
Frequently asked questions
What are the steps to buying property in Greece?
Buying property in Greece usually follows six steps: research, viewings, an offer, the proposal and pre-contract stage, the formalities (tax number, bank account, purchase agreement and payment) and the closing before a notary. Our team, your lawyer and the notary look after the formalities.
Can I buy property in Corfu without being in Greece?
Yes. Greece allows you to complete a purchase from a distance. You can proceed in person or give a power of attorney to a lawyer, who can sign on your behalf.
How much are the extra costs when buying property in Greece?
Taxes and fees usually total between 9% and 10% of the purchase price. They include the property transfer tax (up to 3.09% of the price), public registration fees (0.5% plus VAT), and agent, notary and lawyer fees. This is a general guide; your lawyer will confirm the exact amounts for your purchase.
Who prepares the contract when buying property in Greece?
The notary, together with your lawyer, prepares the sale contract, collects the documents and handles the signing. Roula Rouva | Forbes Global Properties coordinates the people involved and keeps you updated at every stage.
The exclusive representative of Forbes Global Properties in Greece. A team of 30 agents, engineers and architects, working with a network of partner lawyers, with offices in Corfu Town, Dafni, Agios Georgios, Arillas, Karousades, Kassiopi and Lakka (Paxos). Founder Roula Rouva is President of the Association of Certified Brokers in Greece and a member of NAR and CEPI.
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, financial, or investment advice. For advice tailored to your specific circumstances and further clarification, please contact our team or consult the relevant qualified professional.