Best Commercial Real Estate Lawyers in Thivais

About Commercial Real Estate Law in Thivais, Greece

Commercial real estate in Thivais, Greece covers the purchase, sale, leasing, financing, development, and management of properties used for business purposes, such as retail stores, warehouses, logistics hubs, offices, hospitality, and light industrial facilities. Transactions and projects are governed by national Greek law and administered locally through regional and municipal authorities in the wider Boeotia area. Notaries, engineers, surveyors, and the Hellenic Cadastre play central roles in verifying titles, urban planning compliance, and the lawful transfer or use of property.

Whether you are acquiring an income-producing asset, negotiating a long-term lease, or redeveloping a site, you will work within a framework of civil law, land registry rules, planning and building regulations, environmental requirements, and tax rules that are specific to Greece. A lawyer helps coordinate these moving parts, manage risk, and keep your deal compliant and on schedule.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may benefit from legal help in several common situations related to commercial real estate in Thivais.

When buying or selling property, a lawyer conducts title and encumbrance checks at the Hellenic Cadastre or the local Mortgage Office, reviews historic deeds and surveys, verifies that there are no pending liens, pre-notations of mortgage, easements, or litigation, and ensures the notarial deed reflects your commercial deal and financing terms. They coordinate with a civil engineer to confirm there are no unauthorized constructions and that existing structures match permits and plans.

For leasing and tenancy, a lawyer drafts and negotiates commercial lease terms, including duration, use clauses, fit-out, rent indexation, maintenance and common charges, subletting and assignment, deposit and guarantees, termination and default remedies, and works permits. They align the lease with Greek law on minimum terms and stamp duty, and tailor it to your business model.

During development and refurbishment, legal counsel reviews land-use and zoning rules, building coefficients, height limits, parking requirements, and environmental screening. They help obtain the right permits, negotiate with neighbors or co-owners, and structure agreements with contractors and consultants to reduce delay and cost risks.

In financing and security, lawyers structure mortgages, prenotations, pledges of shares, assignment of rents, and direct agreements with tenants and contractors. They ensure lender conditions precedent are satisfied and filings are properly registered.

In disputes, a lawyer handles rent arrears and eviction, construction defects, boundary issues, co-ownership conflicts, and enforcement of guarantees. They can also guide you through mediation when it is advantageous or required.

For foreign or non-local investors, counsel assists with obtaining a Greek tax number, complying with anti-money-laundering requirements, appointing a tax representative if needed, and navigating language and procedural requirements before the notary and authorities.

Local Laws Overview

Real estate transfers must be executed by a Greek notarial deed and registered at the Hellenic Cadastre or the competent local Mortgage Office to be valid against third parties. Lawyer participation is not mandatory by law, but it is strongly recommended for commercial deals due to complexity and risk.

Title and registry. Ownership and encumbrances are verified through the Cadastre or, where the Cadastre has not fully replaced it, the local Mortgage Office. Correct cadastral identification and a compliant topographic diagram are essential. Registration perfects rights and securities.

Urban planning and building. Land-use and building rules are set by national planning laws and local urban plans administered by the Ministry of Environment and Energy and the municipal planning services. Key statutes include the New Building Regulation and modern spatial planning laws that define floor-area ratios, coverage, height, parking, and permitted uses. A civil engineer must issue a certificate under Law 4495-2017 confirming that the property has no unauthorized constructions or that any irregularities have been legalized, which is required for most transfers.

Commercial leases. Greek law provides a minimum three-year term for commercial leases even if the parties agree to a shorter period, unless a specific statutory exception applies. Most commercial rents are VAT-exempt and subject to stamp duty, and the allocation of operating expenses, repairs, and common charges should be clearly documented. Eviction and enforcement follow the Greek Code of Civil Procedure, with streamlined processes for certain arrears cases.

Taxes and fees. Real estate transfer tax on secondary sales is typically 3 percent of the higher of the purchase price or the objective tax value, plus a small municipal surcharge. New building transfers may be subject to VAT depending on the permit date and applicable suspensions, which can be time-limited and policy-driven. Annual property tax is assessed through ENFIA. Commercial leases generally attract stamp duty at an effective rate of 3.6 percent. Rental income is taxable, and companies must account for withholding taxes when applicable.

Energy and environmental. An Energy Performance Certificate is required for most sales and leases. Depending on the use, environmental permits or notifications may be needed, particularly for logistics, industrial, fuel, or waste-related activities. Environmental liability for contamination can attach to owners and operators, so environmental due diligence is advisable.

Co-ownership and condominiums. Horizontal and vertical property regimes allow multiple ownership of buildings and plots. Check building regulation bylaws for permitted uses, signage, common areas, maintenance, and cost allocation. Administrator certificates on common charge payments are typically required on transfer.

