Frequently asked questions on Buying Real Estate in Samos, Greece
A Comprehensive Step By Step Guide
What are the Basic Steps on Buying Real Estate Property on Samos?
Research the local market: Before you start looking for a property, it’s important to research the local market to get an idea of property prices and the types of properties available. You can check out our real estate listings to get an idea of what’s available.
Determine your budget: Once you have an idea of property prices, you’ll need to determine your budget. Take into consideration your income, savings, and any financing options that may be available.
Hire a real estate agent: Hiring a real estate agent can make the buying process much easier. A good agent can help you find properties that meet your criteria, negotiate on your behalf, and guide you through the legal process of buying a property in Greece. Our Team is Here to Help you find the right property!
View properties: Once you’ve hired an agent, you can start viewing properties. Be sure to view as many properties as possible to get a sense of what’s available and what you can expect to get for your money. Make a list of the properties you’re interested in and note down their pros and cons.
Conduct a property inspection: Before making an offer on a property, it’s important to conduct a thorough inspection. This can help you identify any issues or problems that may not be immediately apparent, such as structural problems or pest infestations. You can hire a professional property inspector to do this for you.
Make an offer: Once you’ve found a property you like and have conducted an inspection, you can make an offer. Your agent can help you with this and negotiate on your behalf to get the best price possible.
Sign a preliminary contract: Once your offer has been accepted, you’ll need to sign a preliminary contract. This is a legally binding contract that outlines the terms of the sale, including the purchase price, any conditions, and the timeline for completing the sale. You’ll usually need to pay a deposit at this stage, which is typically 10% of the purchase price. Our Legal Partners are ready to Assist you. Contact Us For Details
Conduct due diligence: Before completing the sale, it’s important to conduct due diligence. This may involve checking that the property has all the necessary permits and paperwork, that there are no outstanding debts or legal issues, and that the property is in good condition. Again, Our Legal Partners are ready to Assist you.
Sign the final contract: Once you’re satisfied that everything is in order, you can sign the final contract and pay the balance of the purchase price. Your agent can guide you through this process and ensure that everything is done correctly.
Register the property: Finally, you’ll need to register the property with the land registry. This will give you legal ownership of the property and ensure that you have all the necessary paperwork in order.
Buying a property in Samos, Greece can be a complex process, but with the help of Samos Housing, it can be a rewarding experience. Good luck!
What About The Paperwork Needed to Buy a Proeprty?
Great question! Here are the most important paperwork you’ll need when buying real estate property on Samos, Greece:
Greek Tax Registration Number (AFM): This is a unique identification number that you’ll need to register for in order to buy a property in Greece. You can apply for an AFM at any tax office in Greece or through an accountant.
Identity card or passport: You’ll need to provide a valid identity card or passport to prove your identity.
Certificate of marital status: If you’re married, you’ll need to provide a certificate of marital status. This is a document that shows that you’re legally married and lists the names of your spouse and any children.
Property registry search: You or your lawyer will need to conduct a property registry search to check that the property is free of any outstanding debts, liens, or other legal issues. This search can be done at the local land registry office.
Property ownership documents: You’ll need to obtain a copy of the property ownership documents, which will include the deed of sale, property title, and any other relevant paperwork. Your agent or lawyer can help you obtain these documents.
Building permit: If the property you’re buying was built recently, you’ll need to check that the building has a valid permit. You can obtain this information from the local building authority.
Energy performance certificate: All properties in Greece must have an energy performance certificate (EPC). This certificate shows the energy efficiency of the building and its impact on the environment. Your agent or lawyer can help you obtain this certificate.
Tax clearance certificate: Before you can complete the sale, you’ll need to obtain a tax clearance certificate. This document shows that you’ve paid all necessary taxes related to the property. You can obtain this certificate at any tax office in Greece.
Your agent or lawyer can help you obtain all the necessary paperwork and guide you through the legal process of buying a property in Greece. Be sure to keep all your documents safe and organized, as you’ll need them if you decide to sell the property in the future.
We are NOT EU Citizens, can we buy a property in Greece?
Yes, non-EU citizens are allowed to buy property in Greece, but they may need to obtain permission from the Greek authorities first. Here’s what you need to know:
Non-EU citizens must obtain permission from the Greek Ministry of Defence before they can buy property in certain areas that are considered to be of strategic importance, such as border regions or islands with military installations.
In addition, non-EU citizens must obtain permission from the Greek Land Registry before they can buy property in Greece. The Land Registry will check that the property is not located in a protected area, such as an archaeological site or a nature reserve.
Non-EU citizens must also obtain a Greek Tax Registration Number (AFM) in order to buy property in Greece.
Finally, non-EU citizens who want to buy property in Greece must provide proof of their identity, such as a passport or identity card.
It’s worth noting that non-EU citizens will face additional legal and administrative hurdles when buying property in Greece, such as restrictions on the types of properties they can buy or the amount of land they can own. It’s a good idea to work with a knowledgeable agent or lawyer who can guide you through the process and ensure that you comply with all the necessary regulations.
What extra costs are involve in buy-in real estate property in Samos, Greece?
Listed Price is always the price to buy the property.
On top of that on your end there are extra costs.
