Buying property in Attica as a UK foreigner

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 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.

Moving to Athens from the UK, or keen to buy a holiday home (or a holiday let) in the nearby Saronic Islands? Whatever your plans, you’ll need to know how the process of buying property works in the Attica region of mainland Greece.

We’re here to help, with a practical guide to buying property in Attica as a foreigner. This includes info on mortgages, fees and taxes, the latest Attica property prices, tips on where to start your search and the main pitfalls to avoid.

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Can you get a mortgage from a Greek bank as a non-resident?

First things first, you’ll need to get your finances in order. Unless you have the cash in the bank, you’re likely to need a mortgage from a Greek lender.

You’ll be pleased to know that Greek banks do provide mortgages to foreign nationals and non-residents.

However, foreign buyers do tend to face stricter lending criteria compared to local applicants, and the application process can be more complex.

Interest rates can be higher, and you may also find that you can’t borrow as much. The typical loan-to-value (LTV) ratio for foreign applicants is around 70%, so you’ll need a larger deposit.¹

It’s a good idea to start shopping around for mortgages before starting your property search in earnest - and using a specialist broker is recommended.

Taxes and fees for owning property in Attica

In order to set your budget for the purchase, you’ll need to factor in legal fees, property taxes and other costs. It’s not all about the property price, as these extra costs can really add up.

Here are the main ones to know about when buying property in Attica:¹

Fee/tax	Amount
Stamp duty	3% for new builds 3% to 24% for resale properties
VAT (FPA) - new builds only	24%
Registration fees (land registry)	0.5% to 1%
Legal fees	Around 1%
Notary fees	0.5% to 1%

You may also have to pay the following:

• Mortgage fees - including valuation and arrangement fees
• Building survey/technical report fees
• Estate agent fees - if using an agent to find a property in Attica.

Fees for these services can vary, so you’ll need to do some research and get quotes.

There are also annual property taxes to consider, which you can read more about them here.

Read more: Cost of Living in Greece

What’s the property market like in Attica?

The property market in Attica is experiencing a period of strong growth. House prices have been rising for the last 3-4 years, especially in metropolitan areas - with average apartment prices in central Athens rising by 37.4% between 2022 and 2025.²

One of the main reasons for this is strong demand, which is significantly outpacing the supply of quality housing.

Analysts predict that prices will continue to rise further. According to the Bank of Greece, prices have not yet hit their peak - with “moderate but steady growth” expected throughout 2026.²

Can foreigners buy property in Attica?

Yes foreign nationals can freely buy property in Greece - including Attica - without any restrictions, and you don’t need to be a resident there either.

All you need is a Greek tax number (AFM), a Greek bank account and the funds or finance to support your purchase.

Can you buy property in Attica and get residency?

Yes, there is a potential pathway to residency in Greece through the purchase of property in the Attica region.

Greece is one of many countries which has a ‘Golden Visa’ scheme, which allows foreign citizens to gain residency through making an investment in the country. This includes investing in property.

In some locations, the minimum required investment is €250,000 EUR.

But in ‘premium’ areas such as the entire region of Attica (including Athens) - along with islands like Santorini and Mykonos - you’ll need to buy property worth at least €800,000 EUR to qualify.³ Other conditions apply.

So if you have the funds and you’d like to move abroad and live in Athens permanently, this could be the pathway to pursue.

Read more: Greece Golden Visa

How much are the property prices in Attica?

Now we come to the big question - how much money do you need to afford your dream home in Attica?

Across the whole of the region, the average property price per square metre is €3,125 EUR.⁴

However, it really does depend on what and where you buy, and you can expect prices in Athens city centre (especially in popular and historic areas) to be higher.

Let’s take a look at what you can get for different budgets in popular parts of Athens:⁵

Property type	Areas	Average property price
Small modern apartments, renovation projects	Exarchia, Kallithea, Kypseli	Up to €200,000 EUR
Larger apartments, small townhouses	Pangrati, Marousi, parts of Glyfada	€250,000 to €500,000 EUR
Coastal homes, luxury villas, penthouse apartments	Kolonaki, Vouliagmeni, Kifisia	€500,000+ EUR

Another thing to note when figuring out the price for property in Attica is that international transfers could get expensive, especially if the bank or provider adds a margin to the exchange rate to convert your pounds to euros (EUR).

