Greece has become one of the top destinations for international property buyers in 2026. After the global economic crisis of 2008, the Greek property market has recovered in value and continues to offer investors attractive opportunities. While Athens continues to serve as the country’s primary real estate investment hub, other regions are also seeing notable price growth. As a result, purchasing property in Greece still offers strong potential for foreign investors, especially when the right location and asset type are selected.
A key driver behind the increasing demand to Greek real estate is the Greece Golden Visa program. Through this scheme, investors can obtain a renewable five-year residence permit with a minimum investment starting from €250,000. As long as the investment is maintained, the permit can be renewed, and it also provides visa-free access across the Schengen Area for the investor and their family. So, what does the process of buying property in Greece involve? Let’s take a closer look.
Key Highlights for Greek Real Estate in 2026
- As a foreigner, you can buy property in Greece as long as you meet the legal requirements.
- Buying property in Greece has become a smart move with the potential for property appreciation. Greece Property Evaluation highlights that many areas are expected to see a 10-15% adjustment to their official property valuation rates.
- While buying a property in Greece, you should conduct thorough legal due diligence, verify the property’s title and zoning status, use an independent lawyer, and check for any liens or planning restrictions to avoid common pitfalls.
- If you invest in Greece Golden Visa properties (minimum €250,000), you can get 5 ear residency without any minimum stay requirements and include your family members in your application.
What to Expect?
- Golden Visa Path: Can Foreigners Buy Real Estate in Greece?
- Top 5 Benefits of Buying Property in Greece as a Foreign Investor
- How To Purchase Property in Greece?
- Required Documents for Property Purchase in Greece
- Top 7 Steps for Buying a House in Greece as an Expat
- 5 Main Things To Consider Before Buying Property in Greece
- Top 12 Best Places To Buy Property in Greece
- Pitfalls of Buying a House in Greece
- Real Estate Taxes in Greece
- Mortgage in Greece: Financing a Property
Golden Visa Path: Can Foreigners Buy Real Estate in Greece?
There are no restrictions as to who can purchase property in Greece, yet EU citizens or residents have a considerable advantage in the process. EU residents/citizens often encounter no problems whatsoever during the property transaction process, but non-EU citizens must prove their connection to Greece and their intent to reside in Greece without being Greek citizens. Their application is processed by the Ministry of Defense, which evaluates the submitted proof of intent and connection.
So, why buying a property on Greece as a foreigner? Most regions are driven by foreign investor demand. They mainly prefer it for its Greece Golden Visa route cause still it is still one of the unique programs in Europe that allows you to purchase property and get residency. According to the latest government statistics, the largest number of applicants comes from China, Turkey, Lebanon, the UK, Iran, and the US.
As a result, many foreign investors today are choosing to buy property in Greece as part of long term future planning. One of the key drivers behind this decision is the education for many families. Investors want their children to access European standard schooling. Alongside the international schools already operating in 2026, Athens and its surrounding areas are seeing growing interest from institutions like Sorbonne and Essex, which have secured licenses and are in the process of opening campuses. According to Get Golden Visa’s own data, we have recently been seeing more cases where the decision is shaped primarily by the child’s future.
Greece’s close proximity to neighboring countries is another major advantage. Many investors aim to generate rental income through residential property, while also preferring a location that’s easy to access. At the same time, some buyers intend to use the property as a summer home or relocate to Greece later on.
Buying Property in Greece as an American: Is it Possible?
American investors can purchase property in Greece without being citizens or residents of Greece. In fact, Americans are increasingly investing in Greek real estate to get residency under its Golden Visa program. By doing so, they achieve both European residency without a full-time relocation requirement and flexibility. Based on Get Golden Visa’s investor queries, most of these American Investors want a plan B option for their future, some consider Greece as a second home and visit annually for the summer season, while others consider it as a buy-to-let option to generate rental income.
The first requirement for buying a property in Greece is to become a taxpayer. After opening a Greek bank account, one can register for a tax number. Then the buyer’s lawyer checks the property titles and produces the necessary documents for the transaction.
The next step is to sign the title transition contract, which can only be done if the buyer is ready to pay the full price of the property. Then all the documents are submitted for the registry, and the Land Registry issues a certificate for the property title. The only additional steps to these are choosing the property and negotiating the price with the seller.