When buying real estate property in Samos, Greece, there are several additional costs you’ll need to factor in, beyond the purchase price of the property. Here are some of the most common costs:
Real estate agent fees: The Agent Real Estate fees In Greece, these fees are 3% plus VAT of the purchase price of the property. Samos Housing has a percentage fee policy of 3% plus VAT for contracts more than 65,000€ and up to 1.5m €. The Fees from 1.5m € to 4 m€ contracts is 2% plus VAT. More than 4m € contracts have a Real Estate fee of 1% plus VAT. Furthermore, There is a flat rate of Real Estate fees of 2000€ plus VAT for contracts below 65,000€
Legal fees: You’ll need to hire a lawyer to help you navigate the legal aspects of the purchase. Legal fees can vary depending on the complexity of the transaction and the lawyer you choose to work with, but you should budget around 1-2% of the purchase price.
Notary fees: In Greece, a notary public is required to certify the sale of a property. The notary’s fees are typically around 1% – 2% of the purchase price.
Transfer tax: When you buy a property in Greece, you’ll need to pay a transfer tax (or “property transfer tax”) to the government. The transfer tax is calculated based on the value of the property and can range from 3% to 10%. In most cases, the transfer tax is around 3%.
Property registration fees: Once you’ve completed the purchase, you’ll need to register the property with the Land Registry. This incurs a fee of around 0.475% of the purchase price.
VAT: If you’re buying a new property, you’ll need to pay Value-Added Tax (VAT) of 24%. However, if the property is considered a “primary residence” (meaning that the buyer plans to live in it for at least 6 months of the year), the VAT is reduced to 5%. That applies to newly build houses only. There is no added VAT charge if you purchase a property from a third party with Samos Housing as the Agents.
To Sum Up, A Usual Added Cost to Buy a Property on Samos being an EU Citizen is about 11%.
Furthermore, A higher amount is expected when the Property is near the Sea since the Trasfer Tax is usually higher on properties closer to the Shoreline.
Keep in mind that these costs can add up quickly, so it’s important to budget for them when planning your purchase. A good real estate agent or lawyer can help you understand the costs involved and make sure you’re prepared for all the expenses associated with buying a property in Samos, Listed Price is Greece.
I want to build a new villa on the property I want to buy in Samos Greece, what do I do?
This Topic is Covered Extensively on our Construction and Development Page. We have a Highly Rated Construction Service Available for our Customers.
Please Check it out | Construction Page
In General the Key Steps are :
Hire an Architect/Civil Engineer: The first step is to hire an architect who can help you design your new villa. Make sure you choose an architect who is licensed and has experience designing buildings in Greece.
Obtain a building permit: In Greece, you’ll need to obtain a building permit before you can start construction. Your architect can help you prepare the necessary documentation and submit it to the local building authority. The building permit process can take several months, so be prepared for some delays.
Find a builder: Once you have your building permit, you’ll need to find a builder who can construct your new villa. Look for a builder who is licensed and has experience building in Greece.
Obtain the necessary approvals: During the construction process, you’ll need to obtain approvals from various government agencies, such as the building inspectorate and the fire department. Your architect and builder can help you with this.
Connect Utilities: Once construction is complete, you’ll need to connect your new villa to the local utility services, such as water and electricity.
Obtain a certificate of conformity: After construction is complete and all necessary approvals have been obtained, you’ll need to obtain a certificate of conformity from the local building authority. This certificate confirms that your new villa meets all building regulations and is safe for occupancy.
Keep in mind that building a new villa can be a complex and time-consuming process, and there may be additional regulations and requirements that apply in your specific case. It’s important to work with a qualified architect, builder, and legal professional who can guide you through the process and ensure that you comply with all the necessary regulations.
Please Note: All Of the Above are Handled by Samos Housing upon Construction Agreement so you don’t have to worry about all the above individual Aspcets!
The property I like and I choose has an arbitrary extension, without a building permit, what do Ido?
If the property you’re interested in has an arbitrary extension without a building permit, you should proceed with caution. In Greece, building without a permit is illegal, and if the authorities find out, they can order you to remove the extension or even demolish the entire building. Here are some steps you can take:
Research the local zoning regulations: Before you proceed with the purchase, you should research the local zoning regulations to determine if the extension is legal or not. Your lawyer or real estate agent can help you with this.
Request information from the seller: You can request information from the seller about the extension, such as when it was built and whether it has been inspected by the authorities. If the extension was built recently, it may be possible to obtain a retroactive building permit, but this can be a complex and time-consuming process.
Hire a surveyor or building inspector: You can hire a surveyor or building inspector to evaluate the property and determine the structural integrity of the extension. They can also help you determine whether the extension is legal or not.
Negotiate with the seller: If the extension is illegal, you can negotiate with the seller to either remove the extension before the sale or reduce the price of the property to reflect the cost of removing the extension later.
Consider the risks: Ultimately, you’ll need to weigh the risks and benefits of buying a property with an illegal extension. If you decide to proceed with the purchase, be prepared to take responsibility for any legal or financial consequences that may arise in the future.
It’s important to consult with a qualified legal professional and/or real estate agent who is experienced in dealing with property transactions in Greece, as building regulations can be complex and vary by region. They can help guide you through the process and advise you on the best course of action.
In General, All the Properties Listed on samoshousing.com are checked and we will inform you upon decision on what the status is. Most Properties if not all are either legal or are legalised already or upon sale with the Arbitrary Buildings Law 4495/2017.