selling a Property In Greece.
Selling a Property in Greece: Complete Legal Guide for Sellers
Selling a property in Greece — whether on Rhodes, Symi, Kos, Kalymnos, Karpathos, Kastellorizo, Halki, Tilos, Nisyros, or the Greek mainland — is a legally complex process that requires careful preparation, the right documentation, and expert legal representation. At the Law Office of Theodosia Karalla, we guide property sellers through every stage of the transaction: from the initial title search and engineer’s certificates to the preliminary agreement, the notarial deed, and final Land Registry registration. Whether you are a Greek resident, an expat, or an international investor, we ensure the sale is completed correctly, securely, and on your terms.
Why You Need a Lawyer to Sell Property in Greece
LUnder Greek law, the sale of any property must be completed before a notary public — but a notary represents the transaction, not the seller. Your lawyer acts exclusively in your interest: verifying title, preparing the legal file, negotiating contract terms, and protecting your rights throughout the process. – Verifies the full legal title and chain of ownership – Identifies and resolves any encumbrances, mortgages, or liens – Prepares and reviews all legal documentation – Advises on tax obligations and capital gains – Drafts and negotiates the preliminary agreement – Represents you at the notarial signing – Oversees registration at the Land Registry and Cadastre
Step-by-Step: How to Sell a Property in Greece
Step 1 — Legal Due Diligence and Title Check
Before listing your property, your lawyer conducts a full title search at the Land Registry (Κτηματολόγιο) and the local mortgage registry. This confirms that the title is clear, that there are no outstanding mortgages, liens, judgments, or easements, and that you have the legal authority to sell.
Step 2 — Engineer's Certificates and Building Legality
Greek law requires an engineer’s certificate confirming the legal status of the property before any sale can take place. The engineer inspects the property, verifies that all constructions match the approved building permits, and issues the required certificates. If any unauthorized constructions exist, they must be regularised under Law 4495/2017 before the sale proceeds.
Step 3 — Tax Certificates and Financial Clearance
The seller must obtain tax clearance certificates confirming no outstanding tax obligations related to the property. Our office works with experienced accountants to advise on capital gains tax, transfer tax implications, and any other financial obligations arising from the sale.
Step 4 — Preliminary Sales Agreement
Once a buyer is found and terms are agreed, a preliminary sales agreement (προσύμφωνο) is signed — either as a private document or before a notary. At this stage, the buyer typically pays a deposit of 10% of the agreed sale price. Our office drafts the agreement to protect your rights, establish the exact terms of the transaction, and set clear timelines for completion.
Step 5 — Final Notarial Deed
The sale is completed by signing the final notarial deed (συμβόλαιο) before a notary public. Our office works closely with experienced notaries to review and finalise the contract, ensuring all agreed terms are correctly reflected. We represent you at the signing and oversee the full process.
Step 6 — Land Registry Registration
After signing, the transfer must be registered at the local Land Registry and, where applicable, the National Cadastre (Εθνικό Κτηματολόγιο). Our office manages the full registration process on your behalf.
Selling Greek Property from Abroad: Power of Attorney
If you are selling a property in Greece but are based abroad — in the UK, USA, Germany, Australia, or elsewhere — you can grant a Power of Attorney to our office to manage the entire sale on your behalf. We handle every step of the process without you needing to travel to Greece. The Power of Attorney must be signed before a notary in your country of residence, apostilled under the Hague Convention, and sent to our office. From that point, we act fully on your behalf until completion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer to sell a property in Greece?
Yes. While Greek law requires a notary to complete the sale, a notary acts for the transaction — not for you personally. Your lawyer acts exclusively in your interest: conducting due diligence, preparing the legal file, advising on tax, and ensuring the transaction is completed correctly. Attempting to sell without legal representation exposes you to significant legal and financial risk.
Can I give Power of Attorney to sell a property in Greece?
Yes. You can grant a Power of Attorney to your Greek lawyer to sell the property on your behalf. The POA must be notarised and apostilled in your country of residence before it can be used in Greece. Our office can advise you on the exact process depending on where you are based.
How long does it take to sell a property in Greece?
A straightforward sale typically takes 6–12 weeks from the time all documents are in order. Delays can occur if title issues need to be resolved, if engineer’s certificates are outstanding, or if unauthorized constructions need to be regularised. Early engagement of your lawyer minimises delays.
Contact Us Today
If you are selling a property in Rhodes or anywhere in the Dodecanese, contact the Law Office of Theodosia Karalla for expert legal assistance. We offer a free initial consultation and handle the full process — whether you are based in Greece or abroad.
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