Consider checking out Wise to securely handle your large transfers with mid-market exchange rates and low, transparent fees*.

Where is the cheapest place to buy property in Attica?

If you’re property hunting on a budget, you’ll find the cheapest prices well away from Athens city centre.

Areas to check out include:

• Erithes
• Avlona
• Afidnes
• Ano Liosia
• Aspropirgos.

If you do have your heart set on Athens, the East and West provinces generally tend to have the most affordable property prices. Another budget-friendly option is Piraeus and its suburbs.

Buying property in Attica as a foreigner - a step-by-step guide

Before you start your house hunt, it can be useful to know a little about how the process of buying property works in Attica.

Here’s an overview of the steps involved, so you know what to expect:

1. Get your finances in order

Before you do anything, it’s a good idea to get your finances sorted. This means setting a budget, getting a mortgage offer (approval in principle) and getting all your paperwork together.

You may also need to open a Greek bank account.

2. Get your Greek tax number (AFM)

Foreign nationals need a Greek tax number called an AFM to buy property in Greece.

You can apply for your AFM at the local tax office with your passport and a completed application form.

3. Find a property and arrange viewings

There are two main ways to start your search - using online property portals and/or local estate agents to find properties. If you’re using an agent, make sure they’re registered with the Hellenic Association of Realtors (HAR).

If you’ve found somewhere you like, arrange a viewing as soon as you can, and start researching the area in the meantime.

4. Make an offer

Found your dream house? Submit a competitive offer to the estate agent, or to the buyer directly. You can negotiate, just like in other countries.

5. Appoint a solicitor and carry out due diligence

While it’s not mandatory, it’s strongly recommended to find and appoint a lawyer experienced in Greek property law.

They will check over and translate all documents and contracts, as well as carrying out due diligence on the transaction. This includes conducting a thorough title search at the Land Registry or Cadastre.

A personal recommendation is a good way to find a solicitor, but you can also find a list of English-speaking property solicitors on the UK Government website.

6. Get a survey

A building survey isn’t mandatory, but it could help to flag up any serious issues early on.

If the survey flags anything up, you may be able to go back to the seller to negotiate on price, or arrange to have issues rectified before the sale completes.

7. Sign the preliminary contract and pay the deposit

If your offer is accepted, due diligence checks are underway and you’re ready to proceed, it’s time to sign the preliminary contract.

It expresses your commitment to buying the property, and sets out the terms of the transaction.

You’ll also need to arrange a transfer to pay the deposit, which in Attica (and the rest of Greece) is usually around 10%.

Consider using the Wise account here to convert your pounds to euros, avoiding hidden fees and getting the mid-market exchange rate.

8. Appoint a notary

A notary is a key part of property purchases in Greece. They are a public officer who ensures that the transaction, documents, contracts and processes are carried out in line with the law.

You can learn more about finding a notary through the Hellenic Notary Association website - your solicitor may also be able to point you in the right direction.

9. Completion

This is the final crucial step, involving the following actions:

• Signing the deed of sale and the final sales contract
• Transferring money to pay the final balance
• Registering the property title in your name
• Getting the keys to your new home.

All of the main steps will need to be done in person at the notary’s office, and it’s crucial to have your solicitor there as it may be conducted in Greek (including documentation).

Read more: How to transfer money from the UK to buy property overseas

How can you find a property in Attica?

The two main routes to find property to buy in Attica are local real estate agencies and online property websites.

Property agencies and agents in Attica

It isn’t mandatory to use a real estate agent to find a property to buy in Attica, but it could be extremely helpful. This is especially true for those who are moving to Greece from the UK and are unfamiliar with the local property market.

A specialist buying agent or broker can offer helpful advice and insight into the local market and help you navigate the sales process. However, there will usually be a fee to pay for this service.

Before engaging an agent, check that they are registered with the Hellenic Association of Realtors (HAR).

