The purchase and sale of a property in Greece involves more than just the agreed purchase price.
Both the buyer and the seller are subject to specific taxes and additional costs, which should be known in advance in order to avoid any unexpected expenses during the transaction.
Costs Paid by the Buyer
The main tax borne by the buyer is the property transfer tax, which amounts to 3% of the property’s objective value (or the declared value, if it is higher).
This tax must be paid before the signing of the purchase contract.
📌 Note:
For newly built properties with a building permit issued after 2006, VAT at a rate of 24% may apply, provided that there is no exemption for a first home purchase.
Notary Fees:
The notary is responsible for drafting and signing the property purchase agreement.
The notary’s fee usually ranges from 0.8% to 1.2% of the property value.
Additional administrative costs and VAT are also applicable.
In most cases, the cost is borne by the buyer.
Land Registry/Candistre Fees:
After the signing of the purchase contract, the property transfer must be officially registered with the:
Land Registry or
Cadastre Office
The cost is approximately 0.5% – 0.7% of the property value.
Real Estate Agent'sFee:
If a real estate agency is involved:
The fee usually ranges from 2% to 3% of the purchase price
VAT at 24% is added
In most cases, the fee is paid by the buyer, unless otherwise agreed between the parties.
The seller of a property in Greece also has specific financial obligations as part of the transaction.
These costs mainly relate to the preparation of the property and, in certain cases, to applicable tax liabilities.
Seller’s Costs
Capital Gains Tax (Where Applicable):
Capital gains tax applies to the difference between the property’s purchase price and its sale price.
In practice, the application of this tax has been suspended in recent years; however, it may be reintroduced in the future.
Real Estate Agent's Fee:
The seller may also be required to pay:
2% – 3% of the sale price
VAT at 24%
The exact percentage depends on the agreement with the real estate agency.
Property Documentation.
Preparation Cots:
The seller is responsible for covering the costs related to the preparation of the property file, including:
ENFIA tax clearance certificate
Energy Performance Certificate
Engineer’s certificates and technical statements
These costs vary depending on the property and the professionals involved.
The purchase and sale of property in Greece involves several costs beyond the purchase price. Proper information and cooperation with experienced professionals—such as real estate agents, notaries, and engineers—help ensure that the process is completed smoothly and securely.
The applicable taxes and costs are the same for both Greek and foreign buyers and sellers.
