Frequently Asked Questions About Owning Property In Greece

All of our frequently asked questions are from real Greek property cases. We’ve done our best to provide you with general information about various topics. It is important to keep in mind that the details below are subject to change and/or may not apply to your particular case; you should not consider this information accurate information to act upon. We always advise that you seek professional consultation before taking any actions.

Why do I need a local property consultant?
As a foreign owner, you want your property cared for without the worries about its condition and safe guarded as best as possible from ongoing market fluctuations. Having a local consultant means that we are fully aware of obstacles you need to deal with from day-to-day issues to more serious unexpected hindrances; we can offer a direct oversight of your property in Greece with an "after-sales" approach to all of our property services. Furthermore, the Greek real estate market in terms of transactions is known to be quite complicated due to constant implementation of new property related laws; all of this translates into owners constantly facing new responsibilities and red tape.

Does Greek Property Tax (ENFIA) apply to residents who live abroad?
Yes, the ENFIA property tax applies to all owners of Greek property. This tax is imposed upon all owners of residential and commercial property as well as parcels of land with no buildings.

Do I need to file the ENFIA tax form every year or do I just pay the yearly amount requested?
If there have not been any changes regarding your real property, you simply pay the ENFIA property tax when issued. If there have been changes that have not been declared, such as legalizing illegal spaces for example, then you must correct your E9 property tax declaration form. For additional information on this subject, we suggest you speak with a tax professional.

I own a property in Greece, but do not live there permanently, do I still pay Greek taxes for rental income I receive in Greece? Where's more beneficial for me to claim I am a permanent resident? 

It is not a matter of where you wish to claim to be more beneficial, when receiving rental income you are obliged to pay taxes. For more information, we suggest you seek consultation from a tax professional.

How do I find out how much ENFIA I owe?
All information can be found on the on-line portal system of the Hellenic Ministry of Finance using your username and password to log on.  

Why do I need an Energy Performance Certificate?
According to the Greek Law, when selling and when renting, all deeds of conveyance and rental agreements for existing buildings are complete and valid only after an "Energy Performance Certificate" is issued and submitted to the Greek Tax Office or notary public. Energy Performance Certificates, also known as "EPCs", are unique documents issued through the electronic system of the Greek Ministry of Environment only by Certified Energy Inspectors and state the level of efficiency in terms of energy consumption after concluding an inspection of the building in question. Certificates are valid for 10 years from the date of issue regardless of new rental agreements and ownership titles.    

What does an energy performance inspection involve?
We will visit your property to gather all necessary data of the building and its surroundings. During the inspection we will access each room for a general overview of insulation/exterior shading, note the size and type of glazing structures, inspect the heating, hot water, cooling and lighting system in cases of commercial property. When floor plans are not provided, the property will be measured on-site.

What are illegal structures?
Any enclosed area, built structures and/or use of building that does not comply with what has been declared on the lawful building permits and drawings filed with the Planning Office (poleodomia), are considered to be “illegal” and in violation of the permit issued.

How do I know if my Greek property is illegal?
Do a “legal check” with a certified Greek Architect-Engineer to conduct an on-site inspection to verify if all built structures comply with what has been declared on the lawful building permits and drawings in surface/dimensions and use. A few examples of illegal structures are enclosed verandas, basement and garage space turned into living space and pergolas built without permits.