Home·Buying costs
What buying really costs.
The price on the listing is not the price you pay. In Greece the extras land between 6% and 11% of the purchase price, depending on whether you use a buying agent. Every line is below, with what it is and who charges it.
Buying costs
Run the numbers
Set the price you are considering. Turn the lawyer and buying agent on or off, and switch currency in the header to see the same figures in dollars.
Property price€750,000
Transfer tax3.09% — 3% plus a municipal surcharge€23,175
Notary≈1.0% plus 24% VAT€9,300
Lawyer≈1.0% plus 24% VAT€9,300
Land registry0.575% of the assessed value€4,312
Buyer agency fee4% plus 24% VAT€37,200
Engineer and title checkfixed€600
Translation and power of attorneyfixed€450
over and above the price+ €84,338 · 11.2%
Total cost to complete€834,338
Annual running costs
ENFIA property tax (estimate)€1,350
Municipal charges€260
Insurance€340
Maintenance and utilities€1,450
Total per year€3,400
Every line, explained
| Cost | Typical amount | What it is | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transfer tax | 3.09% of price | Property transfer tax at 3%, plus a 3% municipal surcharge on the tax itself. Payable on resale homes. New builds sold by a developer with a permit after 2006 may fall under VAT instead — currently suspended, but confirm. | Before signing |
| Notary | ≈1.0% + 24% VAT | The notary is a public officer who drafts the deed and verifies both sides. Fee is on a legal scale and drops in percentage terms on larger values. | At signing |
| Lawyer | ≈1.0% + 24% VAT | Your own lawyer, engaged by you. Runs the title search, checks liens and permits, drafts the private agreement and represents you under power of attorney. | Spread over the process |
| Land registry | 0.575% | Registering the new deed at the land registry or cadastre so the title is legally yours in the public record. | After signing |
| Buyer agency fee | 4% + 24% VAT | Where a buying agent represents you. In Greece both sides usually pay a fee. Turn it off in the calculator if you are dealing directly with a listing agent. | At signing |
| Engineer and title check | ≈€600 | A structural and planning inspection, including any unpermitted work that would need legalising. Money extremely well spent. | Before offer |
| Translation and power of attorney | ≈€450 | Certified translations and a Greek-language power of attorney so your lawyer can act while you are abroad. | Early |
What it costs to keep
Greek running costs are low by international standards. ENFIA, the annual property tax, is calculated on assessed value rather than market price, so it is usually far below what an equivalent house would cost in Florida or Ontario.
ENFIAThe annual property tax, billed by the tax office and payable in instalments. Based on the assessed (objective) value, location and floor.
Municipal chargesRubbish collection, street lighting and municipal levies, collected through the electricity bill.
InsuranceNot compulsory unless you have a Greek mortgage, but earthquake cover is worth having.
Maintenance and utilitiesPool servicing, garden, standing charges on water and power, and the small repairs a coastal house needs every year.