Costs of buying property 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.

From vibrant urban centres to quieter coastal locations, Greece offers a range of property options for UK buyers planning a permanent move, a second home or a long-term investment. While buying property in Greece can be rewarding, it’s important to factor in the extra costs involved.

In this guide, we’ll break down the full costs of buying property in Greece. We’ll cover taxes, fees and professional costs so you can plan your finances properly.

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What costs are involved when buying property in Greece?

When considering the costs of buying property in Greece, you should factor in both one-off purchase costs and ongoing expenses.

There are several upfront charges, such as property transfer tax, notary fees and land registry charges (Ktimatologio). Once you’re the owner, there are annual expenses to consider too, such as property tax (ENFIA) and municipal tax (TAP).¹

Let’s break down these taxes and other costs you may encounter.

Property purchase taxes and fees in Greece

Property transfer tax or Foros Metavivasis Akiniton (FMA) is one of the main costs of buying property in Greece. It applies to resale properties and is typically set at around 3% of the property’s taxable value. There’s also a small municipal surcharge of about 0.09%, bringing the effective rate to around 3.09%.²

Buyers investing in new-build properties would normally pay 24% VAT or Foros Prostithemenis Axias (FPA). However, the Greek government has suspended VAT on many new builds until 31 December 2026, meaning many purchases instead qualify for the lower property transfer tax.²

Greece offers a first-home transfer tax exemption that can reduce or eliminate the 3.09% transfer tax for qualifying buyers, with value limits that change depending on marital status and number of children. To qualify, buyers must meet conditions such as not owning other property, using the home as their primary residence and staying within the AADE value caps.²

For example, the exemption can apply to homes up to €200,000 for single buyers and up to €250,000 for married couples, with higher limits if you have children or a disability. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, a lawyer can help confirm your eligibility.³

Legal, notary, and administrative costs in Greece

Alongside taxes, there are various fees to pay when buying property in Greece to ensure the purchase is legally finalised. These generally include notary and land registry charges and attorney fees.

All property transactions in Greece must be completed in front of a notary public. Notary fees typically run between 1% and 1.6% of the property value, including VAT.²

While not legally mandated, hiring an independent lawyer is strongly recommended. Legal fees are negotiable, but they usually range from about 0.5-1.5% of the property price, plus VAT. ²

Additional costs to budget for when buying property in Greece

After signing the notarial deed, you must register the property with the Land Registry or Cadastre. These fees are typically about 0.6% to 1% of the value.²

You may need to pay extra for services such as translation or interpreting if you’re not fluent in Greek legal documents. On average, translators charge €10–€25 per page (£9–£22), while signing-day interpretation can cost €150–€400 (£130–£350).²

In Greece, a property valuation is often needed for mortgage purposes or to support negotiation, with costs generally ranging from €250 to €600 (£218–£523).² A technical inspection to check the building’s structure usually costs about €500 to €1,000 (£436–£872).¹

How much are the total buying costs in Greece?

As a general rule, you should budget around 6% to 10% of the purchase price for total upfront costs, including taxes, notary fees and standard professional charges. If you only pay the mandatory fees and skip optional services, the cost can be closer to 4.5%.²

The final amount will vary based on the type and location of the property, as well as whether you take out a mortgage.

Ongoing property costs to consider in Greece

Once you own a property in Greece, there are several ongoing costs to keep in mind, including annual property tax and municipal tax.

All property owners in Greece must pay Eniaios Foros Idioktisis Akiniton or ENFIA, a yearly ownership tax calculated based on factors such as the property’s objective value, location, and size. It normally ranges from €3 to €10 per square metre (£2.6–£9).²

ENFIA reductions or exemptions are available for certain categories of owners and properties. However, foreigners usually pay the standard rate.²

Alongside national taxes, property owners in Greece also pay a municipal tax called Telos Akinitis Periousias or TAP. The TAP rate ranges between 0.025% and 0.035% of the objective value of the property and it’s normally charged through the electricity bill.¹

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Sources used:

1. Grekodom - the real cost of buying property in Greece
2. Investropa - property taxes, costs and fees in Greece
3. AADE - real estate transfer tax

Sources last checked on date: 10-Feb-2026