Buying property à Athènes with a dedicated expert

Athens offers a wide spectrum of purchase prices depending on location, proximity to the sea, transport links, and neighbourhood character. The following overview is based on market data from Investropa, Global Property Guide, and Brevitas (2024–2025).

Central Athens — Premium districts

• Kolonaki: The most prestigious central neighbourhood, with prime apartments at €4,000 to €6,000+/m². Attracts affluent domestic buyers and international investors seeking a central Athenian address.
• Makrygianni (near the Acropolis): Mid-premium location at approximately €3,800 to €4,000/m². Popular with buyers seeking proximity to cultural landmarks.

Central Athens — Mid-market districts

• Koukaki: Median purchase price approximately €2,950/m². A lively, gentrifying neighbourhood popular with younger buyers and investors.
• Pangrati: Average approximately €2,900/m². Residential and well-connected, with a strong local community feel.
• Exarchia: Emerging rapidly, with prices rising above the central average; noted for strong price growth momentum linked to Metro Line 4.
• Neos Kosmos: An up-and-coming district benefiting from recent urban upgrades.

Southern coastal suburbs (Athens Riviera)

• Glyfada: Approximately €4,250 to €5,000/m². Coastal lifestyle, good schools, and strong international demand.
• Voula / Vouliagmeni: Luxury coastal properties ranging from €5,000 to €7,300/m². The most exclusive addresses on the Athens Riviera.

Northern suburbs

• Marousi: Median approximately €2,800/m². A business hub with green spaces, international schools, and private medical facilities.
• Kifisia, Filothei, Ekali: Prices generally in the range of €2,500 to €4,500/m², depending on the specific street and property type. Favoured by families seeking space and greenery.

All price ranges are indicative asking prices as of 2024–2025. Actual transaction prices may differ. Sources: Investropa (2025), Global Property Guide, Brevitas (2024).

Purchasing property in Athens follows a structured legal process. On average, the entire transaction takes four to eight weeks from offer acceptance to final deed, depending on the complexity of the title and the responsiveness of both parties.

1. Obtain a Greek Tax Identification Number (AFM). This is the first administrative step for any foreign buyer. It can be obtained remotely through a tax representative.
2. Open a Greek bank account (recommended). Most sellers and notaries require funds to be transferred from a Greek account.
3. Engage a lawyer. Independent legal counsel is essential. The lawyer conducts due diligence, reviews all documents, and represents the buyer at the notary.
4. Property search and viewings. Identify the target property through a licensed real estate agent or direct search on Greek portals (Spitogatos, XE.gr).
5. Make an offer and negotiate. Offers are made verbally or in writing through the agent. Once agreed, the parties move to a preliminary agreement.
6. Sign a preliminary purchase agreement (Προσύμφωνο) and pay a reservation deposit. The deposit typically ranges from 5% to 10% of the agreed purchase price and secures the property. If the buyer withdraws, the deposit is forfeited; if the seller withdraws, they must return double the deposit.
7. Legal due diligence. The buyer's lawyer searches the Land Registry or Cadastre to verify title, check for encumbrances, confirm building permits, and review urban planning compliance.
8. Pay the Property Transfer Tax (FMA). Before the final deed can be signed, the buyer must pay the transfer tax to the Greek tax authority (AADE) and obtain proof of payment.
9. Sign the final notarial deed of sale (Συμβόλαιο Αγοράς). Both parties (or their authorised representatives) sign before a notary public. The notary authenticates the deed and submits the necessary filings.
10. Register the deed at the Land Registry or Cadastre. The notary or the buyer's lawyer submits the deed for registration, which formally transfers ownership. The land registry fee is approximately 0.5% to 0.9% of the purchase price.

Source: Katsouris Law Firm Athens; Greek notarial practice guidelines.

Non-resident buyers — whether EU or non-EU nationals — can access mortgage financing from Greek banks to purchase property in Athens, though lending conditions are generally stricter than for Greek residents.

Key financing parameters for non-residents (2024–2025):

• Maximum loan-to-value (LTV): Greek banks typically lend up to 60% to 65% of the property's appraised value for non-resident borrowers. Buyers should therefore plan for a minimum cash contribution of 35% to 40% of the purchase price, plus all acquisition costs (taxes, notary, legal fees).
• Interest rates: Fixed-rate mortgages are available starting from approximately 2.90% for a 3-year fixed period, after which the rate switches to a floating rate linked to the 3-month Euribor plus a spread. Longer fixed periods carry higher initial rates; a 30-year fixed rate is available at approximately 4.4% (Spitogatos / Eurobank, 2024–2025 indicative rates).
• Currency: Mortgages for non-residents are issued exclusively in euros.
• Remote pre-approval: Several Greek banks (including Eurobank) allow non-residents to begin the mortgage pre-approval process remotely, without an initial visit to Greece.
• Income assessment: Lenders assess global income, foreign bank statements, and assets rather than relying solely on Greek tax returns or local salary history.

Prerequisites for a mortgage application:

• Valid passport or national ID.
• Greek Tax Identification Number (AFM).
• Proof of income (payslips, tax returns, or business accounts from the country of residence).
• Bank statements (typically the last 3 to 6 months).
• Property valuation report commissioned by the lending bank.

Interest rates and LTV ratios are indicative and subject to change. Buyers should obtain personalised quotes from multiple Greek lenders before committing.

A property purchase in Athens involves several professional service providers, each with distinct fees and responsibilities. Understanding what each professional does — and what they charge — is essential for budgeting accurately.

Notary (Συμβολαιογράφος)

• Fee: Approximately 2% of the purchase price + VAT at 24% (effective rate ~2.24%). The fee is calculated on the property's cadastral (objective) value, which may differ from the agreed commercial price.
• Services included: Verification of seller's documents, drafting and authentication of the preliminary and final sale contracts, collection and submission of transfer tax documentation, filing with the Land Registry or Cadastre.

Lawyer (Δικηγόρος)

• Fee: Typically 1% to 2% of the property value + VAT at 24% (effective rate ~1.24% to 2.48%).
• Services included: Full legal due diligence (title search, encumbrance check, building permit review, urban planning compliance), drafting and review of the preliminary agreement, negotiation of contract terms, representation at the notary, coordination with the Land Registry.

Real estate agent (Μεσίτης)

• Fee: Generally 2% to 5% of the sale price. Commission rates are not fixed by law in Greece and are subject to negotiation. In Athens, it is common for both buyer and seller to pay a commission to their respective agents.
• Services included: Property search and selection, organisation of viewings, market price guidance, negotiation support, coordination between parties.

Land Registry / Cadastre registration fee

• Approximately 0.5% to 0.9% of the purchase price, paid at the time of deed registration.

All fees are indicative. Buyers should request written fee schedules from each professional before engagement.