Buying Property in Greece from the UK
After Brexit, many UK citizens are also using property purchases in Greece to obtain the Golden Visa. This route is attractive because it provides a way to secure long-term residency rights in the EU through a real estate investment. So, instead of only buying vacation homes, a significant share of UK citizens now combine lifestyle use with residency planning.
Top 5 Benefits of Buying Property in Greece as a Foreign Investor
Is buying property in Greece a good investment? The Greek culture, coastlines, cuisine, landscape, business opportunities, and many other advantages are in themselves sufficient for buying property in Greece.
Apart from that, go through these perks mentioned below. These will entice you to make your decision sooner.
1. Low Taxes
Greece indeed has a lot to offer to foreigners investing in the country. If your native country is under a tax treaty with Greece, you don’t have to pay double taxes. Moreover, income from Greece’s properties will be taxable in Greece only, and any income from abroad will be tax-free.
The current PM of the country, Mitsotakis, has even announced VAT suspension on the real estate properties in the country. However, you’ll have to pay a property tax each year.
You can also be eligible for the Greek Non-Dom Tax regime, paying a flat €100,000 tax on your foreign income per year. Plus, you can extend it by €20,000 for additional family members. To qualify:
- You should not be a tax resident in Greece for 7 of the last 8 years.
- You must invest at least €500,000 in Greece. It can be a real estate investment, government bonds, or shares of Greek companies.
For retirees in Greece, there is also a 7% flat tax regime on foreign income.
2. Affordable Lifestyle
The country has been blessed with a rich past, splendid scenery, and a treasure of Greek values. Not to mention, the Greeks emphasize family, tradition, and a love of the outdoors. Moreover, Greece offers an affordable lifestyle for all. From a small town to a big tech city, the way of living is full of tranquility and pride.
Moreover, not only is buying property in Greece easy but the lifestyle too, as compared to other European countries, is better than many.
3. Easy To Travel to
Furthermore, with its great connections with the rest of the world, you can travel to Greece without any inconvenience. Therefore, no one will ever find it troubling to reach there. In fact, once you have landed in the country, you will find out that the local transportation system is also very affordable and connected to every town.
4. Expat-friendly
Since it is a welcoming country, the Greeks will treat you as one of their own as soon as you land in the country. Moreover, as more and more people from the EU and non-EU countries are moving to Greece, you will likely find familiar faces amidst the crowd.
Therefore, with these many luxury benefits, who wouldn’t like to move to Greece?
We anticipate you will make a move and buy a property there, so the next section will take you through the buying process.
5. Greece Golden Visa, a Path to European Residency
Greece has a Golden Visa scheme that grants residency in return for investment. If the house you’re going to buy costs a minimum of €250,000, you can be eligible for Greece Golden Visa. With this program, you get visa-free access to Schengen countries and many other benefits.
How To Purchase Property in Greece and Get Residency?
Introduced in 2013, the Greece Golden Visa remains one of the few residency by investment programs in Europe that still allows applicants to qualify through real estate. As long as the eligibility criteria are met, investors can obtain a five year residence permit with no minimum stay requirement. This permit can also be renewed indefinitely, provided the property investment is maintained.
To be eligible for the Greek Golden Visa, you must invest in one of the following property types:
- €250,000: Residential units created through the conversion of commercial properties, regardless of location. These are typically favored by investors focused on generating rental income.
- €400,000: Properties of at least 120 m² located in areas of Greece with a population under 3,100. This option tends to appeal to those seeking a quieter lifestyle, often with future relocation plans in mind.
- €800,000: Properties of at least 120 m² in more densely populated areas (over 3,100 residents), including well-known locations such as Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, and Santorini. This category is commonly chosen by buyers planning to live in Greece.
Once you make your property investment, you can benefit from a 5-year residency permit in Greece, with visa free travel across the Schengen area.
After the real estate is chosen and the paperwork is completed, the buyer has to pay several additional fees like the notary fee, a stamp duty, and the registration fee. Upon approval of the transaction at the notary, the buyer must register the property with the local Land Registry.
After this final step is completed, the buyer becomes an official property owner in Greece.
