With the right guidance, a clear plan and expert support, buying a home in Greece is more achievable than you might think. Here’s your clear, six-month roadmap to making it happen – including the professionals to rely on, paperwork to prepare and steps to ownership.
Buying property in Greece isn’t just about finding a villa with sea views (though that’s a great place to start!). It’s about creating the life that feels right for you. With some preparation and the right people in your corner, the Greek buying process is surprisingly manageable. This guide walks you through every key step – from early dreaming to picking up the keys.
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Contents
- Step one: dreaming and research
- Step two: build your team
- Six-month buying timeline
- Final steps and completion
- Frequently asked questions
Step one: dreaming and research
Every property journey begins with the dream – but before you scroll through listings of hillside homes in Kefalonia or whitewashed Cycladic cottages, take a moment to map out what you really want from your Greek home. Will it be a holiday home, rental property or your eventual full-time residence? Will you need finance? Are you looking at the islands or the mainland?
Once you’ve set your priorities, you’ll find the search becomes more focused – and far less overwhelming. Attending webinars and speaking with property consultants from Your Overseas Home can help refine your options early on. They’ll walk you through what’s realistic for your budget, introduce trusted local experts and guide you through the legal and financial implications.
Step two: build your team
Getting the right people around you is the single most important thing you can do to protect your investment and reduce stress. At a minimum, you’ll want:
- A lawyer – registered and fluent in both Greek and English
- An estate agent – who specialises in working with overseas buyers
- A currency specialist – to secure the best possible exchange rates
- A financial adviser or mortgage broker – if you’re not buying in cash
Your Overseas Home can connect you with verified professionals who know the local systems and understand what it means to be buying from abroad.
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Six-month buying timeline
Once you’ve narrowed down your location and have your support team in place, this timeline will help you work backwards from your goal – whether that’s moving in by summer or buying before currency rates shift.
Here’s how your six-month countdown might look:
| Timeframe | Key actions |
|---|---|
| 6 months out | Set a budget and shortlist locations. Create a list of ‘must-haves’. Begin speaking with an agent. Attend virtual events or viewing trip webinars. |
| 5 months out | Start a detailed search. Speak with a lawyer about structuring the purchase and review your financing needs with an adviser. |
| 4 months out | Book a viewing trip. Narrow down your top property options. Speak to your currency specialist about a forward contract. |
| 3 months out | Apply for your AFM (Greek tax number). Begin setting up a Greek bank account. Make an offer and reserve your chosen property. |
| 2 months out | Sign the deposit contract and pay the deposit. Appoint a notary. Start planning removals and organising insurance/utilities. |
| Completion day | Attend the notary’s office in person (or via power of attorney). Pay the final balance, collect the keys and celebrate. |
Final steps and completion
As you move closer to completion, your lawyer and notary will take care of final due diligence. You may also choose to book a structural survey – especially for older village properties. Once the purchase is signed off at the notary’s office, the property is legally yours and will be registered in your name with the local land registry.
From this point, you’ll be free to furnish, decorate and move in. And if you’re not living there full-time straight away, your team can help you organise property management and letting options too.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I buy a house in Greece as a UK citizen?
As a UK citizen you can buy property in Greece without needing residency. Start by appointing an independent, English-speaking Greek property lawyer and speaking with a currency specialist to plan your budget. Get your AFM (Greek tax number), open a local bank account if you plan to pay bills or set up utilities, then view and reserve a property. Your lawyer will run title and planning checks, the notary will prepare the purchase deed, and you’ll complete by signing at the notary’s office and registering the title at the land registry. If you want to stay longer than 90 days in any 180-day period, you’ll also need the appropriate visa or residency permit.
What are the requirements to buy a house in Greece?
You’ll need a valid passport, an AFM tax number, proof of funds for the purchase and costs, and a Greek bank account if you intend to handle ongoing bills locally. A notary is required for the sale deed and a lawyer is strongly recommended to check ownership, planning compliance and any debts on the property. You must pay the relevant purchase tax or VAT before completion and ensure the deed is registered after signing. If you are buying in sensitive border areas, additional permissions may apply, so ask your lawyer early.
Do I need a Greek bank account to buy property in Greece?
It isn’t a strict legal requirement to open a Greek bank account to purchase, but it is highly practical and sometimes requested by local authorities or service providers. A Greek IBAN makes it easier to pay taxes, utilities and community fees, receive rental income and arrange standing orders. Many buyers open one once they have their AFM to simplify payments during and after completion.
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