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Conveyancing in Greece refers to the legal process involved in transferring ownership of real property from one party to another. This process includes the preparation, negotiation, and execution of necessary documents to ensure lawful and uncontested transfer. Greek property law is detailed and regulated, involving multiple authorities, public registries, and often mandatory notarial oversight. Both foreigners and Greek nationals must comply with certain legal steps to finalize a real estate transaction, making it crucial to understand how conveyancing works in Greece.
Lawyers play a central role in Greek conveyancing. Some common situations where professional legal assistance is needed include:
In Greece, it is generally advisable, and often necessary, to have a lawyer involved to ensure all legal conditions are satisfied, such as accurate title registrations and settlement of legal disputes or debts attached to the property.
The Greek conveyancing process is distinct due to specific legal requirements. Notable aspects of local law include:
It is important to note that the notary public ensures the legality of the transaction, but each party's legal interests are best protected by their own lawyer.
The process typically involves selecting the property, hiring a lawyer, obtaining a tax number, conducting title searches, arranging for contractual documents before a notary, settling taxes and fees, and registering the deed at the Land Registry or Cadastre.
While not always legally required, it is highly recommended, especially for transactions in urban areas or involving foreign nationals, as lawyers safeguard your interests at each stage.
Buyers are usually responsible for the property transfer tax, notary fees, lawyer’s fees, and Land Registry or Cadastre registration fees. Accurate rates depend on the property’s value and location.
Yes, but some restrictions may apply to non-EU nationals in border areas or on certain islands. Each buyer must obtain a Greek tax number and may need approval from the Ministry of Defense for restricted zones.
Essential documents include identification, tax numbers, property title deeds, topography plans, an engineer’s report, tax clearance certificates, and various municipal certificates. Your lawyer will specify all needed paperwork.
The timeline varies depending on document availability and registry schedules, but most transactions complete within a few weeks to a few months, barring complications.
A preliminary agreement is a contract outlining the terms of the sale, typically including a deposit, before the final transfer at the notary. It helps secure the deal while legal checks are completed.
The notary public drafts and oversees the signing of the sale contract, ensures all legal requirements are met, calculates taxes and fees, and processes registration at the authorities. The notary is neutral and does not act as either party’s legal advisor.
A lawyer will conduct a title search at the Land Registry or Cadastral Office to detect mortgages, encumbrances, or legal disputes that may affect the property. This is a vital step before purchase.
Once the contract is signed and registered, the buyer officially owns the property. Utility transfers, insurance arrangements, and tax declarations should then be handled promptly with professional guidance.
The following resources can be helpful for those needing more information or assistance regarding conveyancing in Greece:
Many public bodies offer information, guides, and support in English and other languages, especially in tourist or expatriate areas.
If you are planning to buy or sell property in Greece, here are the recommended next steps:
Securing professional legal advice early in the process is the best way to ensure a successful and stress-free property transaction in Greece.
