Property Purchase Expenses. Cost of Buying a Home in Greece
One of the most common “mistakes” property buyers make is failing to correctly calculate the total cost required to complete the purchase. As a result, they allocate their entire available budget to the price paid to the seller, and once the process begins and the transfer-related expenses start to accumulate, they become frustrated and try to cut costs wherever possible—whether that means reducing or avoiding fees for the lawyer, the real estate agent, the engineer, or even the notary.
If you choose to work with a real estate agent, they will guide you through the entire process, explain every step you need to follow, and help you make a smart and financially sound purchase that meets your needs, while staying within your total budget so you don’t feel financially pressured.
However, if you prefer not to work with an agent, or do not wish to pay for a lawyer or an engineer, you can simply enter the purchase value into the property purchase cost calculator below and subtract the corresponding fees from the final total.
On this page, you can also calculate the potential rental yield of a property, in case you are considering investing in real estate.
Property Purchase Cost Calculator
Calculate the total cost of buying your property
The results provided by the property purchase cost calculator are based on the percentage rates listed in each corresponding column. Wherever an asterisk (*) appears, the percentages may vary depending on the property’s value or may be determined through a special agreement. Minimum fees have been applied where the property value is low.
(*) If the property is intended to be used as a primary residence, the 3% property transfer tax does not apply, provided certain requirements are met (see the table below).
(*) The real estate agency fee (if an agent was involved) is freely negotiable. Here, it has been calculated at 2% + VAT 24%, but it may be higher or lower depending on the agreement.
(*) The lawyer’s fee for representation during the contract signing is freely negotiable. In this calculator, it ranges from 0.01% to 1%, depending on the property’s value. Legal representation is not mandatory.
(*) The engineer’s fee for a standard technical inspection is also freely negotiable. An indicative percentage has been applied here, and the technical property inspection is not mandatory.
(*) The notary fee typically ranges from 0.1% to 0.8%, depending on the property’s value. Additional charges may apply for copies, extra acts, certificates, and related documentation.
(*) VAT has been included in the costs for the Land Registry or the Cadastre Office.
First Time Home Purchase – Tax Exempt Limits
| Category | General | PWD |
|---|---|---|
| Tax-Exempt Allowance for Singles | < 200.000 € | < 250.000 € |
| Tax-Exempt Allowance for Married | < 250.000 € | < 275.000 € |
| Housing needs fulfilled with | 70 m2 | 90 m2 |
Complete Real Estate Agency Services
Property Purchase Cost FAQs
What are the requirements for exemption from the property transfer tax?
In general, the conditions listed in the table above apply. However, since the legal framework may change over time, you should consult your real estate agent or your tax advisor. You can also find more information on the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (A.A.D.E.) website.
Why should I pay a real estate agency fee?
You always have the option not to work with a real estate agent, in which case no agency fee is required. You can search on your own for private sellers who list their properties directly on the open market.
Do I need to hire a lawyer for the contracts?
You should hire a lawyer initially to conduct a title search. The lawyer’s presence during the signing of the contracts is not mandatory; however, it is strongly recommended in certain types of properties, for example, those that may be subject to easements, expropriations, compensation claims, undivided ownership shares, parking spaces, etc. A lawyer can explain exactly what applies in each case and what you are actually purchasing.
Do I need to hire an engineer to perform a technical inspection on the property I am purchasing?
It is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended for all types of properties — even for plots or agricultural land. Although the implementation of the Electronic Building Identity minimizes the risk of purchasing something “illegal”, a technical property inspection should still be conducted to document the property's actual condition, including any potential defects.