In Greece, property purchases can be risky without proper legal due diligence. Unlike some countries where title insurance is common, in Greece the responsibility to verify ownership, debts, and zoning issues falls squarely on your lawyer.
If you’re a foreigner buying property in Greece, conducting thorough due diligence is absolutely essential to avoid fraud, litigation, or costly surprises.
🔍 What Is Legal Due Diligence in Greece?
Due diligence is a structured legal process that verifies a property’s:
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Ownership and history
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Title clarity and absence of encumbrances
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Legal construction status
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Zoning and urban planning compliance
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Tax and utility records
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Litigation or inheritance issues
This step must be completed before signing any pre-contract or purchase agreement.
📘 Key Title and Ownership Checks
Your lawyer will conduct a title search at the local Land Registry or Cadastre, checking for:
| Item Checked | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Title deed (contract of ownership) | Verifies legal owner and previous transfers |
| Mortgages or liens | Hidden debts can transfer to you |
| Court disputes or claims | Prevents involvement in ongoing litigation |
| Co-ownership status | Important if shared with heirs or family |
| Building permits | Ensures legal construction and extensions |
✅ Borderless Lawyers conducts full title checks in both urban and rural areas across Greece.
🏗️ Urban Planning & Zoning Compliance
Especially important for land purchases or villas, your lawyer must verify:
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Zoning laws (residential, agricultural, commercial use)
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Building rights (sq.m. allowed)
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Legal building permits
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“Arbitrary constructions” (unauthorized structures or renovations)
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Compliance with energy and environmental standards
Failure to confirm this can result in fines, demolition orders, or building restrictions.
💡 Common Risks We Help You Avoid
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❌ Buying from someone who is not the sole legal owner
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❌ Property subject to seizure due to debt
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❌ Illegal renovations or structures not declared
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❌ Zoning restrictions that prevent renovation
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❌ Overlapping boundaries or disputes with neighbors
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❌ Unpaid taxes or utilities that must be cleared before transfer
📜 Verifying Taxes, Utilities, and Municipal Obligations
Before completing a property transfer, due diligence must also verify:
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Paid Property Transfer Tax (ΦΜΑ)
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ENFIA tax status (annual real estate tax)
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No unpaid municipal taxes or utility debts
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Proper registration in the Cadastre system (Κτηματολόγιο)
🧾 Sample Documents Reviewed During Due Diligence
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Title deed
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Building permits and floor plans
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Property tax statements (ENFIA)
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Energy performance certificate (EPC)
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Property survey / topographic diagram
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Land Registry extract or Cadastre map
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Seller’s tax clearance and ID documents
🧑💼 Do You Need a Lawyer to Perform Due Diligence?
Yes — in Greece, only a licensed lawyer can access official registries and verify legal ownership records.
A notary does not replace the legal role of the buyer’s lawyer.
Borderless Lawyers represents foreign buyers remotely or in person, and can act under Power of Attorney to carry out the full legal verification process on your behalf.
💼 How Borderless Lawyers Protects Foreign Buyers
We handle due diligence for properties in:
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Athens, Thessaloniki, Crete, the Cyclades, and more
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Urban apartments, rural land, and commercial spaces
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Both new construction and resale properties
Our service includes:
✅ Title and encumbrance search
✅ Legal property boundary verification
✅ Full zoning and urban compliance report
✅ Tax, permit, and utility checks
✅ POA service so you can buy remotely
❓ FAQ – Legal Due Diligence in Greece
Q: How long does the due diligence process take?
A: Typically 1–2 weeks depending on the location and registry.
Q: Can I skip due diligence if I know the seller?
A: No — it’s risky even with “trusted” sellers. Hidden debts or ownership issues are common.
Q: What if the title is unclear or disputed?
A: We recommend against proceeding unless full clarity can be established or court resolution has occurred.
🛡️ Invest in Property, Not in Legal Problems
Greece offers great real estate opportunities—but only if you buy legally and safely. Legal due diligence protects your money, your property, and your peace of mind.
👉 Book a consultation today with Borderless Lawyers and secure your property purchase with confidence.