Greek law provides for numerous acquisition restrictions on the purchase of real estate, including for example:
- Nature and monument protection: the former particularly includes forestry restrictions. The acquisition and usucapion of state forest land is prohibited. The sale, acquisition, and division of forest plots among co‑owners require prior approval by the Ministry of Agriculture; otherwise, such acts are invalid. Prohibitions of this type can be found, for example, in Article 216(1)(a) of the Forestry Act. Acquisition of areas directly on the seashore is also prohibited. The latter category comprises regulations concerning archaeological protection zones and properties falling within the scope of monument protection.
- Restrictions specific to foreigners for real estate acquisition in certain border regions: prior to the execution of the notarial deed, a corresponding permit must be obtained from the competent prefecture. These restrictions do not apply to EU citizens.
- Planning law restrictions and conditions often tie in with the above restrictions. In addition, there are various other provisions arising from applicable building laws. In any case, it should be noted that outside a town plan no building may be erected on a plot that is smaller than 4,000 sq m.
- The acquisition of real estate in military areas is absolutely prohibited.
- Under Article 2(1) of Law 3250/1924 (Law 2148/1952, Supreme Court 33/1992, 86/1993), the acquisition of plots larger than 250,000 sq m is excluded with respect to the portion exceeding that size. The creation of other in rem rights is also not possible.
- With regard to lighthouses, Article 2(5) of Law 1629/1951 applies. Accordingly, private ownership may not be acquired within a distance of 200 meters from a lighthouse. In such cases, expropriation may also take place.
(As of March 2023. All information provided without guarantee.)