Requirements for Buying Property in Greece
If you are planning to obtain residency through the Greece Golden Visa program, you must first meet the following criteria as the main applicant:
- Be a citizen of a non-EU/EEA country
- Have a clean criminal record
- Hold valid health insurance covering yourself and your family
You can also include your spouse, children under the age of 21, and parents of any age in your application. One of the features that makes the Greece Golden Visa particularly family friendly is the absence of an age limit for parents. As a result, many investors today structure applications around their child as the main applicant, while including themselves as dependents.
In addition, the property you purchase must meet the following conditions:
- Full ownership of the property must belong to you
- If the property is acquired through a legal entity, the applicant must own 100% of the company shares
- You cannot use a Greek bank mortgage to cover the minimum investment requirement.
Required Documents for Property Purchase in Greece
In Greece, to comply with the local regulations, foreigners buy property by submitting the following documents:
- A valid passport
- AFM (Tax Registry Number)
- Valid visa to enter Greece (in case of a non-EU national)
- Residence proof
- Copy of tax returns
- Government-issued ID proofs
Get Golden Visa: Your Guide to Greece Golden Visa
Get Golden Visa is a global mobility consultancy. We provide end-to-end solutions for residence and citizenship-by-investment programs in numerous countries worldwide.
We helped hundreds of clients find the right property in Greece through our local office.
Contact us and speak with one of our experienced team members to answer any questions you may have.
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Top 7 Steps for Buying a House in Greece as an Expat
1. Get In Touch with Get Golden Visa Team
Since 2014, Get Golden Visa has advised over 100,000 investors from 47 nationalities on residency and citizenship by investment programs. This experience with the global investors all around the world has helped us to develop a global and independent advisory approach.
After you get in touch with us, we can arrange a consultation either in person in one of our offices in Athens, Istanbul, Lisbon, or London, or online, depending on your preference. Here, the very first thing you need to do is decide the type of property you want to buy. For instance, you have ample options, such as apartments, villas, village homes, or business properties.
Following our initial consultation, together with our local experts in Greece, we will evaluate your criteria and investment objectives to present a tailored shortlist of suitable options. In this respect, our independent advisory approach focuses on defining the right real estate strategy for your goals, rather than simply offering one project.
2. Visit the property for a thorough examination
What’s better than visiting the site in person and gaining insight into what you are buying? Therefore, once you have identified the properties you are interested in buying, travel to Greece and view them.
Besides, check the surroundings and amenities that you’re looking for in a house. Not to mention, a local guide will make your task smoother and save you time.
3. Select the property to buy
After visiting all the shortlisted properties, it’s time to settle for one through carefully conducting property viewings. If you seek some more assurance, give it a double check, a second visit.
Note: It would be great if you could hire a real estate agent with local expertise in the procedure to handle all legal matters related to it.
4. Quote and negotiate the property price
Take care of your budget and quote an amount that fits your pocket. But make sure that you’re not proposing an unreasonable amount.
Take exchange rates, mortgage availability, and rates into consideration. After you have negotiated and settled on a final price, you are halfway to buying a property in Greece.
Note: Make sure to check any additional charges that increase the property’s price, such as VAT.
5. Reserve the property
Reserve the property by depositing a small amount with the seller to affirm that you will buy the property. This deposit is usually 10 percent of the total price. You will get your preliminary contract.
Caution: Do not pay any amount without consulting with your lawyer, as you may be asked to sign a few documents as well.
6. Draft the Final Deed
Once the lawyer has examined all the regulations, taxes involved, and debts, you will get a copy of the contract from the seller. Also, you will have to go to the notary for the final draft. Once the final deed has been signed before the notary, the process will be recorded in the public records.
The seller will be asked to provide a tax certificate to verify their past record.
7. Get your Tax Number
To get the Greek Tax Registry Number issued, you need to visit the nearest tax office to where you reside. Don’t worry, you do not need an appointment for this.
The Greek Tax Number is called the AFM, and you will get it after you have obtained your full registration card or Residence Permit of Greece. This step can also be done through a legal representative. Besides, get the access codes to the “TAXIS” system to fulfill its reporting obligations.
Finally, after the above procedure is complete, submit the certificates and contract papers to the Registry of Mortgages.
Is It Possible to Obtain Citizenship by Buying Property in Greece?
First of all, under the Golden Visa program, Greece only grants a residence permit, not citizenship. So, you cannot just buy property in greece get citizenship in Greece. In other words, if you purchase property and meet the required minimum investment threshold, you can obtain a Greek residence permit valid for five years without any minimum residency requirement. You can simply renew it every five years as long as you maintain your investment.
