Property Lawyer in Greece
Independent legal representation for international property buyers. Licensed in Greece and Germany.
Our firm
HereGreece! at a Glance
Licensed in Greece and Germany
Dual bar admission with the Thessaloniki Bar Association and the Berlin Bar Association. We operate directly in both legal systems, with no need for local correspondent lawyers.
Over 20 Years of Experience in Greek Property Law
We have been handling property transactions in Greece since 2004. We know the risks, the common pitfalls, and the details that actually matter when buying in Greece.
International Standards, Local Expertise
We work in English, to the professional standards you expect, and handle the Greek legal process on your behalf. You deal with a structured, transparent law firm and not a local fixer.
Legal support for property buyers
Why You Need a Property Lawyer in Greece
What International Buyers Expect, and What Greece Does Differently
If you are buying property in the UK, the US, or most of Western Europe, you expect a regulated process with professional oversight at every stage. A solicitor or conveyancer manages the legal side. Title insurance or a land registry provides certainty of ownership. The process is standardised and the buyer is protected by default. In Greece, the legal framework works differently. There is no title insurance. There is no solicitor appointed automatically on your behalf. The notary (symvolaiografos) handles the contract signing but does not represent the buyer. Verifying ownership, checking for encumbrances and confirming planning compliance — in other words, due diligence — is entirely the buyer’s responsibility.
Two systems, different rules
What a solicitor handles at home, you must arrange independently in Greece.
Your right to independent representation
In Greece, buyer representation is not mandatory. That makes choosing your own lawyer all the more important.
How Property Transactions Actually Work in Greece
Greece is in the process of transitioning to a modern land registry (Ktimatologio), but coverage is not yet complete nationwide. In many areas, ownership records must be traced through the older mortgage registry (Ypothikofilakio), which requires careful, case-by-case verification. There is also no legal requirement for buyers to appoint their own lawyer. Many buyers rely on the notary or on recommendations from the estate agent, without realising that neither party represents their interests.
A property lawyer who specialises in Greek real estate ensures that your rights are verified before the purchase and protected throughout the transaction. Independent, with no connection to the seller or agent, and acting exclusively in your interest.
Scope of work
What a Property Lawyer Does for You
Legal Due Diligence
Full verification of the ownership chain, existing encumbrances, mortgages, liens, and potential third-party claims. Including checks for planning violations and forestry land classifications.
Contract Review and Negotiation
Analysis of the draft purchase agreement, identification of legal risks, and negotiation of amendments with the other party.
Written Legal Opinion
A written summary of the legal review with a clear recommendation on whether the purchase is legally sound.
Tax Registration
Application for your Greek tax number (AFM), which is a mandatory requirement for any property purchase.
Power of Attorney
Preparation of a notarial power of attorney, allowing us to sign the deed on your behalf if you cannot be present in Greece.
Support Through to Completion
Coordination with the notary, ensuring timely payment of transfer tax, and overseeing the registration of ownership.
How your property purchase works
The Buying Process with Legal Support
Initial Consultation
An In-Depth Property Consultation to discuss your plans, clarify questions about Greek property law, and define the scope of legal support you need.
Legal Review of the Property
Once you have identified a property, we carry out full due diligence: ownership history, encumbrances, and planning compliance. You receive a written legal opinion summarising the findings.
Contract Review and Preparation
The draft purchase agreement is reviewed, risks are identified, and amendments are negotiated where necessary. In parallel, your tax registration (AFM) and, if required, the power of attorney are prepared. This step can also be carried out as a standalone Fast-Track Contract Review.
Completion and Registration
On the day of signing, we accompany you at the notary or represent you under power of attorney. Transfer tax payment and registration of ownership are handled on your behalf.
Two legal systems, one partner
Greek and International Property Law: Key Differences
Land Registry and Proof of Ownership
In most Western jurisdictions, a centralised land registry provides definitive proof of property ownership and any encumbrances. In Greece, the Ktimatologio fulfils a similar function, but it is not yet fully operational across the country. In areas without complete Ktimatologio coverage, ownership must be traced through the older mortgage registry, the Ypothikofilakio. A lawyer with in-depth knowledge of both systems is required to perform a careful, case-by-case analysis.
