Buying property in Greece as a foreigner: yes, full ownership. Border areas and a 2027 plan are the caveats.

Can foreigners buy property in Greece?

Yes. EU and non-EU individuals and companies can buy land and buildings in most of Greece on the same terms as Greeks, as reported by buyer guides. The one nationality-based limit found is in designated border areas, where non-EU/EFTA buyers need the prohibition lifted first.

No government page states the general rule in one sentence; it follows from the border-area law being the only nationality-based restriction located. Detail: foreign ownership in Greece, explained.

Is Greece raising the transfer tax to 15% for non-EU buyers?

It was announced, not legislated. On 5 and 6 September 2026 the Prime Minister announced a rise from 3% to 15% on home purchases by non-EU citizens. As of 22 September 2026 no law was in force, and reports disagree on whether it would start on 1 January or 1 July 2027.

At the Thessaloniki International Fair on 5 and 6 September 2026 the Prime Minister announced that the transfer tax on home purchases by citizens of non-EU countries would rise from 3% to 15%. As of 22 September 2026 it is an announcement, not law. Reports give different start dates, 1 January 2027 or 1 July 2027, and one reports it covers homes only, not commercial premises or plots. Exemptions, the treatment of golden-visa purchases and whether EFTA or UK citizens count as non-EU were not stated in any source found. Check the published bill before you sign.

How does buying property in Greece work, step by step?

Get a Greek tax number (AFM), usually open a Greek bank account, have a lawyer check title at the Cadastre and building legality, sign an optional preliminary contract, file the transfer tax return, sign the notarial deed paying by bank transfer, then register at the Cadastre.

1. AFM: from a tax office or online, or through a lawyer under power of attorney. See the AFM and the Hellenic Cadastre, explained.
2. Deposit: a preliminary contract commonly carries a 10% deposit, as reported.
3. Digital file: since 1 January 2024 the notary runs the transfer through a digital real estate file, pulling tax, engineering and Cadastre certificates.
4. Deed and registration: the notarial deed is filed with the Cadastre.

A lawyer is not legally required in every case, but is standard practice for foreign buyers.

What does it cost to buy property in Greece?

Transfer tax of 3.09% of the higher of the price and the government's objective value, paid by the buyer before the deed. New builds with a permit from 2006 would carry 24% VAT, but that is suspended to 31 December 2026. Notary, Cadastre, agent and lawyer fees come on top.

Buyer guides put total acquisition costs at 7% to 11% of the price. Full list: Greece property buying costs.

What taxes does a foreign owner pay in Greece each year?

ENFIA, the Single Property Tax, levied on everyone holding property rights in Greece on 1 January, non-residents included. Rent is taxed on a scale of 15% to 45%. No net wealth tax was found. A new municipal fee will be collected through electricity bills from 2027.

Detail: Greece property tax for foreigners.

Does buying property in Greece give residency?

Yes, through the golden visa, at set thresholds. As of September 2026: EUR 800,000 in Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini and islands over 3,100 inhabitants; EUR 400,000 elsewhere; one property of at least 120 m². A EUR 250,000 route covers only conversions to residential and listed-building restorations.

Golden-visa property must not be let short-term; a breach means revocation and a EUR 50,000 fine. The permit is for five years, renewable while the investment is held, with no minimum stay, as reported. It does not give the right to work as an employee.

Can a foreigner get a mortgage in Greece?

Some Greek banks lend to non-residents, but underwriting is conservative and depends on income, deposit, credit profile and valuation, per a buyer guide. No typical loan-to-value was found. Plan on cash or home-country financing. The state Spiti mou loans target Greek residents, not foreign investors.

Confirm any lending terms with the bank before signing a preliminary contract.

What happens when a foreigner sells property in Greece?

Capital gains tax on property sales by individuals is set at 15% but suspended until 31 December 2026. Extensions were announced in September 2026 but not legislated. The seller provides the certificates the notary needs, including the building's legal-status certificate.

Step by step: selling property in Greece as a foreigner.

Header photo: George E. Koronaios, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. All credits: image credits.