The AFM and the Hellenic Cadastre, explained: your tax number, and the register that proves title.
// Short answer
Two things anchor a Greek purchase. The AFM is the Greek tax number a buyer needs before the purchase. The Hellenic Cadastre (Ktimatologio) records each property's legal rights and boundaries under a KAEK code, and it reached full operation in its last regional units on 4 September 2026. Cadastral certificates, issued by KAEK, show owners and encumbrances.
Rules and rates as of September 2026. Several tax and letting changes were announced that month but are not yet law, so check the dated items again before you sign. Every figure links to its source.
On this page
What is an AFM in Greece?
The Greek tax identification number. A buyer needs one before the purchase. It is issued by a tax office (DOY) or online, or obtained through a lawyer acting under power of attorney, per buyer guides.
Guides say non-EU residents may need to appoint a tax representative in Greece. That rule could not be confirmed on the tax authority's site, so check it with your lawyer.
What is the Hellenic Cadastre (Ktimatologio)?
Greece's national property register. It holds both the legal data, meaning the rights on each property, and the technical data, meaning location and boundaries. When an area's mapping is finished, it replaces the old name-indexed Land Registry, which operates transitionally as a Cadastral Office until absorbed.
On 4 September 2026 the last regional units, Boeotia, Phocis and Chalkidiki, entered full operation, adding 878,196 properties. The Digital Governance Minister put mapping at 99% on 5 September 2026, so a small number of transactions may still involve older records.
Sources
What is a KAEK number?
The national cadastral code number (Κωδικός Αριθμός Εθνικού Κτηματολογίου) that identifies each property on the Cadastre. Cadastral certificates are issued by KAEK, so it is the reference a lawyer uses to check title before you buy.
Ask the seller for the KAEK early. It is what every Cadastre certificate is requested against.
Which Cadastre certificates should a buyer check?
The certificate of cadastral entries for the property, which replaces the old no-encumbrance and no-claim certificates; a copy of the cadastral sheet, showing ownership shares and any encumbrances; and an extract of the cadastral diagram, showing the plot.
| Cadastral Office document | Official fee |
|---|---|
| Standalone certificate or copy | EUR 9.50, plus EUR 4.50 per extra section or sheet |
| Extract of the cadastral diagram | EUR 15 |
| Cadastral survey diagram | EUR 33 |
Since 4 September 2026 all Cadastre transactions are digital: deeds are filed digitally and certificates are issued online at any hour.
Sources
What is the digital real estate file in Greece?
Since 1 January 2024, transfers run through a notarised digital real estate file, as reported. The notary pulls certificates digitally from the tax authority, the Technical Chamber and the Cadastre, the property is blocked for the transaction, and the transfer tax return, the deed and the Cadastre filing are linked.
A notarial deed is required to transfer ownership, and the notary files it for registration. Next step: Greece property buying costs.
Sources
// Buying in Greece?
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See the $499 report, page by pageFrequently Asked Questions
Can a non-resident get a Greek AFM?
What does KAEK stand for?
Is the Greek Cadastre complete?
How much is a Greek cadastral certificate?
Is a notary required in Greece?
Header photo: George E. Koronaios, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. All credits: image credits.