What to check before buying property in Greece.
Greek property due diligence is not one inspection. It has distinct legal, technical and market-data layers, each with a different professional owner and a different kind of evidence.
Three checks, not one green light.
A clean-looking listing and a persuasive agent's description do not establish that the property can be lawfully transferred or that construction is compliant.
- Legal review should begin before becoming irrevocably committed.
- Engineering checks need the exact building and supporting documents.
- Market research helps question a price; it cannot replace the first two layers.
Confirm the right to sell what is being offered.
An independent Greek lawyer should assess the ownership chain, recorded encumbrances, seller authority, title documents and other restrictions relevant to the transaction.
- Seller's identity and transfer authority
- Title chain and registered ownership interests
- Liens, mortgages, claims and other burdens
- Any outstanding contractual or power-of-attorney questions
Match the registered asset to the actual property.
A cadastral identifier and extract help locate the registered property. They should be checked against legal plans, what is physically on site, and what the buyer believes is included.
A cadastral entry is not, by itself, proof that every extension or alteration is permitted.
Separate building legality from physical condition.
An engineer should examine building permits and approved plans, identify potential unauthorised works, assess physical condition and advise on required technical documents.
- Permits, approved plans and configuration
- Extensions, conversions and possible regularisation issues
- Structural and systems condition where relevant
- Building identity and technical certifications as required
Land and coastal properties need extra scrutiny.
Protected forest, archaeological, coastal, access and planning rules may affect individual parcels. A property being advertised with a view or a proposed use does not prove that use is legally allowed.
Independent numbers can sharpen the questions.
Historic recorded transfers, asking-price series and wider valuation indices may identify inconsistencies or contextualise a seller's request.
A low or high sample median is not a title opinion, a building inspection or an individual valuation.
A buyer-ready checklist.
Ask each professional what evidence they need and which issues must be understood before you accept a financially binding commitment.
- Exact property identifier and cadastral details provided?
- Lawyer instructed to check ownership and burdens?
- Engineer has permits, plans and property access?
- Applicable location restrictions reviewed?
- Tax, fees and contractual exit conditions clarified?
- Data limitations and missing documents recorded in writing?
Nine practical checks before you commit.
Choose the question relevant to the exact home you are considering. Each guide explains the evidence, the professional responsible and what a buyer should do when a finding remains unresolved.
Evidence first. Then your decision.
Our reports help structure property questions; independent Greek professionals verify the property.