Selling property in Greece 

Introduction

For many property owners, selling property in Greece is an important financial and personal decision. Whether it is a family home, a luxury villa on the islands, or an investment apartment in Athens, navigating the sale requires careful planning, accurate documentation, and an understanding of the Greek real estate market.

Greece has a unique legal and tax framework governing real estate transactions. While demand from both domestic and international buyers continues to grow, sellers face challenges such as preparing the required paperwork, calculating potential taxes, and attracting qualified buyers. The property sale process in Greece is not overly complicated, but it does require accuracy, transparency, and professional support.

This guide provides a step-by-step overview of how to sell property in Greece, covering the legal framework, costs, taxation, and practical strategies to maximize value. Whether you are considering selling Greek property to a local buyer or an international investor, the following sections will help you understand every stage of the process and avoid common pitfalls.

Understanding the Process of Selling Property in Greece

The first step in selling real estate in Greece is understanding the structure of the transaction. Unlike some countries where agents play the primary role, in Greece, a sale involves several professionals: the seller, buyer, real estate agent, notary, and lawyer.

Key points of the process:

• All property transfers in Greece must be completed in front of a notary public, who drafts and validates the contract.

• A lawyer usually represents both the seller and buyer, ensuring compliance and conducting due diligence.

• The seller must provide a complete set of legal and technical documents, confirming clear ownership and compliance with building regulations.

• Once the contract is signed and registered with the Land Registry, ownership is transferred.

Selling property in Greece is transparent when all obligations are fulfilled, but it can stall if paperwork is incomplete or taxes are unsettled. This is why preparation is the most critical stage.

How to Sell Property in Greece – Step by Step

The process of how to sell property in Greece can be broken down into clear steps. Following them carefully helps reduce delays and ensures a smooth transaction.

Step 1: Preparing the Property

• Ensure the property is in good condition for viewings.

• Consider minor renovations, repairs, or staging to increase appeal.

• Arrange for professional photography and, where possible, virtual tours.

Step 2: Collecting the Documentation

Before listing, sellers must gather:

• Title deed (proving ownership).

• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

• Property tax clearance (ENFIA).

• Municipal certificates (ensuring no outstanding obligations).

• Engineer’s certificate confirming compliance with building permits.

Step 3: Setting the Asking Price

• Base the price on comparable sales, market demand, and location.

• For luxury properties, factor in international demand and lifestyle appeal.

• Professional valuation ensures realistic expectations and quicker sales.

Step 4: Marketing the Property

• Choose a reputable real estate agency with international reach.

• Use high-quality listings with detailed descriptions and visuals.

• Promote through online portals, social media, and private investor networks.

Step 5: Negotiating with Buyers

• Be prepared for counter-offers.

• Flexibility and transparency help finalize deals faster.

• A good agent negotiates terms that protect the seller while keeping the buyer engaged.

Step 6: Preliminary Agreements

• In some cases, a private agreement or deposit contract is signed to secure the buyer.

• This is especially common with foreign buyers who need time to transfer funds.

Step 7: Signing the Final Contract

• Takes place before a notary public.

• Both seller and buyer (or their lawyers with power of attorney) must be present.

• Contract includes property details, price, and obligations.

Step 8: Transfer of Ownership

• Once signed and registered with the Land Registry, ownership officially passes to the buyer.

• Seller receives payment through a bank transfer, usually on the same day.

Legal Aspects of Selling Real Estate in Greece

The legal framework of selling property in Greece is designed to protect both parties, but it requires precision.

Seller’s obligations include:

• Providing all necessary documentation.

• Ensuring property is free of debts, mortgages, or liens.

• Paying any outstanding taxes before the sale.

Mandatory certificates:

• Energy Performance Certificate – rates the property’s energy efficiency.

• Tax Clearance Certificate – confirms no unpaid property taxes.

• Engineer’s Certificate – ensures no illegal structures exist.

• Municipal Certificate – confirms payment of municipal fees.

Role of professionals:

• Lawyer: conducts due diligence, ensures documents are valid.

• Notary: drafts and registers the contract.

• Real Estate Agent: markets the property and connects with buyers.

Without proper legal preparation, the sale cannot be completed.

Property Sale Process in Greece – Timeline and Costs

The property sale process in Greece varies depending on documentation readiness and buyer financing.

