How to buy land in Greece: a guide for UK buyers

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for reference purposes only. All information on this page should not be considered financial or tax advice. You are also solely responsible for calculating and paying your tax liabilities depending on the applicable law. All tax saving strategies or decisions should be made after thorough research and consultation with a qualified financial advisor.

Dreaming of buying land in Greece as a foreigner? Whether you plan to build a dream villa, farm or hold land as an investment, Greece can offer you the best of the Mediterranean.

In this guide, we'll show you how to buy land in Greece from the UK. We'll cover the fees, restrictions, process, and average land prices to make the process as smooth as possible.

If you’re also looking for ways to save money on currency exchange during the purchase, we’ll introduce a reliable and cost-effective way to send and receive large sums internationally from the money services provider Wise.

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Can foreigners buy land in Greece?

Yes, foreigners can buy land in Greece regardless of whether they are EU or non-EU citizens. However, the process may be a bit more complicated for non-EU citizens. If you're buying land in Greece from the UK, you'll need to get a Greek Tax Identification Number (AFM). Also, if you plan to finance your purchase through a Greek bank or mortgage provider, there are restrictions on the amount you can borrow.

But the good news is that, unlike some other European countries (Portugal and France), investing in residential property in Greece can make you eligible for residency through the Golden Visa.

To qualify for a Golden Visa, you'll need tobuy a house or buy land to build one, spending at least €400,000 (or €800,000 for high-demand areas) of your own money, not a mortgage.¹ With the Golden Visa, you can reside in Greece and travel freely in Europe’s Schengen area.

What to consider before buying land in Greece

• Usage flexibility: Land in Greece can be classified into two major categories: residential and agricultural. Agricultural land is often cheaper, but you can only use it for farming, while you can build a home with residential land. Remember to do your homework or consult a lawyer or surveyor to be sure the land you're getting matches the intended use.
• Land restrictions: You’ll face some restrictions when buying land in Greece as a foreigner. For instance, foreigners aren’t allowed to buy land near military zones or protected natural reserves. Additionally, you’ll need to get a permit from the local Prefectural Council to be able to buy land in ‘border zones’ in northern Greece and certain Dodecanese and East Aegean Islands.
• Language barriers: Greek is the most widely spoken language in Greece. If you aren’t fluent in Greek, you can appoint a multilingual project manager or hire a translator/interpreter. This way, you reduce the risk of miscommunication when sourcing or finalising land agreements
• Currency conversion risks and fees: Currencies can fluctuate all the time, and even minor shifts in currency rates can lead to you paying additional costs. Additionally, some banks can include markups in their exchange rate, increasing the cost of conversion. Sign up with Wise online and you can send money worldwide for low fees* and mid-market exchange rates.
• Additional costs: The land price is only a fraction of your total spend. You'll need to pay notary fees, registration fees, property transfer tax and money to professionals. Being mindful of this and including it in your budget ensures you aren’t caught off guard.

How to buy land in Greece from the UK

Arrange your finances

If you're paying for the land from your personal savings, ensure it's readily available. On the other hand, if you intend to finance the land, you’ll need to create a Greek bank account. As a UK citizen, you’ll need to make a down payment of at least 35% to 50%, earn at least €2,000 - €2,500 a month, and have clean credit to qualify².

Gather your documentation

To buy land in Greece, you’ll need a Greek Tax Identification Number, which you can get from the local tax authority. You’ll also need other official documents, such as a valid ID, a passport, proof of funds, a completed application form, and approval from Greek ministries.

Choose land you like

Greece offers a variety of landscapes from coastal to mountainous, numerous islands and fertile plains. You can also choose between urban, densely populated cities or the quiet scenery of the rural areas. You can find your ideal land using real estate sites or working with an agent.

Do a legal check

The land registry (or Cadastre) allows you or your lawyer to check the legal history of your chosen land, ensuring it is free of debts, legal charges, liens or claims. Your lawyer will also confirm if the seller has the right to sell the property and request up-to-date documentation.

Survey the land

You can work with a civil engineer or land surveyor to confirm if the land is suitable for your intended use. They can also help confirm the land boundaries communicated by the seller and identify any natural disaster risks.

Make an offer

You do not have to accept the seller’s initial price. You can make an offer and negotiate until you're both comfortable with the amount.

Sign the preliminary contract

After reaching an agreement with the seller, sign the preliminary contract or agreement and make a deposit (usually 10% of the purchase price).⁴ Doing this locks in your agreement and takes the land off the market until you complete your payment.

Sign the deed of sale

Work with a notary and sign the final deed of sale (Symvoliagogiki Praxi) in the presence of the notary. Next, register your new land at the land registry and pay all outstanding taxes and fees. Now the land is officially yours. You can start farming on it immediately. Or if you plan on building a home, check out our guide on building a home in Greece to get started.

Is land expensive in Greece?

Land in Greece is relatively affordable compared to other European countries. However, as with everywhere else, the price of land can vary widely depending on the region and type of land. Agricultural land is often cheaper than residential or buildable land. And generally, land in urban areas is more expensive than land in rural or less developed regions.

Also, note that in addition to the price of the land, there are other costs that you’ll need to cover, including:

• Property transfer tax (Fóros Metavivasis Akinítou - FMA): 3.09% of the land price³
• Notary fees: 1-2% ³
• Lawyer's fee: 1-2% ³
• Land registry fees: 0.5% to 1%⁴
• Stamp duty: 3%⁴

How much does a piece of land cost in Greece?

The price of land in Greece can vary widely depending on location and type. The average price for agricultural land is about €1,317.9 per acre or 1.43 per square meter and can range from €668 to €8,158 per acre⁵.

Meanwhile, residential land can range from €300 per square meter to €8,000 per square meter.⁶

Where is the cheapest place to buy land in Greece?

Here are some areas where you can find affordable agricultural land in Greece:

Here are some of the most affordable residential plots in Greece:

Make your investment go further with Wise

Buying land in Greece as a foreigner requires proper planning and patience. Doing your homework and working with experienced professionals makes the process easier and helps you avoid costly mistakes.

Need a secure, convenient and low-cost way to pay for your land purchase in Greece? Take a look at the Wise account from the money services provider Wise. It's not a bank account but offers some similar features and your money is safeguarded.

With Wise, you can set up large amount transfers worldwide to 140+ countries for low, transparent fees* and the mid-market exchange rates with no markup.

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**Investments in funds are never guaranteed and your capital can be at risk. In the UK, Interest and Stocks are provided by Wise Assets — this is the trading name of Wise Assets UK Ltd, a subsidiary of Wise. Wise Assets UK Ltd is authorised as an investment firm and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Our FCA number is 839689. We do not give investment advice, and you may be subject to pay tax. If you're not sure, seek qualified advice. You can find more information about the funds on our website.

Sources used:

1. Forbes - Golden visas—Portugal and Greece ramp up as Spain closes its doors
2. Investropa - Buying and owning property as a foreigner in Athens
3. Lexidy - Buy Land in Greece
4. Properstar - Buying property in Greece as a Brit: 2025 guide
5. Neoiorizontes - Fields: Prices up to 25% (analytical tables for all of Greece)
6. a.land - Buying Land in Greece: Detailed Insights by Region Affordable , Prices, and Professional Support

Sources last checked on: 2 February 2026