Best Brokerage Lawyers in Thivais

About Brokerage Law in Thivais, Greece

Brokerage in Greece refers to the professional activity of bringing parties together so they can conclude a transaction, and it is recognized under the Greek Civil Code and related sectoral laws. In Thivais, Greece, brokerage most commonly appears in real estate sales and leases, financial investment services, insurance distribution, shipping and freight, and business transfers. Brokers typically earn a fee or commission only if a deal is concluded, unless the contract provides otherwise. Greek law imposes duties of good faith, transparency, and compliance with consumer and data protection rules. For regulated sectors such as investment services and insurance, European Union law applies through Greek legislation, setting strict authorization, conduct, and disclosure standards.

Because Thivais is within Greece, national legislation and EU rules apply locally. Real estate transactions also intersect with the Hellenic Cadastre, notarial practice, and tax requirements. When consumers are involved, the Greek Consumer Protection Law adds safeguards against unfair practices and clarifies rights around advertising, precontractual information, and contract terms.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need a lawyer in brokerage matters for many reasons. Common situations include drafting or reviewing a brokerage agreement for a property sale or lease, negotiating broker commission terms and exclusivity, addressing conflicts of interest or misrepresentation by a broker, managing deposits and earnest money in a real estate deal, ensuring compliance with anti money laundering and know your customer duties, handling disputes over whether a broker earned a commission when a deal collapses, responding to claims of investment mis selling or unsuitable financial advice, dealing with cross border parties and documents, protecting personal data and confidentiality, and navigating the steps of due diligence, notarial execution, and registration at the Hellenic Cadastre.

A lawyer can also help you verify a broker’s registration or authorization, confirm sector specific compliance for investment or insurance intermediaries, structure fee arrangements, and represent you in mediation, arbitration, or court if a dispute arises. Early legal review often prevents costly disagreements and evidentiary problems later.

Local Laws Overview

Brokerage contracts under Greek law recognize the broker as an intermediary who is entitled to remuneration if a contract is concluded as a result of the broker’s intervention. Parties are free to agree on exclusive or non exclusive terms, commission rates, and when the fee becomes payable. Written agreements are strongly recommended, and in practice many sectors require written forms for clarity and compliance.

Real estate brokerage in Greece operates as a commercial activity that must be registered with the General Commercial Registry known as GEMI and the local Chamber of Commerce. Real estate agents customarily receive a commission upon completion of the notarized deed, unless the contract states a different milestone. Advertising must be accurate. Brokers should disclose their capacity and fees to both parties where applicable, and avoid conflicts unless expressly permitted by law and contract with proper disclosures. Real estate conveyances are executed before a notary, and title must be recorded at the Hellenic Cadastre or the local Registry of Deeds as applicable. Earnest money arrangements are common in Greece and should be carefully documented to clarify what happens if either side withdraws.

Financial investment brokerage is a regulated activity. Firms and certain individuals must be authorized and supervised in line with Greek law that implements the EU MiFID II framework. This includes duties around suitability and appropriateness assessments, best execution, cost and charges disclosures, inducements rules, and handling of client assets. Insurance distribution is also regulated under Greek law implementing the EU Insurance Distribution Directive, which requires registration, professional competence, disclosure of remuneration, and a demands and needs assessment for clients.

Consumer protection rules under the Greek Consumer Protection Law apply where the client is a consumer. These rules address unfair commercial practices, transparency of terms, precontractual information, and specific rights for off premises and distance contracting in certain cases. Data protection is governed by the EU General Data Protection Regulation and Greek implementing provisions, which require lawful processing and security of personal data handled by brokers.

Anti money laundering rules apply to several brokerage activities, including real estate, investment services, and certain business intermediaries. Obliged entities must perform customer due diligence, report suspicious transactions, and keep records in accordance with Greek AML legislation. Non compliance may lead to administrative and criminal penalties.

Taxation affects brokerage fees. Commission invoices typically include VAT where applicable according to Greek tax law. Parties should clarify in writing whether quoted amounts are net of VAT and who bears any transfer taxes or notarial costs related to the underlying transaction. Contracts drafted in another language should have a Greek version for use with public authorities and the notary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do brokerage agreements need to be in writing in Thivais, Greece

Greek law recognizes oral agreements, but a written brokerage contract is strongly recommended and commonly expected, especially for real estate, investment, and insurance activities. Written terms make it clear when commission is earned, the commission rate, whether the broker has exclusivity, the duration of the mandate, and any confidentiality or conflict rules.