The Role of the Notary
In many countries, a solicitor, conveyancer, or notary is responsible for protecting the buyer’s interests during a property transaction. In Greece, the notary is responsible for certifying the contract, but does not conduct independent due diligence on behalf of the buyer. It is essential to verify independently whether the property is free of encumbrances, whether planning permissions are in order, and whether the seller has the legal right to sell. This is precisely where an independent property lawyer can add significant value.
Clear terms, fixed fees
You know the full cost before you instruct us. No hourly charges. No surprises.
Fees and Costs
All our work is carried out on a fixed-fee basis. Before you instruct us, you know exactly what the fee will be. There are no hourly charges, no surcharges, and no hidden costs. The fee depends on the service package and the value of the property. In addition to legal fees, a property purchase in Greece involves transfer tax (currently 3.09% of the purchase price), notary fees, and land registry fees. These are statutory costs, payable regardless of whether you appoint a lawyer. We explain the full cost structure during the initial consultation so you can plan with certainty from the start.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about buying property in Greece?
Answers to the most common questions about legal representation, costs, and the buying process.
Do I need a lawyer to buy property in Greece?
There is no legal requirement to hire a lawyer when buying property in Greece. However, the Greek system places the entire burden of verification on the buyer. There is no title insurance, no conveyancer appointed on your behalf, and no standardised process that protects you automatically. The notary certifies the contract but does not check whether the property is free of encumbrances, whether there are planning violations, or whether the seller is legally entitled to sell.
If you do not speak Greek, are not familiar with the Greek legal system, or are buying from abroad, proceeding without independent legal representation means relying entirely on parties who do not represent your interests. Problems with ownership, unpaid debts on the property, or building code violations are often only discovered after the contract is signed, when it is too late to resolve them without significant cost and delay.
In practice, independent legal representation is not optional for international buyers. It is the only way to verify what you are buying before you commit.
How much does a property lawyer in Greece cost?
Our fees are fixed and depend on the service package and the value of the property. You know the exact cost before any work begins, and the fee does not change during the process. There are no hourly rates, no surcharges, and no hidden charges. Full details for each service are available on our service pages.
It is worth noting that legal fees are a small fraction of the total transaction cost. Transfer tax alone is 3.09% of the purchase price. By comparison, the cost of legal due diligence and contract review is modest relative to the financial risk of buying without independent verification.
Can I complete the entire purchase from abroad?
Yes. The majority of our clients complete their purchase without travelling to Greece for the legal process. Through a notarial power of attorney, we represent you at the notary for the contract signing and handle all legal steps on your behalf.
All communication, documentation, and legal advice is provided in your language. You receive written updates at each stage, and all documents requiring your review are provided in English before you sign or approve anything. The process is designed to work remotely from the start, not as a workaround.
What is the difference between a Greek notary and a solicitor?
In the UK and many other common law jurisdictions, the legal process is managed by a solicitor or conveyancer, who also carries out searches and actively protects the buyer’s interests. In Greece, the role of the notary is distinct. The notary is a public official who certifies the contract and ensures it meets formal requirements. The notary does not investigate the property, verify the seller’s title, or represent either party.
This means that tasks which would normally be handled by your solicitor — such as checking for encumbrances, verifying planning permissions, and reviewing contract terms in your favour — must be arranged separately. Without the expertise of a property lawyer, these crucial checks often go unconducted.
What languages do you work in?
All client communication, legal advice, and documents are provided in the client’s language. We work in English, German, and Italian. You will never need to navigate Greek-language correspondence or legal terminology on your own.
Greek is used for all dealings with local authorities, notaries, land registries, and other institutions involved in the transaction. Certain official procedures require documents in Greek, and some Greek-language documents may need to be provided to you for reference. We can arrange translations where needed, though official sworn translations (where required by authorities) are provided separately.
What if I have not found a property yet?
An In-Depth Property Consultation is designed for exactly this stage. Before you commit to a specific property, there are legal and practical questions worth clarifying early: whether there are restrictions on foreign ownership in the area you are considering, what the full cost structure of a purchase looks like, how the tax registration process works, what documents you will need to prepare, and whether your personal situation (residency, citizenship, financing) creates any specific legal requirements.
Understanding these points before you start viewing properties allows you to search with clarity, set a realistic budget including all transaction costs, and avoid pursuing properties that would present legal complications. The consultation is a standalone service with no obligation to proceed further.
Looking for legal representation for your property purchase in Greece?
Book an In-Depth Property Consultation or explore our service packages. Fixed fees. Independent representation. Exclusively for buyers.