Timeline

• Gathering documents: 2–6 weeks.

• Marketing and finding a buyer: varies, often 1–6 months.

• Contract signing to completion: 2–4 weeks.

Average time to sell: 3–6 months, though high-demand properties may sell faster.

Costs for Sellers

• Capital Gains Tax: currently suspended but may apply when reinstated.

• Agent’s fee: usually 2% of the sale price (plus VAT).

• Lawyer’s fee: around 1% of the sale price.

• Notary fee: shared with the buyer in many cases, approx. 0.5–1%.

• Property tax clearance: seller must pay any outstanding ENFIA.

Selling Greek property involves modest transaction costs compared to other European countries, but careful planning is essential to avoid surprises.

Taxation When Selling Greek Property

Understanding non-dom taxation in Greece is important for foreign investors, but for sellers, the focus is on transaction-related taxes.

Key taxes:

• Capital Gains Tax – Introduced in 2014 but suspended until 2025. If reinstated, it applies to the profit made on the sale.

• VAT – For new properties (with permits after 2006), sales may be subject to 24% VAT, though exemptions currently apply.

• ENFIA – Annual property tax must be paid up to the year of sale.

• Income tax – If the property was generating rental income, final tax obligations must be settled.

Foreign sellers should consult tax advisors, as double taxation treaties may apply depending on their country of residence.

Marketing and Selling Greek Property Successfully

Marketing plays a decisive role in selling Greek property, especially when targeting international buyers.

Best practices:

• Use professional photography and staging.

• Create bilingual or multilingual listings for wider reach.

• Highlight lifestyle aspects: sea views, proximity to cultural sites, luxury amenities.

• Work with agencies that have global marketing channels and private investor lists.

International buyers often search online first, so strong digital presence is key. Divine Estate leverages targeted online campaigns and discreet client networks to connect properties with qualified buyers.

Common Pitfalls in Selling Property in Greece

Many sellers underestimate the preparation required. Common mistakes include:

1. Incomplete documentation – missing engineer’s certificates or municipal clearances.

2. Overpricing – ignoring market conditions, which leads to long listing times.

3. Neglecting foreign buyer needs – such as legal clarity, English documentation, and transaction speed.

4. Unresolved co-ownership issues – properties with multiple heirs can face legal disputes.

5. Municipal delays – certificates may take weeks if not requested early.

Avoiding these pitfalls accelerates the property sale process in Greece and increases final value.

Selling Real Estate in Greece to Foreign Buyers

International demand for Greek real estate has surged, particularly from Europe, the Middle East, and North America. For sellers, this represents both an opportunity and a responsibility.

Considerations:

• Foreign buyers often purchase for the Golden Visa program, meaning property value must meet eligibility thresholds.

• Currency exchange and cross-border transfers can affect timelines.

• Foreign buyers expect detailed, transparent legal documents and often hire their own local lawyers.

Targeting international buyers through trusted agencies maximizes exposure and selling price.

Practical Tips for Selling Greek Property Fast

• Set a realistic price – based on valuations and current demand.

• Prepare documents early – delays are often caused by paperwork, not buyers.

• Work with a professional agent – especially one with international reach.

• Consider staging – a furnished, well-presented home sells faster.

• Be flexible with negotiation – small concessions can close deals quicker.

How Divine Estate Supports Sellers

At Divine Estate, we understand that selling property in Greece is more than a transaction—it is the transition of a valuable asset.

We support sellers by:

• Providing accurate valuations based on market insights.

• Marketing properties to both domestic and international buyers.

• Offering professional photography, staging, and digital exposure.

• Negotiating with transparency and protecting seller interests.

• Coordinating with lawyers, notaries, and buyers to ensure smooth transfers.

Our international reach makes us particularly effective in selling luxury villas, apartments, and commercial assets to foreign investors seeking both lifestyle and opportunity.

Conclusion

The process of selling property in Greece requires preparation, legal accuracy, and strategic marketing. With the right documentation, realistic pricing, and international exposure, sellers can complete successful transactions within a few months.

From ensuring tax compliance to presenting properties to global buyers, every stage contributes to achieving the best possible outcome. With the guidance of experienced professionals, selling real estate in Greece becomes a structured and rewarding process.