Best Commercial Real Estate Lawyers in Elliniko

About Commercial Real Estate Law in Elliniko, Greece

Commercial real estate in Elliniko is governed by Greek national law together with local planning rules that apply in the Municipality of Elliniko - Argyroupoli and the Region of Attica. Elliniko is a high-profile area south of central Athens, including the large Hellenikon redevelopment project on the former airport and adjacent coastal land. That makes the local market attractive to developers, investors and operators of retail, office, hotel and mixed-use projects.

Legal processes for commercial real estate transactions combine civil law concepts, administrative planning and permitting, tax obligations and registration in national land records. Transactions typically require cooperation among lawyers, notaries, engineers and public authorities to confirm title, check planning permissions, obtain building or change-of-use permits and complete registration and tax formalities.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Commercial real estate deals involve significant sums and a mix of private law rights and public-law approvals. You should consider hiring a lawyer to help with:

- Due diligence on title, encumbrances, mortgages, easements and outstanding obligations.

- Analysis of zoning and permitted uses - whether the property may be used for retail, office, hotel, industrial or mixed-use development.

- Drafting and negotiating purchase agreements, lease contracts, development agreements and financing documents.

- Navigating building permits, environmental approvals, archaeological constraints and other administrative authorizations.

- Structuring the transaction for tax efficiency and advising on VAT, transfer taxes and ongoing property taxation.

- Representing you in disputes, negotiations with local authorities, expropriation procedures or foreclosure and enforcement matters.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal topics and institutions that commonly affect commercial real estate in Elliniko include:

- Ownership and title - Property ownership is registered either at local land registries or under the national Hellenic Cadastre system. Clear title and up-to-date registrations are essential.

- Zoning and planning - National and municipal planning rules set allowed land uses and density. The General Urban Plan and local zoning maps determine permitted uses, height limits and floor area ratios. Special projects such as the Hellenikon redevelopment can be subject to specific concession or development agreements.

- Building permits and change-of-use - Any construction, renovation or change of use requires building permits from the municipality and may require additional environmental or fire-safety approvals. Construction must comply with building codes and regulatory technical requirements.

- Archaeological and environmental controls - Elliniko is in a historically rich area. Archaeological protection rules and environmental reviews can delay or alter development plans. Coastal protection and Natura 2000 or other environmental designations may impose constraints.

- Leases and tenant protection - Commercial leases are contract-based but may contain statutory protections for tenants in certain circumstances. Lease terms, duration, rent adjustment clauses and termination rights need careful drafting.

- Taxes and duties - Property transfers may attract either transfer tax or VAT depending on the nature of the seller and the property. Ongoing taxes - including annual property tax - and potential municipal levies apply. VAT treatment of rents and sales can be complex for commercial properties.

- Public procedures and expropriation - Large public or infrastructure projects may involve compulsory acquisition or expropriation procedures governed by administrative law, including compensation rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the first steps when considering buying commercial property in Elliniko?

Start with a written brief on your objectives, secure a local tax identification number if you are a foreign buyer, and instruct a Greek lawyer to carry out title and encumbrance searches, planning checks and basic due diligence. Obtain a survey and, if you plan works, a technical viability study from an architect or engineer.

How is title checked and registered in Greece?

Title is confirmed through the land registry or the Hellenic Cadastre. Your lawyer will check entries for mortgages, liens, easements and any judicial or administrative restrictions. If the property is not yet fully recorded in the cadastre, the process demands extra caution and potentially additional searches at local offices.

Do foreign investors face restrictions when buying commercial real estate?

Generally, foreign individuals and companies can acquire commercial property in Greece. Restrictions exist only in specific border or defense-sensitive zones. Foreign buyers commonly need a Greek tax identification number - AFM - and to appoint a local tax representative if required. Always confirm the procedural steps with your lawyer.

What permits are required to build or convert commercial premises?

Most new construction and significant alterations require a building permit from the municipal authorities, plus sectoral approvals where relevant - for example, environmental impact assessment, fire safety approval, or coastal authority consent. Change-of-use may also require administrative approval and an updated energy performance certificate.

How are commercial leases typically structured in Greece?

Commercial leases are negotiated contracts addressing rent, duration, renewal rights, tenant improvements, maintenance responsibilities, subletting and termination. While laws govern general contract validity, parties are free to agree terms. Specify rent review mechanisms, security deposits and dispute resolution clauses in writing.

What taxes and costs should I expect on purchase and ownership?

Costs typically include legal fees, notary fees, registration fees, municipality and cadastral charges, and taxes. Depending on the circumstances, either transfer tax or VAT may apply on the sale. Annual property taxes and municipal fees will apply during ownership. Consult a tax advisor and your lawyer for exact estimates for your transaction.

How long does a commercial transaction usually take?

Timelines vary. A straightforward purchase with clear title and no special permits may close in a few weeks to a few months. Complex transactions - involving development approvals, cadastre registration gaps, or financing - can take several months to over a year. Plan for administrative lead times and potential archaeological or environmental reviews.

What is the role of the notary in Greece?

The notary prepares and authenticates final sale deeds and mortgage deeds, certifies the identities of parties and ensures that certain formalities are completed. The notary also files the deed for registration. A notary is an independent public official - but they do not replace the need for private legal advice before signing.

What due diligence should a buyer perform beyond title checks?

Perform planning and permitting due diligence, verify compliance with building codes and safety rules, check outstanding municipal debts and charges, confirm utility connections and rights of access, obtain environmental and archaeological status reports if applicable, and review any commercial contracts or leases affecting the property.

What are common pitfalls in commercial real estate deals in Elliniko?

Common issues include incomplete or problematic cadastral records, restrictive zoning or unapproved change-of-use, archaeological or environmental constraints, hidden municipal debts or fines, unclear easements or access rights, VAT vs transfer tax misunderstanding, and inadequate contractual protection in leases or development agreements. Experienced local counsel can help anticipate these pitfalls.

Additional Resources

For anyone seeking more information or official guidance, the following local bodies and professionals are commonly involved in commercial real estate matters:

- Municipality of Elliniko - Argyroupoli - for local zoning, building permits and municipal obligations.

- Hellenic Cadastre - for registration status and cadastral maps.

- Ministry of Environment and Energy - for national planning rules, environmental assessments and building regulations.

- Decentralized Administration of Attica and Attica Region - for regional planning and permits.

- Independent Authority for Public Revenue - for tax obligations and VAT guidance.

- Local notaries, chartered surveyors, civil engineers and registered architects - for technical and formal permitting needs.

- Tax advisors and accountants experienced in real estate taxation and corporate structuring.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance with commercial real estate in Elliniko, follow these practical steps:

- Prepare basic information: property address, seller details, drafts of any existing contracts, and your objectives - buy, lease, develop or invest.

- Obtain a Greek tax identification number - AFM - if you do not already have one.

- Engage a local lawyer with experience in commercial real estate and municipal procedures in Attica. Ask for references and examples of similar matters handled.

- Commission technical due diligence - title search, survey, planning and environmental checks - before signing any binding agreement.

- Request a clear estimate of legal, notarial and tax costs so you can budget properly.

- If the project requires construction or change of use, consult an architect or civil engineer early to understand permit feasibility and likely timelines.

- Use a written heads-of-terms or letter of intent to record key commercial points before detailed contracts are drafted.

Careful preparation and the right local advisors will reduce risk and help your transaction in Elliniko proceed more smoothly.