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Free Guide to Hiring a Real Estate Lawyer
Brokerage covers intermediaries who bring together buyers and sellers or who execute transactions on behalf of clients. In Agia Paraskevi, a suburb of Athens in the Attica region, brokerage commonly refers to real estate agents, insurance brokers and financial or securities brokers. Legal rules that apply locally reflect national Greek law, European Union rules and municipal requirements for business operation. Practical local issues - for example land use, building permits and municipal fees - are handled by the Municipality of Agia Paraskevi or the relevant regional authorities.
Brokerage transactions often involve significant money, legal risk and complex documentation. You may need a lawyer when:
- You sign or negotiate an agency or brokerage agreement and want to confirm commission, duration, exclusivity and termination terms.
- There is a dispute over commission or alleged non-performance.
- You are buying or selling property and need title checks, searches at the Hellenic Cadastre or contract drafting.
- You suspect fraud, misrepresentation or wrongful conduct by a broker.
- You need to ensure regulatory compliance for a brokerage business - licensing, registration and anti-money-laundering obligations.
- You are involved in cross-border transactions that raise choice of law or enforcement questions.
- You face regulatory investigations or enforcement by Greek authorities.
- You want to establish an agency structure or franchise and need to draft agreements and company documents.
The most relevant legal areas for brokerage in Agia Paraskevi are set at the national level and implemented locally. Key points to know:
- Contract and agency law - Brokerage relationships are governed by general contract and agency law under the Greek Civil Code. Written agency agreements reduce disputes and make terms enforceable.
- Real estate and land registry - Property deals require checks with the Hellenic Cadastre and local land registry records. Municipal planning, zoning and building permit rules of the Municipality of Agia Paraskevi affect property use and legality of structures.
- Licensing and supervision for specific broker types - Certain brokers need formal authorization. For example, securities and investment services are regulated by the Hellenic Capital Market Commission. Insurance brokerage is subject to national rules and supervision by the relevant national authority. Requirements include capital, registration and professional standards.
- Tax and VAT - Commission income is subject to income tax and may be subject to VAT depending on the type of service. Brokers and firms must register for tax purposes with the Independent Authority for Public Revenue.
- Anti-money-laundering - Brokers who handle significant funds or client accounts are subject to AML rules that require customer due diligence and reporting of suspicious transactions.
- Consumer protection and unfair practices - Brokers dealing with consumers must comply with consumer protection laws that prohibit misleading commercial practices and require clear disclosure of fees and key contract terms.
- Data protection - Handling clients personal data requires compliance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation and enforcement by the national data protection authority.
Yes. A written agreement clarifies commission rates, payment timing, scope of authority, exclusivity, duration and termination. It is the best protection if there is a later dispute over fees or performance.
Commission is usually agreed between the parties. For real estate it is common to set a percentage of the sale price. If a dispute arises, the written agreement and evidence of the broker s role will be decisive. Courts enforce reasonable and contractually agreed commissions.
Request official searches at the Hellenic Cadastre or local land registry to confirm title, mortgages, liens and easements. A lawyer can order these searches and interpret the results for risks such as undisclosed encumbrances or conflicting ownership claims.
Requirements vary by broker type. Real estate brokerage often involves business registration, taxation and adherence to consumer rules. Some broker professions such as securities brokers require formal authorization by national regulators. Check the specific regulatory requirements for the type of brokerage you need.
If there is misrepresentation, you may be able to claim rescission of the contract, damages or adjustment of the transaction price. Consumer protection laws and general contract law provide remedies. Keep records, communications and marketing materials as evidence.
Enforcement depends on the area: financial brokers are supervised by financial regulators, consumer issues can go to consumer protection authorities, and professional misconduct may be raised with the relevant licensing authority or the local bar for legal remedy. For municipal matters such as planning violations, the Municipality of Agia Paraskevi handles enforcement.
Brokers must register for tax purposes and declare commission income. VAT may apply to brokerage services depending on the service type and client status. Brokers should maintain proper accounting and consult a tax advisor to meet reporting and withholding obligations.
Brokers handling client funds must perform customer due diligence, verify identities and report suspicious transactions. These obligations aim to prevent misuse of brokerage services for illicit financing and are enforced at national level under Greek AML law implementing EU rules.
Termination depends on the contract terms. Exclusive agreements typically include notice provisions and potential penalties for early termination. Review the agreement for termination rights and consult a lawyer to negotiate exit terms or to challenge unfair clauses.
Look for lawyers admitted to the Athens Bar Association or local bar who have experience in brokerage, real estate, insurance or financial regulation. Ask for references, a clear fee estimate and an initial assessment of your case. Many lawyers offer an initial consultation to review documents and advise on next steps.
Useful organizations and authorities to contact or consult include:
- Municipality of Agia Paraskevi - for local permits, planning and municipal rules.
- Hellenic Cadastre - for land registry records and title searches.
- Hellenic Capital Market Commission - for regulation of investment services and securities brokers.
- National authority for insurance supervision and related trade associations for insurance brokers.
- Independent Authority for Public Revenue - for tax registration, VAT and reporting rules.
- Hellenic Data Protection Authority - for data protection and GDPR issues.
- Consumer protection bodies or ombudsman services - for complaints about unfair commercial practices.
- Athens Bar Association - to find qualified lawyers and for information about legal aid or professional standards.
- Citizens Service Centers (KEP) - for help with administrative procedures and document requests.
If you need legal assistance with a brokerage matter in Agia Paraskevi, follow these practical steps:
- Gather documentation - contracts, emails, listings, proof of payments, identity documents and any relevant certificates or registry extracts.
- Identify the core issue - contract negotiation, dispute, regulatory compliance, title checks or urgent injunctive relief.
- Contact a lawyer experienced in the relevant area - real estate, financial services or insurance. Ask about fees, likely timeline and the lawyer s approach.
- Consider alternative dispute resolution - mediation or negotiation may resolve disputes faster and less expensively than litigation.
- If urgent, seek immediate legal steps - for example to stop a property transfer or preserve evidence.
- Keep records of all communications and deadlines, and follow your lawyer s advice on disclosure and filing of complaints with regulators or courts.
Getting prompt, local legal advice will help protect your rights and reduce risk in brokerage transactions. A qualified lawyer can explain how national laws and local municipal rules in Agia Paraskevi apply to your situation and guide you through the practical steps needed to resolve the matter.