When is a broker entitled to a commission

Under Greek principles, a broker earns commission when a deal is concluded as a result of the broker’s intervention, subject to the contract’s specific terms. Many real estate contracts link payment to the signing of the notarized deed. If the parties reach a binding preliminary agreement that directly leads to the final deal, the commission can still be payable depending on the contract.

Are exclusivity clauses enforceable

Yes, exclusivity provisions are common and generally enforceable if clearly agreed. They usually last for a defined period and set what happens if the owner sells through another channel during exclusivity. Greek law favors clear, proportionate terms. Excessive penalties or unclear clauses can be challenged.

Can a broker represent both buyer and seller

Dual representation is sensitive and must comply with duties of transparency and fairness. It is safer to obtain written informed consent from both parties and to set how the broker will handle conflicting interests and remuneration. In regulated sectors, stricter conflict rules can apply.

How can I verify a real estate broker or brokerage firm

Ask for the broker’s tax number, business registration in GEMI, and membership or registration details with the local Chamber of Commerce. Request a written engagement letter that states fees and scope. For investment and insurance brokers, confirm authorization or registration with the competent supervisory authority before proceeding.

What consumer protections apply if I am buying a home through a broker

Consumers benefit from rules against unfair commercial practices, requirements for clear advertising and disclosures, and the right to receive accurate information about fees and property characteristics. If the engagement is arranged off premises or at a distance, additional consumer rights may apply depending on the circumstances.

What anti money laundering checks should I expect

For real estate and financial transactions, expect identity verification, proof of funds, and information on the purpose of the transaction. Brokers may ask for identification documents, corporate documents for legal entities, and beneficial owner information. This is standard and required by Greek AML law.

What happens to the deposit if the deal falls through

The answer depends on the contract. Greek practice often uses earnest money arrangements that specify whether a deposit is forfeited if the buyer withdraws without cause or doubled back if the seller withdraws without cause. Make sure the deposit terms are clear and consistent with the main agreement.

Do brokerage commissions include VAT

Brokerage services are generally subject to Greek VAT if the provider is VAT registered. Contracts should specify whether the commission is quoted with or without VAT and who pays other transactional costs like notary fees, registration charges, and transfer taxes.

How are brokerage disputes resolved in Thivais

Disputes can be resolved through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or court proceedings. Many brokerage contracts include a mediation or arbitration clause to encourage faster resolution. A local lawyer can advise on the most efficient forum and the evidence needed to support your claim or defense.

Additional Resources

Boeotia Chamber of Commerce and Industry - for business registration inquiries and local business support services.

General Commercial Registry GEMI - for verification of company and sole trader registrations.

Hellenic Cadastre - for property title, mapping, and registrations related to real estate transactions.

Notarial services in Greece - for execution of real estate deeds and authentication of certain agreements.

Hellenic Capital Market Commission - for oversight of investment firms and intermediaries under MiFID II.

Bank of Greece - for supervision related to insurance distribution and certain financial intermediaries.

Hellenic Consumers Ombudsman - for consumer complaints and mediation in disputes with businesses.

Hellenic Data Protection Authority - for guidance and complaints about personal data processing.

Hellenic Competition Commission - for issues concerning restrictive practices and fair competition.

Local Bar Association contacts in Boeotia region - for referrals to licensed lawyers experienced in brokerage matters.

Next Steps

Clarify your objectives and timeline, and gather key documents such as any draft or signed brokerage agreements, property or investment information, correspondence with the broker, invoices or proof of payments, and identification documents. Write down a brief chronology of events and your questions.

Schedule an initial consultation with a lawyer experienced in brokerage in Thivais or the wider Boeotia region. Ask about experience in your specific sector real estate, investment, insurance, or shipping, proposed strategy, risks, expected timeline, and fees. Confirm any urgent deadlines, such as cooling off periods, notice periods to terminate an exclusive mandate, or transaction completion dates.

Verify the broker’s status and any required authorization or registration, and request a written engagement or termination letter as needed. Avoid making further commitments or payments until you receive legal advice on your position, the applicable law, and the best path to resolution. This guide is for information only and is not legal advice. For reliable guidance tailored to your case, consult a qualified lawyer licensed in Greece.