Citizenship, however, requires full time residence. To apply for citizenship, you must live in Greece for at least 183 days per year over a period of seven years.
In addition, the other requirements for citizenship are as follows:
- Being a registered taxpayer in Greece
- Greek language proficiency (at least B1 level)
- Passing an exam on Greek history and culture
5 Main Things To Consider Before Buying Property in Greece
So, now that you’re ready to take a plunge into the new way of living, below are a few factors to keep in mind while buying property in Greece.
1. Determine your criteria
The type of property you choose will depend on several factors, including the size of your family, lifestyle needs, available amenities, and the surrounding area. If you have a smaller household, a two bedroom apartment may be perfectly adequate. However, if you have children or anticipate living with extended family members, such as parents, opting for a villa can be a more practical and comfortable long-term solution. If your primary objective is rental income, your selection criteria may differ significantly, with greater emphasis on location and return potential.
During the property selection process, it is essential to carefully evaluate the project’s background, the developer’s track record, and the current stage of construction. In Greece, particular caution should be exercised when dealing with developers who lack an established local presence or who have recently entered the market from abroad and rapidly launched new projects. In such cases, conducting thorough due diligence and critically assessing all claims is crucial.
When purchasing directly from a developer, it is also important to be aware of the potential lack of objectivity. Developers are unlikely to highlight any drawbacks of their own projects. For this reason, involving an independent third-party advisor is highly recommended to ensure a balanced and well-informed decision-making process.
2. Consider what the must-haves and the nice-to-haves are
Deciding to buy a property in a foreign country may not be as straightforward as in your home country. When purchasing a home in an unfamiliar area, it is important to consider all key factors, such as the heating system, proximity to public transportation, and amenities like a swimming pool or parking facilities.
If you are planning to live in Greece full time and have children, it is also highly advisable to research nearby schools and educational options in the area.
3. Know your budget
Greece offers property options for people across every budget range. Once you know your budget, you can easily look at houses that are within your budget. Depending upon the budget, you can settle in any city or town that is offering a property within your range.
4. What is a deal-breaker?
Some of the issues with the property can certainly be a deal-breaker. You may find several flaws during a property tour, such as house maintenance, the pool, and whether the property is pet-friendly. Most importantly, is it even safe to buy a house here, given the surrounding conditions?
5. Transparent Process Management
Real estate investment in Greece has gained significant momentum in recent years. However, this surge in interest has also led to a rise in less favorable experiences for investors. Situations such as unmet promises, construction delays, and rental yields falling below expectations clearly demonstrate the importance of managing the process with care and diligence.
For this reason, one of the most important steps when purchasing property in Greece is to rely on accurate information from trustworthy sources. While the market is full of opinions, working with professionals who have genuine expertise and hands-on experience will help ensure a secure and well-managed investment journey.
In particular, when dealing with legally complex processes like the Golden Visa program, collaborating with an independent and qualified lawyer is essential to protecting your interests and minimizing risk.
Get Golden Visa: How Can We Support for You?
When investing in real estate in Greece, it is important not to limit yourself to a single option. Instead, you should adopt an approach that evaluates all alternatives, offers tailored solutions based on your needs, and operates with full transparency.
At Get Golden Visa, we have been providing services in residency and citizenship by investment programs since 2014, working with investors from 47 different nationalities across 16 programs. Through our real estate arm, Get Properties, we have also supported our clients in their investment journeys across multiple countries, including Portugal, Greece, London, the United States, and the United Kingdom. This experience allows us to offer a truly global perspective while guiding our clients as an independent advisory firm.
With our office in Athens, we can identify and present properties that match your specific requirements, managing the entire process with transparency and tailored solutions.
If you would like to learn more about buying property in Greece, you can get in touch with us by filling out the contact form below.
Where to Buy Property in Greece? Top 10 Best Places
Do you need a life near the sea, or do you want it in the middle of a busy city? You may prefer it more in the countryside! With hundreds of affordable Greek islands and the mainland comprising mountain villages, cities, and high-end resorts, you have plenty of choices.
Take note of your preference and consider which city would be your ideal home.
