Buying property in Greece offers tremendous lifestyle and investment potential — but it also comes with legal risks. Whether you’re buying a holiday home, rental property, or qualifying for a Golden Visa, legal due diligence is critical before signing any agreement.
Here’s what every foreign buyer should know before investing in Greek real estate.
🛡 What Is Legal Due Diligence?
Legal due diligence is the process of verifying that a property is free of legal problems such as:
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Ownership disputes
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Hidden mortgages or liens
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Zoning violations
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Construction without permits
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Pending lawsuits or inheritance claims
🛑 Without proper checks, your investment could be delayed — or legally invalid.
🧾 What Your Lawyer Should Review
A licensed Greek property lawyer will:
🔍 Check the property title at the Land Registry
📜 Confirm ownership history and property boundaries
💸 Ensure no unpaid taxes, mortgages, or claims
📐 Verify legality of the building’s size and permits
📝 Examine urban planning and zoning restrictions
🏛 Ensure the seller has full legal capacity to transfer ownership
📌 For new builds, lawyers also review developer licenses and compliance certificates.
📂 Required Documents for Due Diligence
Your lawyer will request:
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Title deed (notarial act)
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Topographic plan with coordinates
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ENFIA property tax clearance
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Building permit documents
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Land Registry certificate
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Energy efficiency certificate (EPC)
📑 All documents must be originals or certified copies.
⚠️ Red Flags to Watch For
❌ Seller is not the legal owner
❌ Property is subject to ongoing inheritance or court claims
❌ Part of the building is illegal or unlicensed
❌ Construction exceeds zoning rules
❌ Debts tied to the property
💬 These are common in Greece — and are often missed without a lawyer.
🏗 Buying Off-Plan or Under Construction?
Extra care is needed. Your lawyer should:
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Review the developer’s license and permits
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Examine building specifications and deadlines
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Protect your rights in the payment schedule
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Confirm penalty clauses for delays or delivery failures
📌 Never make full payment before legal review and contract signing.
🧭 When Does Due Diligence Happen?
🗓 Before you pay a deposit or sign the preliminary agreement.
The process usually takes 5–10 working days, depending on document access and municipal responsiveness.
⚖️ Why Work with Borderless Lawyers?
We offer:
🔎 Full title and zoning verification
📝 Legal review of all contracts
🛂 Coordination with notaries and tax offices
📞 Representation throughout the entire transaction
📁 Translation of legal documents for your records
We help protect your investment — and your peace of mind.
📞 Ready to Buy Property in Greece Safely?
Whether you’re an investor, retiree, or relocating family, your real estate purchase deserves legal clarity.
💬 Book a consultation with Borderless Lawyers and ensure your property deal is 100% secure before you commit.
✉️ Your home in Greece starts with legal confidence.