Property Transactions
The purchase or sale of a property—whether a plot, farmland, commercial space, completed or under-construction apartment or residence—is a complex legal process that involves multiple stages. It therefore requires careful attention and professional guidance.
Our law firm, with 35 years of experience and in close cooperation with the firm’s Notary Public, Evi Liakou-Spiliopoulou, provides responsible and effective legal support throughout all stages of a property transaction, acting on behalf of our client—whether in the position of buyer or seller.
Key Stages of a Property Transaction
- Title Deed Verification
The first and most critical step is the legal examination of the property’s title at the relevant Land Registry or Cadastral Office. This includes verifying:
- That the seller is the rightful owner
- The absence of encumbrances (e.g. mortgages, pre-notations, seizures)
- Potential easements or third-party claims
- Issues that could invalidate the contract or require resolution before signing
It’s also crucial to thoroughly inspect older grants or any public ownership claims that may present significant legal obstacles. Upon written agreement, the firm can also issue a Title Deed Examination Report, offering buyers additional security.
- Building and Technical Compliance Check
In cooperation with an engineer and upon written agreement, the property is reviewed for construction and zoning compliance, including:
- Validity and completeness of building permits
- Building regulations and zoning limitations
- Unregistered constructions needing legalization
- Energy performance classification
This step is particularly important for apartments and properties under construction.
- Down Payment & Preliminary Agreement
Once the basic terms are agreed upon (sale price, payment method, handover timeline), the parties typically sign a private agreement or a notarial pre-contract. A down payment is made by the buyer.
Such agreements often include binding clauses for both parties, including penalties in case of unjustified withdrawal from the transaction.
- Tax Declarations and Financial Requirements
When all necessary documentation is in place, the Notary files a Real Estate Transfer Tax Declaration (RETT) with the Tax Authority (AADE), based on the property’s agreed value.
- The buyer pays the transfer tax and receives a tax clearance receipt
- The seller submits tax and social security clearance certificates, necessary for the contract’s execution
- Drafting and Signing the Notarial Contract
The final notarial contract is drafted in accordance with the terms agreed by both parties. At the signing:
- Both buyer and seller are present
- Legal representatives (attorneys) typically attend on both sides
- The transaction is completed with the signing and full payment of the price
- Registration with the Cadastral Office
For the transaction to be legally effective and enforceable, the contract must be registered by the buyer (or the Notary) at the competent Land Registry or Cadastre Office.
The law firm “Spilios Spiliopoulos & Partners”, with 35 years of experience and in cooperation with Notary Evi Liakou-Spiliopoulou, provides comprehensive legal services throughout every stage of a real estate transaction across Greece—whether you are buying or selling, and regardless of the property type.
Additionally, and in combination with the above, our firm provides the following services:
- Urban planning inclusion – Special planning issues
- Specific matters of neighbor law – encroachments, emissions of pollutants and noise from neighboring properties, easements of passage
- Tax planning for investments – Investment framework analysis for commercial and residential properties
- Financing planning for investments from Greek banks and international banking and credit institutions