1. Athens
- Golden Visa Threshold: €250K and €800K
- Rental Yield Potential: 4.4% - 5% annually
- Preferred by: Investors seeking stable rental income, high liquidity, and a central market
Athens, the capital of Greece, stands out as a top choice for many investors. As the country’s primary investment center and a global hub, the Athens Real Estate Market attracts significant international interest. The average cost per square meter of property ranges between €3,118/m2. Accordingly, the latest statistics reveal that around 40% of properties in the area are purchased by foreign buyers.
Moreover, the southern Riviera district is known for its luxury residences and strong capital appreciation. Central Athens, on the other hand, is preferred for its high rental yields, typically ranging from about 4.4% to 5% annually. In contrast, the northern parts of the city are characterized by a more stable, family oriented lifestyle.
Meanwhile, the western areas are experiencing the fastest price growth. Ongoing infrastructure developments are driving demand, especially among investors seeking more affordable options than those in the city center.
2. Thessaloniki
- Golden Visa Threshold: €250K and €800K
- Rental Yield Potential: 4.5% – 6%
- Preferred by: Investors seeking higher growth potential with lower entry prices
Thessaloniki is emerging as a strong alternative to Athens. In 2025, annual housing prices rose by 9.6%, making it a faster-growing market than Athens. Compared to the capital, it offers a lower entry point along with higher growth potential.
This city can be a great option if you are buying property in Greece.
Besides,
- The average cost per square meter of a property is €2,342-€2,620
- The average selling price of a standard apartment is €2,342 per square meter.
Note: The prices of detached houses vary significantly by location, and figures around €100,000 are now primarily found in outer districts or in properties requiring renovation.
Ladadika and Ano Poli are the most famous neighborhoods of Thessaloniki.
3. Mykonos
- Golden Visa Threshold: €250K and €800K
- Rental Yield Potential: High (seasonal, short-term driven)
- Preferred by: High net worth investors focused on luxury and tourism
The real estate of Mykonos is very famous. Lying between Tinos, Syros, Paros, and Naxos, it is one of the most beautiful islands in the country. Property purchases in this area typically focus on upscale, sea-view homes that are well suited for short-term holiday rentals. That’s why the demand is largely driven by global, high net worth investors. Moreover, towns like Chora and Ornos are considered the most family-friendly parts of Mykonos.
While short term rental yields can be particularly strong during the summer season, there are important restrictions to consider. If you purchase a property under the Golden Visa program, you are not allowed to rent it out on a short-term basis. Only long term rentals are permitted.
You can choose from numerous plush villas and apartments.
- Smaller villas or entry level properties in non prime areas can start around €250,000 to €450,000
- Well-finished 2–3-bedroom villas in good locations typically exceed €1 million.
- Large 5+ bedroom villas with pools, sea views, or prime-area positioning typically start at around €3 million and can go significantly higher.
4. Santorini
- Golden Visa Threshold: €250K and €800K
- Rental Yield Potential: Moderate to high
- Preferred by: Lifestyle buyers
The island of Santorini is a treasure trove of Greece with the iconic landscape and turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea. Accordingly, Santorini’s real estate market is primarily defined by its extremely limited supply. Due to the island’s small geographic size, there is very little space available for new construction.
As a result, property prices in Santorini are higher compared to other regions. Despite this, demand remains strong, largely driven by international buyers who aspire to live on the island.
The cost of living in Greece, Santorini and the price of the property are both reasonable.
- The cost per square meter in the center is €4,533/m² to €4,911/m².
5. Corfu
- Golden Visa Threshold: €250K and €800K
- Rental Yield Potential: 3.5%- 5%
- Preferred by: Lifestyle buyers and second-home investors
Corfu has plenty of properties available for sale, including stone houses, beachfront villas, and modern apartments. It is situated on the Ionian Sea and is one of the most beautiful and romantic islands in Greece.
With an investment threshold of €800K for the Golden Visa route, one of Corfu’s key advantages is its strong and well established tourism demand. The island attracts nearly 2.5 million visitors annually, ensuring consistent rental potential. Besides, property prices are generally lower than on ultra luxury islands like Mykonos and Santorini. The price per square meter starts around €2,838 per square meter.
Here, Investors also tend to favor villa type properties. However, the area is most commonly chosen by those planning to live in Greece or purchase a summer home rather than purely investment-driven buyers.
