Start with a brief you can test
Specify personal stays, a possible move or permitted rental use, then set a euro purchase ceiling and a separate reserve for fees and ownership. Compare a typical working week in central Athens with one on the Riviera. Include stairs, winter comfort, parking and airport access. If residence is essential, establish the investment category before treating a listing as a candidate.
Give each adviser a clear job
Engage a Greek lawyer for title and contract questions, an engineer for the building and an accountant for tax setup. Ask for written scopes, exclusions and fees. AADE requires buyers to have a Greek tax identification number, commonly called an AFM. If signing from the United States, ask the lawyer to prepare the specific power of attorney and coordinate it with the appropriate Greek consulate.
Resolve conditions before releasing money
Request the ownership documents, plans, building records and draft payment schedule early. Have advisers identify missing evidence and the person responsible for obtaining it. Put reservation refund terms, completion conditions and deadlines into a document your lawyer has explained. Arrange the bank’s source-of-funds requirements and independently verify the recipient details before a transfer.
Plan beyond the signature
The notary coordinates the deed and applicable transfer-tax process; request the registration evidence appropriate to the transaction. Assign the key handover, meter readings, utilities, insurance and building-management contact. Ask the accountant to check the E9 property record, including any automatic entry, and the annual ENFIA obligation. A useful handover folder contains final documents and an owner for every remaining task.
| Stage | Decision to document |
|---|---|
| Shortlist | Does the home fit the use and full budget? |
| Before a deposit | What is refundable, and what evidence is missing? |
| Before closing | Have advisers cleared their assigned conditions? |
| After closing | Who confirms registration, tax records and handover? |
Make it specific to you.
Progress when each stage has evidence and a named adviser responsible for the next decision.
Discuss my buying plan