Buying & Selling Guides

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18px;font-family:var(--serif);font-weight:700;color:var(--navy);line-height:1.35}.rrb-updated{font-size:13px;color:var(--muted);font-style:italic} HomeBlogBuyer's guideBuyer's guideBuying a home in Corfu or Paxos is simpler than many buyers expect. Here are the six main steps, from choosing an area to the closing, and the main costs to plan for, with our team, your lawyer and a notary looking after the formalities.Roula Rouva | Forbes Global Properties teamUpdated: 21 October 20265 min readKey takeawaysBuying 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 guideWhat are the steps to buying property in Greece?Step 1: ResearchStep 2: ViewingsStep 3: OfferStep 4: Proposal and pre-contractStep 5: FormalitiesStep 6: ClosingWhat costs should you plan for when buying property in Greece?Frequently asked questionsBuying 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. StepWhat happens 1. ResearchYou explore locations and the types of property that suit you. 2. ViewingsYou visit and see the properties on your shortlist. 3. OfferYou make an offer on the property you like. 4. Proposal and pre-contractThe terms are agreed and the pre-contract stage begins. 5. FormalitiesTax number, bank account, purchase agreement and payment. 6. ClosingThe 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. Photo: Artūras Kokorevas / Pexels 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. Thinking of buying in Corfu?Our team covers Corfu, Paxos and Athens. Tell us what you are looking for and we will send a shortlist, including properties that never reach the portals.Talk to an advisorBrowse properties 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. CostGuide Property transfer taxUp to 3.09% of the price Public registration fees0.5% plus VAT Agent feesAgreed with the agency Notary feesConfirmed before signing Lawyer feesAgreed 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 questionsWhat 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.Roula Rouva | Forbes Global PropertiesFounded 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.In this guideWhat are the steps to buying property in Greece?Step 1: ResearchStep 2: ViewingsStep 3: OfferStep 4: Proposal and pre-contractStep 5: FormalitiesStep 6: ClosingWhat costs should you plan for when buying property in Greece?Frequently asked questionsLooking for a home in Corfu or Paxos? 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Purchasing a property in Greece is becoming an increasingly popular choice for expats, retirees, and international investors looking for Mediterranean lifestyle, stability, and real estate opportunities. However, to ensure a smooth transaction, it is essential to understand the complete buying process, the additional costs involved, and the legal requirements before making a purchase. The Property Buying Process in Greece Buying property in Greece involves several key stages, from property selection to the final notarial deed. While the timeline can vary depending on documentation and responsiveness, knowing each step ensures a smooth and secure transaction. Step 1: Property Research At Roula Rouva | Forbes Global Properties, we guide clients at every step, both online and in person. International buyers can explore options through virtual consultations, high-resolution 3D walkthroughs, drone footage, and detailed video tours, allowing them to shortlist properties remotely. Once a shortlist is prepared, we arrange personalized viewings, combining online insights with on-site visits for a seamless experience. Step 2: Property Viewings Viewings in Greece are flexible and tailored to the buyer’s needs. We coordinate in-person and virtual tours to provide a thorough understanding of the property and its surroundings. This modern approach ensures clients can confidently evaluate multiple properties efficiently. Step 3: Proposal and Pre-Contract Proposal and Pre-Contract: Navigate the offer stage and pre-contract arrangements with confidence. Once a property is selected, your agent negotiates terms with the seller and prepares a Letter of Intent (LOI) or preliminary agreement. This non-binding document outlines the deal structure, protects the buyer’s interest, and allows time for legal due diligence. Step 4: Legal Due Diligence A Greek lawyer performs thorough due diligence, including title verification, checking for encumbrances or debts, and liaising with the notary and seller’s legal team. This step ensures the property is legally secure and ready for transfer. Step 5: Formalities Once due diligence is complete, several formal steps are required to finalize the purchase: Get a Taxpayer Number (AFM) – Required for all financial transactions in Greece. Open a local bank account – Necessary for payments and transaction processing. Conclude a purchase and sale agreement with the seller and pay for the property. Obtain the ownership certificate at the Land Registry – Confirms your legal ownership. Greece allows international buyers to complete the entire process remotely. You can proceed directly or appoint a Power of Attorney (PoA) to handle the transaction through your lawyer. Step 6: Closing – Final Mile The final stage ensures a hassle-free and secure closing: Notary and Lawyer: The Notary Public, together with your lawyer, prepares the Sales Contract, collects documentation, and executes the transaction. Remote Signing: You can authorize a proxy to sign the contract, eliminating the need for physical presence. Hassle-Free Closing: Roula Rouva | Forbes Global Properties  manages all tasks, document collection, and coordination with all parties, providing real-time updates for a fast, risk-free closing. Costs and Fees When Buying Property in Greece It’s important to account for additional costs beyond the property price. These include notary fees, registration taxes, legal fees, and agent fees. Depending on location and service providers, total extra charges usually range between 9–10% of the property price. Notary Fees Notaries handle contract preparation, document verification, and registration with the Land Registry. Fees depend on the complexity of the property and its location. Registration Fees The Land Registry charges a fee for registering ownership and confirming the transfer of property rights. Property Transfer Tax Newly constructed properties are subject to value-added tax, while other properties carry a property transfer tax along with a municipal component. Legal Fees Lawyers provide essential services, including reviewing property titles, preparing contracts, performing due diligence, and coordinating with notaries and sellers. Fees vary depending on the scope of work and property type. Real Estate Agent Fees Real estate agents assist in property selection, negotiations, and finalizing the purchase. Additional Professional Costs Optional services, such as property surveys or inspections, can be arranged to provide a detailed evaluation of the property. Costs depend on the size, location, and complexity of the property. Summary When buying property in Greece, buyers should budget for: Agent fees Notary fees Lawyer fees Public registration fees are 0.5% plus VAT Total: between 9-10% on top of purchase price Golden Visa Benefits for International Buyers Non-EU buyers may be eligible for the Greek Golden Visa Program, which offers: Residency permits for the buyer and family members Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area Long-term security and lifestyle benefits Owning property in Greece through this program provides both a strategic investment and a gateway to Europe. Leran more here Connect with Our Experts for Your Greece InvestmentWith the support of our professional team at Roula Rouva | Forbes Global Properties, the process—from property research and viewings to legal due diligence and final registration—is straightforward, safe, and modern. Greece offers prime locations, strong legal protections, and a premium lifestyle, making it a top choice for expats, retirees, and international investors. Schedule a consultation with our expert team to discover the perfect property for your lifestyle and investment goals in Greece. Contact Us 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.