6. Crete
- Golden Visa Threshold: €250K and €800K
- Rental Yield Potential: 4% - 6%
- Preferred by: Long-term investors
Crete, located in southern Greece, stands out as a market driven by tourism, holiday homes, coastal locations, and long-term real estate investment. Within the Golden Visa program, investors can either target converted commercial to residential projects starting around €250K or purchase properties of at least 120 m² in the €800K range.
Top locations for investment on the island typically include Chania, Heraklion, Rethymnon, and Lasithi. These areas are known for their strong appeal to tourists and proximity to the sea. Therefore, they offer solid potential for both rental income and future resale value.
7. Rhodes
- Golden Visa Threshold: €250K and €800K
- Rental Yield Potential: 4.7% – 4.9%
- Preferred by: Investors seeking balance between affordability and steady returns
Rhodes, still offers relatively competitive property prices compared to other regions in Greece. The area has become an attractive market for buyers seeking affordability combined with steady demand. Looking at recent years, price growth in Rhodes has been more stable and balanced. Today, with an average price of around €2,428 per square meter, the market offers annual rental yields of approximately 4.7% to 4.9%.
Under the Greece Golden Visa program, it is still possible to invest at the €250K level with suitable projects. However, since the population of Rhodes exceeds 3,100, the general threshold falls within the €800K investment bracket.
One of the main drivers of demand in this region is its strong tourism appeal. At the same time, the island is not just a seasonal destination, it is also preferred as a year-round living location. For this reason, investors who are considering relocating to Greece in the long term often show particular interest in Rhodes.
8. Halkidiki
- Golden Visa Threshold: €250K and €800K
- Rental Yield Potential: 4% - 5.5%
- Preferred by: Regional investors and holiday home buyers
Thanks to its proximity to Thessaloniki, Halkidiki is a region that attracts both domestic and international investors. In recent years, rising demand has led to an increase in property prices. However, compared to the Greek islands, prices are still relatively accessible.
The most sought-after properties in the area are seaside villas and summer homes. Additionally, properties along the coastline have been among the fastest to appreciate in value.
9. Lesbos
- Golden Visa Threshold: €250K and €800K
- Rental Yield Potential: 3% - 4.5%
- Preferred by: Long-term investors and relocation focused buyers
Lesbos, the third-largest island in Greece, is one of the regions where you can obtain residency through real estate investment under the Golden Visa program. Apart from residential conversion projects, the standard investment threshold is around €800,000. Overall, it is preferred due to its strong growth potential, making it more suitable for investors with a long term perspective.
However, if your primary goal is steady rental income or rapid capital appreciation, it may be more strategic to focus on larger and more liquid markets such as Athens or Thessaloniki, which offer more developed real estate dynamics.
10. Peloponnese
- Golden Visa Threshold: €250K and €800K
- Rental Yield Potential: 5% - 7%
- Preferred by: Value investors and lifestyle buyers
The Peloponnese Peninsula has been one of the regions in Greece experiencing rapid real estate price growth in recent years. Despite this upward trend, prices remain lower than in Athens and the more popular islands, with average prices around €1,600–1,700 per square meter.
The coastal areas form the core of the investment market, while inland regions are generally preferred for lifestyle purchases and lower-budget options. For investment purposes, factors such as proximity to the sea, accessibility, and seasonal rental potential should be considered. Rental yields in the region are typically expected to range between 5% and 7%.
Top 10 Pitfalls of Buying a House in Greece for Foreigners
- You may find that the land registry is not fully completed in some areas, which can make boundaries or property ownership less straightforward than you expect.
- Some properties have missing or irregular building permits. This can delay your purchase or future renovations.
- Homes near the coast, forests, or archaeological sites, such as Crete or Santorini, often come with strict regulations you might not be aware of.
- Transaction costs in the Greek market can feel higher than in other countries, once you add taxes, notary fees, legal fees, and commissions.
- Bureaucratic processes tend to move slowly, so approvals and transfers may take longer than you are used to.
- Older or island properties can come with hidden renovation costs that are not obvious at first glance.
- Asking prices are not always aligned with actual market value, so it’s easy for a foreign buyer to overpay without guidance.
- Ownership can be surprisingly complicated if a property has been inherited by multiple family members, which can stall negotiations.
