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Free Guide to Hiring a Real Estate Lawyer
Conveyancing in Agia Paraskevi involves the legal steps required to transfer ownership or other rights in real estate located within this municipality of the Athens metropolitan area. The process is governed by Greek property law, which requires precise title checks, tax and fee settlements, and a notarised final deed in most transactions. Depending on whether the property is recorded in the Hellenic Cadastre - Ktimatologio - or in older Land Registry books, some registration steps differ. Local issues such as building permits, planning rules, and municipal charges in Agia Paraskevi may also affect a transaction.
Although a notary must prepare and execute the final transfer deed in Greece, a specialised conveyancing lawyer adds important protections and value. A lawyer can perform thorough title and encumbrance searches, review and negotiate the preliminary agreement, confirm tax liabilities, check planning and permit compliance, advise on mortgages and insolvency risks, and represent you in disputes or complex transactions. Lawyers are particularly important in cases involving inheritance, joint ownership, off-plan purchases, properties with unauthorised works, creditors or contested titles, and purchases by non-residents.
Key legal elements that commonly affect conveyancing in Agia Paraskevi include the following.
Notarial requirement - The final transfer of immovable property is typically concluded before a Greek notary. The notary prepares the deed, certifies the parties and signatures, and ensures legal formalities are met.
Title searches and registration - Properties may be registered in the Hellenic Cadastre or in older Land Registry books. A full conveyancing search covers ownership history, mortgages, liens, easements, and other encumbrances recorded at the relevant registry.
Tax and fee obligations - Buyers and sellers must settle transfer taxes, stamp duties, capital gains tax where applicable, municipal debts and utility charges, and notary and registration fees. The Independent Authority for Public Revenue administers national tax matters.
Planning and permits - Municipal rules in Agia Paraskevi and national planning law govern permitted uses, floor area ratios, setbacks and other planning requirements. Unauthorised buildings or deviations from the original permit can complicate or block a transfer without prior legal resolution or regularisation.
Mortgages and creditor claims - Mortgage lenders must be informed and their consent obtained when necessary. Searches should identify any outstanding mortgages or creditor claims that may affect clear title.
Typical steps include: selecting the property and carrying out preliminary checks; signing a preliminary agreement or reservation and placing a deposit; having a lawyer or notary conduct title and encumbrance searches; agreeing the final contract terms and settling tax and fee calculations; signing the public deed before a notary; and registering the deed at the Hellenic Cadastre or Land Registry.
Timing depends on the complexity of the transaction and whether the property is already in the Cadastre. A straightforward purchase can take from a few weeks to two months after the preliminary agreement. Transactions involving unresolved planning issues, inheritance, or missing documentation can take several months or longer.
Customarily buyers pay the property transfer tax and registration fees, while sale agreement terms can vary and some costs may be negotiated between buyer and seller. Notary fees and taxes are typically split or allocated by agreement, but you should confirm responsibilities in the preliminary contract. Your lawyer will estimate all likely costs before completion.
Essential documents include the title deed or proof of ownership, recent proof of cleared municipal taxes and utility charges, a certificate of encumbrances or cadastral extract, copies of building permits and completion certificates, proof of identity for all owners, and documentation of any mortgages or legal disputes affecting the property.
Unauthorised constructions are common in Greece and can seriously affect value and the ability to obtain a mortgage or transfer clear title. You should instruct a lawyer to check whether regularisation is possible and what penalties apply. In many cases a buyer will require the seller to resolve the issue or accept a price reduction and indemnities documented in the sale contract.
EU citizens generally face no special restrictions. Non-EU nationals may need prior permission from the competent authorities for certain properties or areas, but in urban Attica purchases are routinely possible. Foreign buyers should obtain legal and tax advice early, and ensure their lawyer handles translations and registration formalities.
A notary prepares and executes the public deed and certifies the parties and signatures. A lawyer carries out investigative work, negotiates contract terms, advises on taxes and liabilities, drafts or comments on agreements, resolves title or planning issues, and represents you in dispute resolution. For complex or risky deals you need both a lawyer and the notary.
Your lawyer can obtain a cadastral extract to confirm whether the property appears in the Cadastre and to show current ownership, boundaries and recorded encumbrances. If the property is not yet in the Cadastre, title and encumbrance checks must be made at the competent Land Registry office.
Risks include undisclosed mortgages or creditor claims, unresolved inheritance issues, planning or zoning violations, incorrect property boundaries, unexpected tax liabilities, and inadequate contract protections. A lawyer reduces these risks by conducting searches, negotiating warranties and indemnities, and ensuring proper registration.
After signing the notarial deed the buyer must pay applicable transfer taxes and fees, and the deed must be lodged and registered with the Hellenic Cadastre or the local Land Registry. Registration makes the transfer legally effective against third parties and completes the conveyancing process.
Resources that can help someone dealing with conveyancing in Agia Paraskevi include the Hellenic Cadastre - Ktimatologio for cadastral registrations, the Independent Authority for Public Revenue for tax matters, the Municipality of Agia Paraskevi for local planning and permits, the Athens Bar Association or the local Bar Association for lists of qualified lawyers, and the Notaries or Notarial Chamber for information about notarial practice. Official municipal offices can assist with local charges and certificates. Your lawyer can point you to the exact offices and documents needed for your transaction.
If you need legal assistance with conveyancing in Agia Paraskevi follow these steps - arrange an initial consultation with a solicitor experienced in Greek property law, provide the property details and any documents you already have, instruct the lawyer to perform title and encumbrance searches and check planning permits, obtain a written estimate of all expected costs and a timeline, negotiate or prepare a preliminary agreement setting out key terms and protections, prepare funds and tax arrangements for completion, and finally execute the notarial deed and register the transfer. Keep copies of all signed documents and receipts for future tax and ownership records.
