Buying Property in Greece: Taxes and Costs You Pay at Purchase

For foreign buyers considering buying property in Greece, understanding the exact taxes and costs payable at the time of purchase is essential. While Greece remains a cost-efficient real estate market compared to many other European countries, the structure is different and should be clearly mapped out before committing.

This guide focuses exclusively on purchase-related taxes and fees, with specific percentages, so buyers can budget accurately and move forward with confidence.

Property Transfer Tax (Resale Properties)

For resale properties in Greece, the main tax payable by the buyer is the Property Transfer Tax.

• Rate: 3% of the property’s taxable value

• Municipal surcharge: 0.09%

• Total effective rate: 3.09%

This tax is paid before signing the final purchase contract and is required in order for the notary to proceed with the transaction.

Important: The taxable value is determined by the tax authority and may differ from the agreed purchase price, depending on official zone values and property characteristics.

Notary Fees

All property purchases in Greece must be completed before a public notary.

• Typical cost: 1% – 1.5% of the purchase price

Notary fees cover the drafting, execution and official certification of the purchase contract. These fees are regulated, predictable and paid by the buyer.

Legal Fees

While not legally mandatory, working with an independent property lawyer in Greece is strongly recommended, particularly for foreign buyers.

• Typical cost: 1% – 1.5% of the purchase price

Legal fees usually cover:

• Title deed checks

• Zoning and planning verification

• Building legality review

• Representation throughout the purchase process

Although not a tax, legal fees are a core purchase-related cost and play a critical role in protecting the buyer.

Land Registry and Cadastre Fees

Once the purchase contract is signed, ownership must be registered with the Greek Land Registry / Cadastre.

• Typical cost: 0.5% – 0.7% of the purchase price

Registration is essential, as it officially secures ownership rights and completes the transaction.

Summary: Total Buyer Costs at Purchase

For a resale residential property in Greece, buyers should typically budget:

• 3.09% property transfer tax

• 1% – 1.5% notary fees

• 1% – 1.5% legal fees

• 0.5% – 0.7% land registry / cadastre fees

Total typical purchase costs:

~5.6% – 6.8% of the purchase price

This range reflects the majority of standard transactions and allows buyers to plan realistically before making an offer.

Do Foreign Buyers Pay Higher Taxes in Greece?

No. Foreign buyers and Greek buyers are subject to exactly the same purchase taxes and fees. There are no additional charges based on nationality.

What determines the final cost is:

• the type of property (resale)

• the taxable value

• the transaction structure

Citizenship plays no role in purchase taxation.

Final Thoughts for Buyers

Taxes and purchase costs in Greece are not designed to surprise buyers, but they do require attention early in the process. When these figures are understood upfront, budgeting becomes straightforward and negotiations more confident.

Foreign buyers who approach the purchase with clear cost visibility tend to make better decisions and move through the transaction with fewer adjustments along the way. Knowing the real acquisition cost before committing allows the focus to remain on choosing the right property rather than revisiting numbers later.

At Loyal Group Realty, we ensure buyers have a clear financial picture from the beginning, so the purchase process feels controlled, transparent and predictable.