For the notarial execution of a property purchase contract in Greece, both seller and buyer must produce a range of documents and certificates.
Real estate transfer tax (FMA):
The real estate transfer tax is generally payable by the buyer. The current rate is 3.09% of the purchase price.
For purchases of newly constructed buildings directly from the developer (relevant date: building permit issued on or after 1 January 2006), value‑added tax (VAT) at 24% applies instead of the transfer tax. In 2019, a three‑year VAT suspension for newly constructed buildings was introduced (until 31 December 2022) and has been extended until 31 December 2024.
In certain specifically regulated cases, tax exemptions may apply, e.g., for the purchase of a primary residence, provided the buyer is resident in Greece.
Notarization costs:
Notarial fees are calculated based on the value stated in the contract of sale or the objective value determined by the tax authorities, whichever is higher.
Notarial costs generally amount to approximately 1%–1.2% of this value. As a rule, these costs are borne by the buyer, who also enjoys a practically recognized right to choose the notary. The parties may agree otherwise regarding allocation of the
Land registry/cadastre fees
The fees for registering ownership at the land registry or cadastre amount to approximately 6/000 plus disbursements, depending on the case.
Legal fees
Legal fees are agreed directly between the lawyer and the client. Depending on the scope of services, fees may amount to of up to 4–5% of the purchase price. If no specific agreement is made, fees for representation at the notarial conclusion of the sale contract are typically around 1% of the purchase price. Additional costs may also arise, for example for obtaining a Greek tax number (AFM), opening a bank account, conducting searches at the Land Registry or Cadastre, translations, and other administrative services.
FAQ
The real estate transfer tax is, in principle, borne by the buyer and currently amounts to 3.09% of the purchase price (a statutory rate of 3% plus a municipal surcharge of 3% on that amount).
Special features for new builds:
- For properties whose building permit was issued after 1 January 2006 and which are purchased directly from the developer, VAT (24%) is, in principle, payable.
- Important: a statutory suspension of this VAT currently applies until 12/2026 (most recently extended by an amendment to Article 70 of the Greek VAT Code). During this period, the buyer pays only the 3.09% real estate transfer tax, even for new builds. A further extension until the end of 2027 is currently under consideration by the government but has not yet been decided as things stand — the current position should be checked before any specific purchase.
Authentication fees average between 1% and 1.2% of the contract value. The basis is either the purchase price stated in the contract or the “objective value” (Einheitswert) set by the tax office — whichever of the two is higher is always decisive.
The buyer generally bears these costs and also has the right to choose the notary freely, unless a different arrangement has been agreed with the seller.
The costs of registering the transfer of ownership with the competent land registry or cadastral office (Ipothikofilakio or Ktimatologio) amount to around 0.6% (6 per mille) of the property value, plus minor expenses depending on the individual case.
A lawyer has, since 2014, no longer been mandatory for the notarial authentication, but is strongly recommended given the complexity of the legal position. Lawyer's fees are agreed individually between client and lawyer; the amount depends heavily on the desired scope of service:
- 1%: for limited assistance, for example merely attending the notarial appointment.
- Up to 4%: for comprehensive, full-service support, which generally includes obtaining the Greek tax identification number (AFM), an in-depth land registry search covering 20–30 years, review of building-law documents, necessary translations, and full coordination of the contracting parties.
Lawyer's fees have, since the 2013 reform, been freely negotiable in principle (there is no longer a statutory minimum tariff). In practice, fees generally range between around 1% and 1.5% of the property value (plus 24% VAT).
For comprehensive support — for example, obtaining the Greek tax identification number (AFM), handling payments, title review over a period generally of 20 years (or, for cadastral areas, potentially different), and representation and support at the notarial appointment — the fee can vary depending on the scope and complexity of the matter.
Item | Approximate percentage |
Real estate transfer tax | 3.09% |
Notary fees | 1.0% – 1.2% |
Land registry/cadastre | approx. 0.6% |
Lawyer's fees (optional) | 1.0% – 4.0% (depending on scope) |
As a rule, buyers should budget for around 7% to 10% of the purchase price in ancillary costs. These are made up of the real estate transfer tax (or, where applicable, VAT), notary fees, lawyer's fees, land registry or cadastral fees, and, where applicable, the broker's commission. The exact amount depends on the individual case, in particular whether the property is an existing one or a new build purchased from a developer.
For new builds whose building permit was issued after 1 January 2006 and which are sold for the first time by the developer, the law in principle provides for VAT of 24% instead of the real estate transfer tax. This liability has, however, been suspended since 2019; as matters currently stand, the suspension applies until 31 December 2026, so that in practice the ordinary 3% real estate transfer tax generally applies. Because the suspension is extended for limited periods each time, it should be checked in the individual case, before concluding a contract, whether it is still in force at the relevant time or whether the VAT liability has revived.
In Greece, it is customary for both buyer and seller each to pay their own commission to the intermediating broker. The buyer's commission generally amounts to around 2% of the purchase price (plus 24% VAT, an effective rate of around 2.48%). The amount of the seller's commission is agreed separately and is generally not charged to the buyer.
Yes. Under certain conditions, buyers establishing a permanent residence in Greece for the first time can apply for an exemption from the real estate transfer tax on the purchase of a first home. This is subject to, among other things, floor-area limits (depending on marital status and number of children), value limits on the tax value, the requirement that the buyer not already own another property meeting their housing needs, and a holding period during which the property may not be sold without losing the tax exemption. Because the exact thresholds can change by law, applicability should always be checked individually before concluding a contract.
As of June 2026. All information on these pages is provided without guarantee or liability.