When buying real estate in Greece, your expenses go well beyond the property’s asking price. As a foreign buyer, it’s essential to understand property transfer taxes, legal fees, and other transaction costs to avoid surprises and stay compliant with Greek law.
This guide breaks down the real estate taxes and costs you’ll encounter, with clear explanations of who pays what — and how Borderless Lawyers ensures you pay only what’s fair and legal.
🧾 Property Transfer Tax (Φόρος Μεταβίβασης Ακινήτου – ΦΜΑ)
This is the main tax paid by the buyer when purchasing a property.
| Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Property Transfer Tax | 3.09% of the declared sale price |
📝 This tax is paid before the notarial signing and is a precondition for completing the transfer.
The tax applies to:
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Resale properties
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Residential homes, apartments, and commercial spaces
🧾 VAT on New Properties
VAT applies only to newly constructed properties (usually from developers) with permits issued after 2006.
| Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Value Added Tax (VAT) | 24% on the property value (if applicable) |
🔒 Currently, VAT is suspended on most new residential properties in Greece. Always confirm with your lawyer whether transfer tax or VAT applies.
🧮 Example: Property Tax Calculation
For a €250,000 resale property:
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Property Transfer Tax: €250,000 × 3.09% = €7,725
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VAT: Not applicable (resale)
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Total tax: €7,725 (plus legal fees)
📋 Notary Fees
| Fee Type | Cost Estimate |
|---|---|
| Base Notary Fee | 0.8%–1.2% of declared value |
| Extras (copies, certifications) | €100–€300 |
| Total Estimate (on €250,000) | ~€2,000–€2,500 |
The buyer pays the notary, unless otherwise agreed.
👨⚖️ Lawyer Fees
A lawyer is strongly recommended (and required by many banks or POA transactions).
| Service | Cost Estimate |
|---|---|
| Due diligence & title search | 0.8%–1.5% of purchase price |
| Full legal representation (incl. POA) | Flat fee or percentage |
Borderless Lawyers offers fixed-fee packages for full property transactions, especially for foreign clients buying remotely.
🧾 Land Registry & Cadastre Fees
| Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Land Registry Fee | 0.5%–0.7% |
| Hellenic Cadastre Filing | €35–€100 depending on region |
💼 Real Estate Agent Fees
| Party | Typical Fee |
|---|---|
| Buyer | 2%–2.5% of purchase price |
| Seller | 2%–2.5% of purchase price |
⚠️ Always clarify whether the price includes the agent’s fee, and whether both buyer and seller are charged.
🏠 Annual Property Taxes (After Purchase)
ENFIA – Uniform Real Estate Ownership Tax
This is Greece’s annual property tax, based on property size, location, and use.
| Property Type | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Apartment or home | €2–€13 per sq.m annually |
| Land (urban) | Variable |
You’ll need to file an E9 form and declare ownership to the Greek tax office annually.
🧾 Other Post-Purchase Costs
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Utility reconnection or setup: €150–€400
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Municipal fees or adjustments: varies by area
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Home insurance: not mandatory, but recommended
🧠 Tax Residency & Declaration
If you spend more than 183 days/year in Greece, you may be considered a tax resident and must declare worldwide income.
📌 Our tax lawyers at Borderless Lawyers provide full residency planning for property owners.
💼 How Borderless Lawyers Helps You Save
We guide clients through every step of the tax process:
✅ Clarify whether VAT or transfer tax applies
✅ Minimize declared value risks (no under-declaration)
✅ Calculate full tax & fee estimate upfront
✅ Handle tax ID (AFM) and ENFIA filings
✅ Provide POA service so you don’t need to be present
✅ Ensure compliance with all legal and tax obligations
❓ FAQ – Real Estate Taxes in Greece
Q: Can I pay property transfer tax from abroad?
A: Yes — through your Greek bank account or via POA through your lawyer.
Q: Can taxes be reduced through a lower declared price?
A: No. This is illegal. Under-declaring property value can lead to audits, fines, and criminal charges.
Q: Does buying property make me a tax resident in Greece?
A: Not by default — but if you spend more than 183 days/year there, tax residency rules apply.
🏛️ Know the Costs Before You Buy
Avoid financial surprises. A beautiful home in Greece should come with peace of mind—not hidden tax risks.
👉 Book a tax and legal consultation with Borderless Lawyers today to get a full breakdown of your property costs and obligations.