🇬🇷 Greece · Housing
Renting and buying property in Greece — typical rents, deposits, contracts, and official tenancy rules.
Quick answer
Foreigners can buy property in Greece freely (border-area purchases by non-EU nationals may need permission). You need a Greek tax number (AFM). Renting typically requires a deposit of one to two months. Buying goes through a notary, is registered at the land registry/cadastre, and carries a property-transfer tax (about 3%). Buying above a threshold can also qualify for the Golden Visa.
Housing in Greece is mostly private rentals and purchases through agents; lease agreements are declared electronically to the tax authority (AADE). There is no general state rental portal for newcomers.
- Landlords must declare leases to AADE; tenants should confirm the lease is registered.
- Renting usually requires a deposit, proof of income and a Greek tax number (AFM).
- EU citizens rent freely; non-EU newcomers typically need a residence permit or visa first.
Step-by-step
- 1
Decide rent vs buy and set a budget
Decide rent vs buy and obtain an AFM; non-EU buyers check border-area permission where relevant.
- 2
Search listings or engage an agent
Search portals or use an agent (mesitis).
- 3
Check the lease or purchase terms
Review the lease, or for a purchase the title, cadastre entry and any encumbrances via a lawyer.
- 4
Provide documents, deposit or financing
Provide ID/AFM and income and the deposit (1–2 months); buyers pay a deposit and arrange financing.
- 5
Sign, register and pay taxes/fees
Sign the lease, or sign the contract before a notary, register at the cadastre and pay the transfer tax.
- 6
Set up utilities and know your rights
Set up utilities; if you bought above the Golden Visa threshold, you can apply for a residence permit.
Checklist
- Rent vs buy decided + budget set
- Foreign-ownership / eligibility rules checked
- Listing search / licensed agent
- Lease or purchase contract reviewed
- Documents + deposit / financing
- Registration + taxes/fees paid
- Utilities set up
- Tenant / owner rights understood
Official authorities
- AADE (Independent Authority for Public Revenue)
Independent Authority for Public Revenue — lease declaration and tax numbers (AFM).
Frequently asked questions
Can foreigners buy property in Greece?
Yes — freely with an AFM; only purchases in some border areas by non-EU nationals may need special permission.
Does buying property give residency?
Buying above the Golden Visa investment threshold can qualify you and your family for a renewable residence permit.
What tax applies when buying?
A property-transfer tax of around 3% on most resale purchases, plus notary and registration fees.
Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.
Typical rents by city
| Cities | 1-bedroom rent |
|---|---|
| Athens | €500–900/mo (centre); €400–700/mo (outer) |
| Thessaloniki | €450–800/mo (centre); €380–650/mo (outer) |
| Patras | €380–650/mo (centre); €320–520/mo (outer) |
| Heraklion | €450–800/mo (centre); €380–650/mo (outer) |
| Piraeus | €500–850/mo (centre); €420–700/mo (outer) |