If you're a non-EU citizen buying property in Greece from January 2027, the transfer tax is quintupling—here's what changes and who it affects.
Greece is raising the property transfer tax to 15% for non-EU buyers starting January 1, 2027. Until now, the rate has been 3%. That's a five-fold jump that will hit your closing costs hard.
This matters if you're buying a home, a vacation property, or investing in Greek real estate as a non-EU citizen or non-resident. EU citizens and Greek residents keep the lower rate. The tax applies to the property transfer itself, not the purchase price—so on a €500,000 property, you're looking at €75,000 in tax instead of €15,000.
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On a €500,000 property, you're looking at €75,000 in tax instead of €15,000.
If you're serious about buying in Greece, the window to lock in the 3% rate closes at the end of 2026. That means contracts signed and completed before January 1, 2027. Talk to a Greek tax lawyer or notary now if you're in the pipeline. The deadline is real, and there's no grace period once the new year hits.
Source: original report ↗
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