Buying property in Chania as a foreigner: Complete UK guide

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.

Considering buying a holiday home in Chania, Crete? This vibrant city has lots to offer, from its beautiful 14th-century Venetian harbour to its charming old town - as well as museums, beaches and stunning natural beauty.

Whether you’re planning to move to Chania, retire there or buy an investment property there, we’re here to help.

Read on for a helpful and practical guide to buying property in Chania as a UK foreigner.

This includes info on mortgages for non-residents, fees and taxes, property prices, where to start your search and the pitfalls to avoid.

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

The first thing you’ll need to think about is how you’ll finance your Chania property purchase. Unless you have the cash upfront, you’re likely to need a mortgage.

The good news is that some banks in Greece do offer mortgages to foreign nationals and non-residents. However, you should bear in mind that foreign buyers tend to face stricter lending criteria, and the application process can be more complex.

You may also find that you can’t borrow as much as local residents, with typical loan-to-value (LTV) ratios for foreign applicants being around 70%. And if you’re a non-resident, you may be limited to mortgages with higher interest rates, unlike for Greek residents.¹

So, you'll need a larger deposit, along with lots of documentation (translated into Greek) to prove you’re a good candidate for a loan.

Taxes and fees for owning property in Chania

In order to set your budget for the purchase, you’ll need to factor in legal fees, property taxes and other costs.

Here are the main ones to know about when buying property in Chania: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 factor other costs into your overall budget, including mortgage valuation/arrangement fees, the cost of getting a building survey, and estate agent’s commission.

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

📚 Property tax in Greece

What’s the property market like in Chania?

The real estate market in Chania is in pretty good shape, with both sales and rental prices rising over the last year. The average asking price for residential properties rose by 22% between 2024 and 2025, while rental prices increased by 14.8%.²

Some of the highest growth areas were Maleme, Kissamos, and Kalyves, with increasing interest from both buyers and investors.²

As a buyer, this may mean you have to pay a little more for your dream property in Chania - as well as competing with other buyers. But it could potentially be a good investment, if property prices continue to trend upwards.

Can foreigners buy property in Chania?

Yes, UK nationals and other foreign nationals can freely buy property in Chania and the rest of Crete, without any restrictions.

However, you might find the process a little more complicated if you’re not an EU resident.

For example, you’ll need to register for a Greek Tax Registration Number and open a Greek bank account, and you may also face restrictions on how much you can lend from a Greek bank or mortgage provider.

📚 Opening an account in Greece

Can you buy property in Chania and get residency?

Yes, it is possible to get residency in Greece through investment in real estate.

Greece has a Golden Visa scheme, which grants a five-year residency permit to foreigners investing in property in the country. You’ll need to buy property in Greece with a minimum value of €400,000 EUR (this rises to €800,000 EUR for popular parts of Greece such as Thessaloniki, Mykonos and Santorini) and meet other criteria.³

So if you’re looking to move abroad and settle in Chania permanently, this could be the pathway to pursue.

📚 Moving abroad from the UK

How much are the property prices in Chania?

Now we come to the all important question - how much money do you need to afford a home in Chania?

Ultimately, it depends very much on what and where you buy.

On average though, residential properties in Chania are around €3,610 EUR per square metre (as of December 2025).⁴

Another thing to note when figuring out the price for property in Chania 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.

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 Chania?

If you’re property hunting on a budget, you’ll typically find the cheapest property prices in more remote and rural areas of Chania - away from the main tourist hotspots on the coast. A couple of places to check out include inland villages in the Kissamos or Sfakia regions. Or you may want to look at buying property in Rethymnon, just outside the Chania area.

Read more: Guide to buying property in Iraklion

Buying property in Chania 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 Chania.

Here’s a quick overview of the steps involved:

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.

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. You’ll also need to open a Greek bank account.

📚 Buying property in Greece

3. Find a property and arrange viewings

Now it’s time to start searching for your dream home. You can use 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

The next important step is to 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 technical report 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 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 Crete (and Greece in general) is usually around 10%.⁵

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 in 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).

📚 Transferring money to buy overseas property

How can you find a property in Chania?

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

Property agencies and agents in Chania

It isn’t necessary to use a real estate agent to find a property to buy overseas. But it is recommended, especially if you’re moving to Greece from the UK and are unfamiliar with the local property market.

