🇬🇷 Greece

Buying Property in Greece: A Guide for Foreign Buyers

Apartments in Greece cost from €2,200 to €2,800 per m² across the cities we track. Expect to pay another 7–10% of the price in taxes and fees.

Can foreigners buy property in Greece?

EU buyers free; non-EU buyers may need a permit

EU citizens buy freely. Non-EU buyers need approval to buy in designated border areas (including many islands); elsewhere there are no restrictions.

Tax ID you'll need: AFM (Greek tax number)

How to buy, step by step

  1. 1Obtain an AFM and open a Greek bank account
  2. 2Lawyer checks title, permits and cadastre registration
  3. 3Sign a preliminary agreement and pay a deposit (often 10%)
  4. 4Pay the transfer tax before signing
  5. 5Sign the final contract before a notary
  6. 6Register the deed with the Hellenic Cadastre

What it costs

A 60 m² apartment in Athens at the average €2,800/m² costs about €168,000. Purchase taxes and fees add roughly €11,760–€16,800. Full breakdown of Greece property taxes and costs.

Thessaloniki€2,200/m² · gross yield 4.4%Athens€2,800/m² · gross yield 4.7%

Mortgages and residency

Approx. 50–70% LTV; Greek banks lend to non-residents only selectively.

Golden visa: €800,000 in Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini and large islands; €400,000 elsewhere (single property of at least 120 m²); €250,000 for commercial-to-residential conversions or listed-building restoration. Short-term letting of qualifying property is banned.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can foreigners buy property in Greece?↓
EU citizens buy freely. Non-EU buyers need approval to buy in designated border areas (including many islands); elsewhere there are no restrictions.
How much are buying costs in Greece?↓
Typically 7–10% of the purchase price for a resale apartment, including transfer tax, notary or legal fees and registration.
How much does an apartment cost in Greece?↓
Average prices range from €2,200/m² to €2,800/m² across 2 cities; in Athens a 60 m² apartment costs about €168,000.
Can non-residents get a mortgage in Greece?↓
Approx. 50–70% LTV; Greek banks lend to non-residents only selectively.
Property prices in Greece →Apartments for sale in Greece →Rental yield calculator →

Last reviewed 2026-10. General information, not tax or legal advice: rates change and often depend on region and buyer status, so confirm with a local notary, lawyer or tax adviser. Sources: vatcalc: Greece again extends real estate VAT exemption, IBA: The Greek Golden Visa after the 2024–2026 overhaul.