Property websites in Attica

Keen to start your search online? Popular real estate websites in Greece include:

• Spitogatos
• Hellenic Realty
• Tospitimou
• XE.gr
• Rightmove Overseas

Read more: Property tax in Greece

What are some of the pitfalls of buying property in Attica?

One of the main things to watch out for when buying property abroadare scams.

To avoid these and other pitfalls, it’s best to work with verified, independent and qualified professionals such as real estate agents, brokers and property solicitors.

Appointing an independent real estate lawyer is particularly important. This is an expert who works just for you and has your interests at heart, rather than working for the seller or real estate agent at the same time.

To find one, start with this handy UK Government list of English speaking lawyers around the world.

Other important things to remember include:

• It’s not uncommon in Greece for properties to be listed for sale which have unauthorised building work, such as extensions or swimming pools. It’s crucial to have the legality (and condition) of any such work checked before buying.
• If you’re buying a property to rent out - check the local rules and restrictions for short-term lets. You should also look at rental demand around the year, not just in the peak tourist season.
• Be cautious and do your homework before sending money or a deposit.
• Ensure that the seller has the legal right to sell the property - along with carrying out other due diligence checks
• Get an inspection/survey carried out if you have any concerns about the property, especially if it’s an older or historic home.

How do you choose the right property in Attica?

Your dream home in Attica will be the one that closest fits your search criteria. Location, the type of home and of course, your budget, will all be key factors.

If you’re not already living in Greece, it’s worth making a trip to the specific part of Attica you’re interested in.

You can stroll along the streets, get a feel for the local area and view properties, making sure to pay attention to local transport links and amenities.

Condition of the property

It’s a good idea to do as much research as possible before committing to purchase a property.

If you have any concerns or just want to cover all bases before purchasing, you can commission a building survey or inspection. This will flag up any major issues and give you a better idea of what you’re buying.

Type of property

Attica - and Athens in particular - offers a huge variety of different property types.

You’ll find everything from neoclassical houses in Plaka to spacious mansions in Thisseio, as well as Art Deco-influenced 1930s apartments.

And of course, there are plenty of modern apartment buildings that are ready to move right into.

You may even be lucky enough to find a building plot, although this is more likely outside of Athens city.

Moving into your Attica property

Before you can get the keys to your new home, you’ll have a few key tasks to run through.

Insurance

It’s strongly recommended to take out a buildings insurance policy starting from your completion date. In fact, you might find it's a mandatory condition of your mortgage offer.

Setting up utilities and bills in Attica

If you know when your completion date will be, it makes sense to get some essentials set up in advance of moving in.

A prime example is utilities, such as heating, power and water. Get these sorted as early as you can, and the moving process should be a little smoother.

Renovating property in Attica

For some properties, some building work or improvements may be needed before you can move in.

Our guide to building and renovating property abroad covers everything you need to know, from planning permission to finding a local builder - and some of the main costs you can expect.

Save on currency conversion fees with Wise when buying property in Attica

After reading this guide, you should have all the essential info you need to start your property search in Attica. This includes those crucial first steps such as finding a broker and searching online property portals, and getting your finances in order.

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Additional FAQs about buying property in Attica

Is it hard for foreigners to buy property in Greece?

No, it’s actually relatively straightforward for foreign nationals to buy property in Greece, as there are no real restrictions on ownership.

However, you will need a local tax number and bank account - and a solicitor to help you navigate the often-complicated bureaucratic processes in Greece.

Is Athens a good place to invest in property?

Athens is generally considered to be a good place to invest in property, as prices are rising, foreign demand remains strong and rental yields are pretty healthy.

However, it’s still important to do your due diligence, get professional advice and assess the risks involved in property investment.

Do I need a Greek bank account to buy property in Greece?

Yes, it’s likely that you’ll need a Greek bank account - and an AFM tax number - in order to buy property in Greece.

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Sources used:

1. Properstar - Buying property in Greece as a foreigner: 2025 guide
2. Tovima.com - Attica Property Prices Extend Strong Upward Momentum
3. La Vida Golden Visas - Golden Visa Greece
4. Indomio - Housing prices in the Attika region
5. Your Overseas Home - Buying property in Athens

Sources last checked on date: 06-Feb-2026