1. Buyer’s Lawyer - Expert in Legal Verification

The lawyer is the only person who can check all the legal details and protect you from unpleasant surprises. Ensure yourself with a contract in which you will specify that all legal verification is the lawyer’s task. Legal due diligence is exclusively the lawyer’s task. He checks:

  • the registration of the property in the Ktimatologio/cadastre,
  • existing mortgages, annotations, and seizures,
  • court disputes and rights of third parties, usufruct rights.

The verification period usually covers at least the previous 20 years.

The lawyer does not verify the technical and urbanistic legality of the property - that is the role of the licensed engineer. An agent cannot replace a lawyer in this part of the process. The typical range of lawyer’s fees is usually from 1% to 2% of the property value, but in more complex cases or larger transactions, they can be closer to 1.5-2%.

2. Agent / Mediator Helps You Find the Right Property

The agent is a guide through the real estate market - he knows everything about locations, prices, and options and will make an effort to find what you are looking for. The agent provides basic information about the property:

  • location,
  • price,
  • condition of the property, and
  • documentation.

However, the agent does not conduct a legal due diligence of ownership or encumbrances because he does not have access to relevant registries. Only a lawyer and a notary have legal access to cadastral registries, with only the lawyer able to conduct due diligence. The typical commission of agencies ranges from 2% to 4% depending on the property value, location, and agreement with the agency. In Halkidiki, it’s about 3% plus the mandatory 24% VAT. Recommendation: Negotiate with the agent before signing the contract, and ask for the commission and VAT to be clearly stated in the contract.

3. Notary - Formal Document Authenticator

The notary is the guarantor of the legality of the documents - his role is to authenticate documents and confirm that everything is in accordance with the law. The notary authenticates all legally necessary documents: tax certificates, technical certificates, and the purchase agreement. He does not perform a detailed legal due diligence of ownership and encumbrances - his responsibility is limited to what the law provides. The fee of a notary in Greece ranges from 1% to 2% of the property value.

4. Licensed Engineer - Expert in the Technical Legality of the Property

Licensed engineer - checks that everything is built properly and that there are no hidden problems. In Greece, licensed engineers are required when buying or selling real estate. The seller is required to submit the engineer’s certificate to the notary when notarizing the purchase contract. However, in practice, many law firms advise buyers to hire an independent engineer to inspect the property in the buyer’s best interest.

  • Seller’s Engineer - provides the documentation that the seller submits to the notary (certificates\, statements) about the property.
  • Buyer’s Engineer - conducts an independent technical inspection of the property\, measurements\, urban irregularities\, and risks.

The buyer’s engineer verifies if the property is built in accordance with the building permit, urban plan, and documentation. He analyzes illegal extensions, enclosed terraces, and the actual condition of the property in relation to plans and existing documentation. He may issue a technical certificate, which the lawyer uses as part of the legal verification when drafting the contract. The fees for engaging an engineer are not fixed and, like legal services, are agreed upon when contracting the service.

  • The average (typical) price for a technical inspection by an engineer in Greece is probably around 300-600 €, taking into account all sources.
  • It can vary significantly - from 150 € for simpler properties, to thousands of euros for large, complex properties, comprehensive inspections, or elaborate engineering reports.
  • Due to significant variability, it is best to get quotes from 2-3 engineers before engaging them.

5. Joint Process - How to Ensure the Security of the Transaction

The safest way is a combined approach. All experts together make up your team for a safe purchase - by combining legal and technical verification, you reduce the risk and buy with confidence. Yes, it is an expense, but it is a condition so that you later have no problems with the property.

  • The agency provides you with an insight into the real estate market and helps you find a suitable apartment, house, or villa according to your wishes and needs.
  • The lawyer conducts a legal due diligence of ownership and legality of the property.
  • The engineer conducts a technical and urbanistic inspection of the property and existing documentation.
  • The lawyer uses the engineer’s report to make an informed decision before signing the preliminary contract or paying a deposit.

This team approach drastically reduces the risk of unforeseen problems, such as hidden mortgages, legal disputes, or illegal extensions, and the like.

Explore the complete process of buying property in Greece through our detailed guides:
Buying Property in Greece – a clear, step-by-step introduction to the entire process, including taxes, costs and ownership obligations.
Buying an Apartment or House by the Sea in Greece – Real Experiences – real buyer stories, practical examples and advice based on first-hand experience.
10 Biggest Mistakes Foreigners Make When Buying Property in Greece - - important for you to know!
Work Permits and Property Purchase in Greece – an overview of residence and work permit options and how they connect to property ownership.
Where Is the Best Place to Buy Property in Greece? – an analysis of the most popular regions, with recommendations based on budget and intended use.
Buying Real Estate Near Thessaloniki - Tips and Recommendations - a practical guide to the most attractive areas around Thessaloniki
Greek Golden Visa – a complete guide to the investment requirements, application process and benefits of the Golden Visa program.
Working from Greece: A Guide for Digital Nomads – a detailed overview of residence and visa options for digital nomads who want to live and work in Greece.

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