Selling Property in Corfu: How the Process Works, Step by Step

Selling a home in Corfu is often an emotional decision: a family house, a villa you built, a holiday home the children have outgrown. It deserves a sale that is handled with the same care, from the first conversation about price to the day you hand over the keys.

This guide gives a simple overview of how a sale works in Corfu and Paxos, how we present your home to buyers around the world and how our team, your lawyer and a notary look after the formalities. It is for general guidance only. Every sale is different, and your lawyer and accountant will advise on the details of yours. If you live abroad, most of the process can be handled from a distance.

How does selling a property in Corfu work?

Selling a property in Corfu usually follows six steps: a valuation, preparing the property and its paperwork, marketing and viewings, the offer, the agreement with your buyer, and the final contract at the notary. Here is what each step involves.

Step 1: How do you price a home in Corfu?

A good price starts from what similar homes nearby are offered at and what buyers are looking for right now. Every Corfu home is individual, and even neighbouring homes can differ widely: in Pentati, for example, we currently list a renovated 85 m² stone house at €190,000 and a cliff-top villa on a 10,000 m² plot at €4 million. Location, view, condition, size and extras such as a pool explain most of the difference. Our Corfu property prices guide shows real examples by property type.

Buyers in Corfu compare many homes online before they visit. A realistic price, with the home well presented, attracts more viewings and the strongest offers, and usually leads to a smoother sale.

Step 2: How do you prepare your home for sale?

Preparation has two sides: the paperwork and the presentation. On the paperwork side, the notary and your buyer’s lawyer will need a set of documents about the property. Your lawyer and engineer know exactly what is required for your home and take care of it. Starting early means that when the right buyer comes along, you’re ready to move.

On the presentation side, small things make a big difference: a tidy garden, a sparkling pool, open shutters and fresh flowers on the terrace. We prepare professional photos and video that show the home, the views and the lifestyle it offers. If your property was inherited, your lawyer will also guide the family through the steps needed before the sale.

Step 3: How do you reach the right buyers?

Around 98% of our clients come from abroad, so the buyer for your Corfu home may well be searching from London, Amsterdam, Munich, Zurich or New York. That’s why we present homes in English, German, French, Russian and Greek, and why being the exclusive representative of Forbes Global Properties in Greece matters: luxury homes reach an international audience of buyers looking for exceptional properties.

• International reach: listings in several languages and through the Forbes Global Properties network.
• Qualified buyers: we introduce your home to buyers already searching for similar properties.
• Accompanied viewings: our advisers show the home and answer buyers’ questions, so you don’t need to be there.
• Discreet sales: for high-value homes, we can present your property privately to selected buyers without public advertising. Our article on off-market luxury property explains how that works.

Spring and early summer are traditionally busy times for viewings in Corfu, and international buyers search all year round, so a well-presented home can attract interest in any season.

Step 4: The offer and negotiation

When a buyer makes an offer, we negotiate on your behalf: not only the price, but also the timing, what furniture or equipment is included and any other terms. Our aim is an agreement that works for you and keeps the buyer committed through to completion.

Step 5: The agreement with your buyer

Once the terms are agreed, the lawyers on both sides prepare the sale. Your buyer’s lawyer reviews the property’s documents, and your lawyer looks after your side. Our team coordinates between everyone, keeps the process moving and keeps you updated at every stage. Our step-by-step buyer’s guide shows how the process looks from the buyer’s side.

Step 6: Closing at the notary

The sale is completed when the final contract is signed before a notary. You can sign in person or, if you live abroad, through a power of attorney, so your lawyer signs on your behalf. Payment is made through the bank, and the notary and lawyers complete the registration of the new owner.

Why sell with our team?

Roula Rouva | Forbes Global Properties has helped owners and buyers in Corfu and Paxos since 2003, with offices in Corfu Town and Dafni. Our advisers know the island area by area, and our network of engineers, architects and partner lawyers helps every sale run smoothly. For owners abroad, we can be your eyes and hands on the island, from viewings to the final signature.

Buyers from outside the EU, including the UK, continue to show strong interest in Corfu. Our guide for UK buyers after Brexit shows how they approach a purchase.

If you’re thinking of selling, a free valuation is the right first step. We’ll tell you what your home is likely to sell for, how we’d present it and what to prepare, so you can decide your next move with confidence.

Roula Rouva | Forbes Global Properties

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.