- Some properties lack proper legal access or essential utilities, even if they appear straightforward in listings.
- Rules for short-term rentals (like Airbnb) change often, which can impact your rental plans or income expectations.
Buying Property in Greece: Real Estate Taxes
During your property purchase process, you must also be aware of the property tax for foreigners in Greece. You have to pay taxes on the acquisition, as well as the annual property tax.
Property Acquisition Taxes
The price and the tax rates in Greek properties are as follows:
Property Acquisition Taxes
The price and the tax rates in Greek properties are as follows:
| Tax / Fee | Rate | Who Pays | What It Means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Transfer Tax (FMA) | 3% of the property’s taxable value | Buyer | This is the central tax when buying resale properties. |
| Municipal Surcharge | 3% of the transfer tax amount | Buyer | A small additional municipality fee applied on top of the 3% transfer tax. |
| Total Effective Transfer Cost | Approximately 3.09% | Buyer | What buyers actually pay in practice (transfer tax + municipal surcharge). |
| VAT on New Properties | Normally 24%, but currently suspended until end-2025 | Buyer | New builds typically taxed at 24% VAT instead of transfer tax. Suspension allows buyers to pay the lower 3.09% rate. |
| Notary Fees | Around 0.8% – 1% of the property value | Buyer | The notary prepares and signs the official purchase contract. |
| Land Registry / Cadastre Fees | Around 0.5% – 0.7% of the property value | Buyer | Mandatory registration of the property in the Greek Land Registry. |
For additional details specific to your situation, it is always best practice to ask a lawyer.
Recurring Property Taxes
Furthermore, when you buy a property in Greece, a transfer tax has to be paid. This rate is usually 3.09 percent of the taxable property value.
Also, a real estate property tax known as the ENFIA (Greece’s annual property tax) is charged annually to both natural and legal entities owning property in Greece. After buying a property, you must submit a declaration of real estate information through the E9 form. This step is necessary because it enables the ENFIA assessment to take place.
Accordingly, your central tax will be calculated based on several criteria, typically 5% or 5.5% of the value of your property. You can pay it annually. You can either pay the full amount in a single payment or split it into up to 10 monthly installments, as long as all payments are made by February of the following year.
Rental Income Taxes in Greece for 2026
Below are the tax rates for the following income amounts:
| Income Tax on Rental Income (Real Estate) – 2026 | |
|---|---|
| Taxable Rental Income (Euro) | Tax Rate |
| Up to €12,000 | 15% |
| €12,001 – €24,000 | 25% |
| €24,001 – €36,000 | 35% |
| Over €36,000 | 45% |
Mortgage in Greece: Financing a Property
The Greek banks no longer provide many mortgages, and even if they do, they don’t lend more than 75 percent of the property’s value. However, some might want you to set 50 percent of the total value.
Furthermore, most banks offer 3.0% to 6.5% percent fixes.
So, if you want to finance your property, you can do it in two ways.
- Remortgage: If you remortgage your current property, you can use the proceeds to buy property in Greece. This way, you will establish your credit record with ease.
- Arrange Cash Through Brokers: Now, arranging money to buy property in Greece can be just a phone call away. The brokers and finance houses will help you with the finances.
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Frequently Asked Questions on the Greek Real Estate Market
Is it easy to buy a house in Greece?
Buying real estate in Greece is not hard, provided that the buyer does their homework. After choosing the property, appointing a competent lawyer who can do the documentation efficiently and quickly can considerably shorten the process.
Is buying property in Athens a good investment?
Now that Greece is back on its track, investing in Athens property and reaping the harvest later is an excellent idea for potential investors.
How much money do I need to deposit to buy property in Greece?
A down payment can be made through online accounts using platforms like TransferWise, which allow customers to view exchange rates and international money transfer charges. The usual deposit for Greek properties is 10 percent of the total price of the real estate.
What are the costs of buying a property in Greece?
The initial cost of buying a home in Greece is, of course, the value of the real estate. There will likely be a 10% down payment on the property before the legal transaction. There are further charges and taxes to be paid during the process. The expenses include taxes, agent fees, lawyer fees, notary fees, and registry charges.
What are the total costs beyond the purchase price in Greek real estate?
Beyond the purchase price, you should budget for about 6-10% in additional costs. These include transfer tax, notary fees, land registry fees, and legal fees.
