Are You Entitled To Inherit Property In Greece?
Are your roots Greek? Have you ever wondered if an ancestral family home or an olive grove in Greece might be yours to claim? After leaving Greece, many immigrants never followed-up on their Greek properties nor did they leave sufficient information on their family’s property to their potential heirs. Here’s some useful information about inheritance property in Greece.
How to find out if you own property in Greece.
First, find your roots! Once you know where your ancestors lived or where they were from, you can then take the next step and make da a Property Title Search! A Property Title Search is conducted by an attorney at the local Mortgage Registry of where your potential inheritance would be located. A thorough property title search will provide details of all real property that has ever been registered within that specific area.
Am I entitled to inherit Greek property?
According to our associate attorneys, "Real property in Greece is inherited by immediate and/or extended family members, in the absence of a will. The percentage of inheritance depends upon the degree of relation between the deceased and their heirs.” Following are a few examples of potential heir combinations:
• Spouse
• Spouse, children and/or their children
• Siblings, nephews/nieces and/or their children
It is important to keep in mind that properties which are not claimed and registered by lawful heirs can be claimed by the Greek Government. No, this is not a joke! This can in fact happen to your family! If property is not registered with the Hellenic Cadastre by the deadline stipulated for the geographical area where it is located, the property will revert to the Greek Government.
How we can help with your Greek property needs.
We consult, design and construct. As a boutique property firm, our turn-key services cater to non-Greeks and diaspora Greeks, always based on your individual needs and the unique characteristics of your property. With over 25 years of hands-on local experience, we are highly versed in property laws and know how to efficiently navigate the Greek system. We are about providing a trustworthy and professional service for everything property related in Greece.