Buying Property in Greece: Legal Checklist | MBG
A property purchase in Greece involves several professionals and several points where a buyer must decide whether to proceed. The most useful checklist is one that tells you what should be clear before each commitment.
This guide follows the purchase from initial interest through registration. It is a practical sequence for buyers, including those purchasing from abroad. Every property differs, and the required documents and checks depend on the transaction. For a broader view of the search, purchase stages and additional costs, seeGrekodom’s step-by-step guide to buying property in Greece.
Before you reserve a property or pay a deposit
1. Identify exactly what is being sold. Ask for the property description, available title deeds, plans and cadastral details. For an apartment, clarify any storage space, parking, common areas and ownership shares included in the sale. Check that what you viewed matches the documents.
2. Confirm who can sell it. Your lawyer should establish the seller's ownership and authority, including whether other owners or representatives must sign. Inherited property or a sale through a power of attorney may call for additional documentation.
3. Start legal and technical review early. Have a lawyer review title and relevant Land Registry or Hellenic Cadastre records for mortgages, liens, claims or discrepancies. A qualified engineer should assess building permits, plans and alterations where relevant. These are different checks and both can matter. MBG explains the distinction in itsdue diligence article.
4. Understand the proposed deposit terms. Ask what the payment secures, who holds it, when it is refundable and what happens if financing fails or the checks reveal a problem. Get those terms reviewed before signing a reservation or preliminary agreement. Do not assume that a small deposit carries a small legal risk.
Before you sign a preliminary agreement
5. Confirm your buyer arrangements. International buyers may need a Greek tax identification number (AFM), translated or legalised documents, and a properly scoped power of attorney if someone will act on their behalf. Ask which steps apply to you and who will coordinate them.
6. Review the deal in writing. Check the parties, property description, price, payment schedule, deadlines, included items and conditions. Record who must resolve any outstanding title, cadastral or planning issue, by when, and what happens if they cannot. Your lawyer should explain the agreement's legal effect before you sign.
7. Know the full cost. Budget beyond the price for the applicable transfer tax or other tax treatment, notarial and registration charges, professional fees and any financing costs. MBG has a separateguide to property taxation in Greece; confirm current amounts and eligibility with a Greek tax professional for your transaction.
Before the final notarial deed
8. Resolve the checks, rather than merely collecting reports. If a mortgage must be discharged, a cadastral record corrected or a building issue addressed, get a clear plan and evidence of completion. Compare the final property description and documents with what was originally agreed. MBG'sCadastre guide explains why registered details matter.
9. Confirm the notary's document list and completion plan. The notary prepares and executes the transfer deed and checks the documentation required for it. Ask what the seller, buyer, lawyer, engineer and accountant must provide, and confirm how payment and signing will be coordinated. MBG'sproperty acquisition service page describes its support for buyers.
10. Verify payment instructions independently. Confirm account details through a trusted channel, especially if they arrive or change by email. Agree who will confirm receipt and retain a clear payment trail.
After signing
11. Confirm registration. Ask who will submit the deed to the appropriate Land Registry or Hellenic Cadastre office, how completion of registration will be checked and which copies you will receive. Signing the deed is not the end of the administrative checklist.
12. Keep the transaction file and plan ongoing obligations. Retain the deed, proof of registration, payment records and supporting documents. Discuss property tax filings, insurance, utilities and any intended rental or residence arrangements with the relevant advisers.
Quick checklist to save
|
Stage |
Check before moving on |
|
Before a deposit |
Seller and property identified; legal and technical review started; deposit terms understood |
|
Before a preliminary agreement |
Buyer documents ready; price, conditions, deadlines and unresolved issues recorded |
|
Before the deed |
Title and technical issues addressed; costs and notarial documents confirmed; payment details verified |
|
After signing |
Deed submitted for registration; proof and transaction records retained |
How MBG can help
MBG Consulting Services says it supports international buyers by coordinating property documentation, legal and technical professionals, tax and administrative steps, notarial preparation and post-purchase matters. If you are preparing to buy property in Greece,contact MBG to discuss the documents and sequence for your particular purchase.
This article is general information, not legal, tax or technical advice. Have qualified Greek professionals review the specific property and transaction before committing funds or signing documents.
