Housing in Greece · Sinstegi

Renting Portals worth using, deposits, agency fees, koinochrista, lease registration and your three-year protection.
Buying Transfer tax, notary, lawyer, registry and agent — plus the objective-value trap and why the notary is not working for you.
Property cost estimator Closing costs on a specific price.
Where to live Ten profiles, each with an honest account of who it does not suit.

If you are renting

Arrive with roughly four months' rent in hand: a deposit of

1 to 2 months

Rental deposit

Reported Consistently reported by several credible sources, but not confirmed against the primary source.

Greek practice allows up to two months. Foreign tenants who cannot evidence local income are sometimes asked for more. The amount must be stated in the signed agreement and returned at the end of the lease less legitimate deductions.

In force from 1 January 2026.

Source: Greek rental practice, as reported

Last verified 12 September 2026 by spec-import.

, an agency fee of

1 month

Letting agency fee

Reported Consistently reported by several credible sources, but not confirmed against the primary source.

One month's rent plus VAT, payable on signature, where an agent is used.

In force from 1 January 2026.

Source: Greek rental practice, as reported

Last verified 12 September 2026 by spec-import.

plus VAT where an agent is involved, and the first month in advance. Then add koinochrista — the building's common charges — at

€30 to €150 a month

Common charges (koinochrista)

Reported Consistently reported by several credible sources, but not confirmed against the primary source.

Building maintenance, shared lighting and often central heating, billed separately from rent. Always ask for the monthly figure before signing.

In force from 1 January 2026.

Source: Greek rental practice, as reported

Last verified 12 September 2026 by spec-import.

, which are not in the advertised rent.

The protection worth knowing: for a primary residence, a tenant who meets their obligations has a right to stay up to

3 years

Minimum protected term for a primary residence lease

Reported Consistently reported by several credible sources, but not confirmed against the primary source.

A tenant who meets their obligations has a right to stay up to three years even where the written term is shorter.

In force from 1 January 2026.

Source: Greek lease law, as reported

Last verified 12 September 2026 by spec-import.

even where the written term is shorter.

If you are buying

All-in costs beyond the price run

7% to 11%

All-in purchase costs beyond the price

Reported Consistently reported by several credible sources, but not confirmed against the primary source.

Some transactions land as low as 5–6% without an agent or lawyer, and as high as 12% with full professional support.

In force from 1 January 2026.

Source: Reconciled from Greek conveyancing cost breakdowns

Last verified 12 September 2026 by spec-import.

. Two things catch foreign buyers: tax is charged on the higher of your price and the tax authority's own valuation, and the notary does not act exclusively for you. Engage an independent Greek lawyer.