Key takeaways
- Greece allows a property purchase to be completed from a distance.
- You can proceed in person or give a power of attorney to a lawyer, who acts on your behalf.
- A purchase from abroad follows the same steps as any other; the notary and your lawyer handle the contract and signing.
- Our team coordinates the process and keeps you updated, and our concierge services can look after your home afterwards.
In this guide
- Can you buy property in Greece without being there?
- What should you prepare before you start?
- How do buyers abroad choose a property?
- What does a purchase from abroad involve?
- How do you stay involved while you are abroad?
- When is the best time to visit for viewings?
- How does signing work if you're not in Greece?
- What happens after the purchase?
- Frequently asked questions
Most of our buyers live outside Greece, and many of them complete their purchase without being in Corfu on the day of signing. Greece allows you to finalise a property purchase from a distance: you can take part in person or give a power of attorney to a lawyer, who acts on your behalf.
This guide explains, in general terms, how a purchase from abroad usually works and how our team supports you along the way. It is for general guidance only; your lawyer will advise on the details that apply to you.
Can you buy property in Greece without being there?
Yes. A purchase in Greece can be completed from a distance. You choose whether to proceed in person or with a power of attorney to a lawyer, and the notary, together with your lawyer, handles the sale contract and the signing. Our team coordinates everyone involved and keeps you updated at every stage.
What should you prepare before you start?
A little preparation makes a purchase from abroad smooth and relaxed. Before you begin viewing homes, it helps to have a clear picture of a few things:
- Your budget, including costs. On top of the price, taxes and fees in Greece usually total around 9–10%. Our buyer’s guide lists the main ones, and your lawyer confirms the exact amounts.
- How you will use the home. Holidays, family time, long stays or holiday rentals where they are allowed. This shapes the area and the type of property that suits you.
- Your timing. Whether you want to enjoy the home next summer or are happy to take your time choosing.
- Who will be involved. If you are buying with a partner or family, decide early who will take part in the viewings and the decisions.
Once we know what matters to you, our advisers can shortlist homes that fit and plan your viewing trip so you make the most of your time on the island.
How do buyers abroad choose a property?
Most buyers visit Corfu or Paxos at least once to see their shortlist in person. Between visits, our advisers send video tours, photos and information about each home and its area, and answer your questions, so you can narrow down your choice from wherever you are. Our portfolio also includes off-market properties that are not shown online, so tell us what you are looking for. If you are still choosing an area, our guide to the best areas to buy property in Corfu is a good place to start.
What does a purchase from abroad involve?
A purchase from abroad follows the same steps as any other: an offer, the proposal and pre-contract stage, the formalities and the closing. Our step-by-step buyer’s guide explains each of them. The formalities include a Greek taxpayer number (AFM), a local bank account, the purchase agreement and payment, and the ownership certificate at the land registry.
If you give a power of attorney to a lawyer, they can take care of these steps for you. How the power of attorney is prepared depends on where you live, and your lawyer will guide you through it.
How do you stay involved while you are abroad?
Buying from a distance doesn’t mean being out of the picture. Our advisers stay in touch by phone, email, video call or messaging, whichever suits you, and send updates at each stage, so you always know what has been done and what comes next. Many buyers in different time zones find this easier than they expected: decisions are shared in good time, documents are explained in plain language, and your lawyer is available to answer your questions.
If you would like to see the property again before signing, we can arrange a live video walk-through, so you can check the rooms, the garden and the views from wherever you are.
When is the best time to visit for viewings?
Spring and autumn are popular times to visit Corfu for viewings. The weather is mild, the island is green, and it is easy to get a feel for village and town life outside the busiest summer weeks. Corfu has an international airport with many direct flights from across Europe in the warmer months, and connections through Athens all year round, so a short viewing trip is easy to plan. Paxos is reached by ferry from Corfu or the mainland.
A trip of a few days is usually enough to see a well-chosen shortlist. Our team prepares the itinerary, arranges the viewings and shows you the surrounding area, so you can picture daily life in each home.
How does signing work if you’re not in Greece?
On the day of signing, the notary and your lawyer handle the sale contract and its execution. If you have given a power of attorney, your representative signs on your behalf, so you don’t need to travel. Roula Rouva | Forbes Global Properties coordinates the documents and the people involved and keeps you informed, so you know where things stand throughout.
What happens after the purchase?
Once the purchase is complete, your new home is ready for you whenever you arrive. Owners who live abroad often want someone local to look after the property while they are away. Our concierge services can help with this, from key-holding to arranging services and maintenance, so your home is ready for your next visit. Our guide to owning a home in Corfu covers what owners usually plan for.
For guidance only
This article gives general information. Every purchase is different, and your lawyer will confirm the steps and documents that apply to yours.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy property in Greece without being there?
Yes. Greece allows you to complete a property purchase from a distance. You can proceed in person or give a power of attorney to a lawyer, who can act and sign on your behalf.
Who signs the contract if I can't travel to Greece?
If you have given a power of attorney, your representative signs the sale contract on your behalf before the notary. The notary and your lawyer handle the contract and its execution.
Do I need a Greek tax number and bank account?
The formalities of a purchase include a Greek taxpayer number (AFM) and a local bank account. Your lawyer and our team will guide you through them, and with a power of attorney your lawyer can arrange them for you.
Can you look after my property after I buy?
Yes. Our concierge services can look after your home while you are away, from key-holding to arranging services and maintenance.
When is the best time to visit Corfu for viewings?
Spring and autumn are popular times for viewings: the weather is mild, the island is green and you can see village and town life outside the busiest summer weeks. Corfu has direct flights from many European cities in the warmer months and connections through Athens all year round, and our team plans the viewings and shows you the area around each home.
Founded in 2003 by Roula Rouva, our company brings more than 23 years of experience in the Greek real estate market, specializing in premium and ultra-premium residential properties, investment opportunities, hospitality assets, and development projects. As the exclusive representative of Forbes Global Properties in Greece, we combine deep local expertise with international reach. With offices in Athens, Corfu (Corfu Town, Dafni, and Arillas), and Paxos (Lakka), our professional ecosystem includes a core team of 50 specialized professionals, a network of 80+ lawyers, more than 50 certified translators, and trusted legal and tax partners. Our approach goes beyond transactions, focusing on lifestyle, personalized service, and long-term value.
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.