Local administration in Thivais. The Municipality of Thivais processes planning matters such as zoning compliance, building permits, signage permits, street and access rules, and municipal charges. Local utility providers handle electricity, water, and connection approvals that can affect development and fit-out timelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a lawyer to buy or lease commercial property in Thivais

A lawyer is not legally mandatory for a transfer or lease, but it is highly advisable. Counsel will conduct title and planning due diligence, draft and negotiate documents, coordinate with the notary and engineer, manage taxes and filings, and reduce the risk of costly surprises.

What are the main taxes when buying commercial real estate

Most secondary sales are subject to real estate transfer tax at 3 percent of the higher of purchase price or objective value, plus a small municipal surcharge. Sales of certain new buildings may fall under VAT rules depending on the building permit date and any current VAT suspension. You will also need to consider notary and registration fees and professional costs.

How long is a commercial lease required to last

By law, most commercial leases have a minimum three-year duration even if the contract states a shorter term. The parties can agree on longer terms and renewal or break options, but they cannot usually reduce the statutory minimum.

Is commercial rent subject to VAT in Greece

Ordinary commercial leases are generally VAT-exempt. Instead, lease agreements usually incur stamp duty at an effective rate of 3.6 percent. There are limited cases where VAT can apply, so tax analysis for your specific use and structure is recommended.

What documents are required to complete a property transfer

Typical requirements include a notarial deed, title extracts and encumbrance certificates, a cadastral identification, a recent topographic diagram, an engineer certificate under Law 4495-2017, an Energy Performance Certificate, tax clearance and ENFIA certificates for the seller, and municipal charge clearance. The notary will confirm the precise list for your deal.

How is title checked in Thivais

Title is verified through the Hellenic Cadastre or, if the transition is pending for a specific area, the local Mortgage Office. Your lawyer obtains and reviews title chains, encumbrances, easements, and any pending litigation or seizures, then ensures the transfer is properly registered.

What due diligence should I do for a development site

Key checks include zoning and permitted uses, building coefficients and height, road access and parking requirements, archaeology or protected areas, environmental constraints, soil conditions, utility capacity, existing building legality, and any neighbor rights. Engage an engineer and, where appropriate, an environmental consultant.

Can a foreign company buy commercial property in Thivais

Yes. Non-resident and foreign companies can acquire property in most of Greece, including Thivais, provided they obtain a Greek tax number and comply with anti-money-laundering documentation. A notary may require a sworn translator or interpreter for non-Greek speakers. Certain border or security zones have special restrictions, which typically do not apply in Thivais.

What security is common for a commercial lease

Landlords often require a cash deposit of two to three months rent, a bank guarantee, or both. Additional security can include a corporate or personal guarantee, assignment of fit-out on default, and step-in rights tailored to the tenant and use.

How are disputes resolved

Disputes can be resolved by negotiation, mediation under Greek mediation law, or through the local courts in Boeotia. For rent arrears and possession, there are expedited court procedures. Well-drafted contracts with clear default and remedy clauses reduce time and cost.

Additional Resources

Hellenic Cadastre - Ktimatologio for title registrations, cadastral maps, and certificates.

Local Mortgage Office and Land Registry where Cadastre transition is pending.

Ministry of Environment and Energy - Urban Planning Directorates for zoning and building regulation oversight.

Municipality of Thivais - Urban Planning Department for local permits, land-use confirmations, and municipal charges.

Independent Authority for Public Revenue - AADE for tax numbers, real estate transfer tax, ENFIA, and stamp duty matters.

Notaries associations for locating a notary public experienced in commercial transactions.

Technical Chamber of Greece and local engineering associations for certified civil engineers and energy inspectors.

Local Chambers of Commerce and the General Commercial Registry - GEMI for corporate documentation when counterparties are companies.

Next Steps

Define your commercial objective, whether it is acquisition, leasing, redevelopment, or financing, and set a practical timeline and budget. Identify location criteria in Thivais such as accessibility, zoning compatibility, and utility availability.

Engage a local commercial real estate lawyer early to scope due diligence, taxes, and timelines. Your lawyer will help you select and brief a notary, civil engineer, surveyor, and if needed, an environmental consultant and valuation expert.

Gather preliminary documents. For buyers and tenants, prepare corporate documents, proof of authority, a Greek tax number, and funding evidence. For sellers and landlords, collect title documents, permits, engineer certificates, energy certificates, and municipal clearances.

Run legal and technical due diligence before signing or as a condition to completion. Confirm title and encumbrances, zoning and permitted use, building legality, environmental status, utilities, and any co-ownership rules.

Negotiate clear transaction documents. Ensure the notarial deed or lease covers price or rent adjustments, conditions precedent, handover standards, works and fit-out, maintenance, insurance, default remedies, assignment and subletting, and dispute resolution. Align tax and registration steps so there are no delays at closing.

Plan for post-closing actions. Register rights at the Cadastre or Mortgage Office, file any tax declarations, update utility contracts, record mortgages or guarantees, and diarize renewal and compliance dates. Maintain good records for audits and future transactions.

If you need legal assistance now, contact a commercial real estate lawyer who practices in Thivais and the wider Boeotia area, describe your project and timeline, and request a due diligence and transaction roadmap. Early, coordinated advice will save time and reduce risk.