Buy Property in Greece
Are you thinking of purchasing a property in Greece?
Lawyer
Hiring a lawyer is essential when you buy a house in Greece. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal and administrative procedures. They will also do a property checkup which means:
– Checking if the property is free of mortgage notes
– Checking whether there are any restrictions or prohibitions on the property
– Checking that the property is free of any liens, legal encumbrances or liabilities
– Checking that the dimensions are correct
– Checking the property title
If you buy a property at Barclay Conrad’s, our team will take care of these matters. Our lawyer will carry out these checks for you.
Accountant
In addition to hiring a lawyer, we also recommend hiring an accountant. Your accountant can help you with the tax returns and provide you with information about property taxation in Greece.
If you buy real estate in Greece, you must pay transfer tax, which is 3% on the purchase value, to the Greek tax authorities.
You also need to pay the notary fees and public registration fees.
There is also an annual real estate tax in Greece. The amount depends on the value of your property.
Buying property in Greece requires a Greek Tax Number (AFM).
Our team will also arrange this for you.
Notary
In Greece, the notary is independent. Which means that a notary represents neither the interests of the buyer nor the seller.
The buyer and seller sign the final purchase contract at the notary’s office. The notary submits the contract to the Mortgage Office or the local Land Registry.
The cadastral costs amount to approximately 0.5% of the purchased property.
The notary fees are 2% of the amount described in the document + 24% VAT.
Greek bank account
It is not necessary to open a Greek bank account but it will be required at some stage to make payments. For example, to pay your taxes, insurance, water and energy bills.
If you want to open a bank account, you will need to choose a bank and provide the bank with some necessary information. Here’s what you will need.
– Passport
– Your Greek tax number (AFM)
– Proof of home and work address
– Proof of your income (copy of your employment contract or extract form the Chamber of Commerce)
Please note that you need to make a deposit to pay your bank fees.
Buying a house in Greece as a non-EU citizen
If you are not a citizen of the EU and want to buy a house in Greece, then the golden visa program (citizenship by investment) may be interesting for you.
It is one of the most popular investment visa programs in the EU. If you invest at least €250,000 in real estate in Greece, you get a five-year residence permit. Your family members can be included in the application.
After five years, the visa can be extended. With the Greek golden visa program, you and your family members will be able to travel visa-free within Europe’s Schengen Area.
At Barclay Conrad’s, we will guide you through the entire purchase process. You do not have to worry about arranging a lawyer, accountant or notary.