A specialist buying agent or broker will be able to offer helpful advice and insight into the local market, and guide you through the buying process.

However, there will usually be a fee to pay for this service, and you should make sure the agent is registered with the Hellenic Association of Realtors (HAR).

📚 Moving to Greece

Property websites in Chania

A good way to get a headstart on finding a place to buy in Crete is to look online. Great websites to find a house or apartment to buy include:

• Spitogatos.gr
• Hellenic Realty
• Tospitimou
• XE.gr
• Your Home on Crete.

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

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

The very best way to protect yourself when buying property in Chania is to consult an independent real estate lawyer. 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.

The UK Government has a handy list of English speaking lawyers around the world.

Other key things to remember for a safe property purchase in Chania:

• There are a number of illegal structures (known as Afthaireta) in Chania, so it’s crucial to check the legal status of any property you’re looking to buy, to make sure it has the correct authorisations and permits for any building work
• Make sure you only work with estate agents licensed with the Hellenic Association of Realtors (HAR)
• Have your solicitor carry out full due diligence checks to ensure the property can be legally sold and that there are no zoning restrictions preventing you from building/renovating
• Don’t be bullied by aggressive sales or marketing tactics - take your time, do your research and complete the process carefully
• Get an inspection/survey carried out if you have any concerns about the property.

How do you choose the right property in Chania?

Your dream home in Chania will be the one that closest fits your search criteria. The most important factors will be location, the type of home and of course, how much you can afford to spend.

If you’re not already living there, it’s worth travelling to Chania to check out the specific area you’re interested in.

You’ll want to check out 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.

It’s not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended to 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

Chania has a number of different property types to choose from, including historic Venetian-style homes in the Old Town, traditional stone village houses and luxurious villas on the coast with lovely sea views.

You can also find apartments in complexes (with shared amenities) as well as building plots zoned for development.

📚 Building a house in Greece

Moving into your Chania property

You're in the process of buying your new home, but there are a few tasks to complete before you can get the keys and move in. These include taking out insurance and setting up your utilities.

📚 Buying a house abroad

Insurance

It’s strongly recommended to take out a buildings insurance policy starting from your completion date. In fact, it’s likely to be a condition of your mortgage.

Setting up utilities and bills in Chania

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 power and water. Get these sorted as early as you can, and the moving process should be a little smoother.

📚 Paying bills in Euros

Renovating property in Chania

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

Read our guide below on building and renovating property abroad, covering everything from planning permission to finding a local builder - and some of the main costs you can expect.

📚 Renovating property in Greece

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

After reading this guide, you should have all the essential info you need to start your property search in Chania. 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 Chania

Can a foreigner buy property in Crete?

Yes, foreigners can buy property in Crete with no restrictions.

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

You’re likely to need a Greek bank account to buy property in Greece, along with a Greek tax number (AFM).

Which is the best Greek island to buy property?

The best Greek island to buy property on all depends on what you’re looking for.

Crete offers a good mix of affordability and investment potential, while Rhodes is a popular pick for holiday lets.

Naxos is a good choice for retirees, while Corfu offers a cosmopolitan lifestyle and lush landscapes which may appeal to expats.

Which Greek island is best for over 50s?

Crete, Corfu, Rhodes, Naxos, Skopelos and Skiathos are all popular Greek islands with the over 50s and retired expats.

How much do I need to retire in Crete?

You can achieve a comfortable retirement lifestyle on Crete with an income of around €1,500 to €2,500 EUR a month.⁶ You may also need to meet a minimum income if you want to qualify for Greece’s Financially Independent Person (FIP) Visa.

What is the 5 year law in Greece?

The 5 year law refers to Greece’s Golden Visa, which grants non-EU nationals a 5-year renewable residence permit in exchange for a minimum investment.

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Sources used:

1. Properstar - mortgage info, mains fees and costs
2. AVAX Development - Chania property market stats and info
3. Immigrant Invest - info on the Golden Visa in Greece
4. Indomio - average housing prices in Chania, Crete
5. Kritiko Ethos - average deposit amounts in Crete
6. Relocate - minimum income for retirement in Greece

Sources last checked on date: 30-Jan-2026