Buying Real Estate Property on Samos - Frequently Asked Questions
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. This way you 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. Furthermore, A good agent can help you find properties that meet your criteria. The Agent can also 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. Moreover, Be sure to view many properties to get a sense of what’s available. Finally, Make a list of the properties you want to see 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. The inspection can 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.
Legal Part
Please note that our Legal Team Partners can Undertake the process for you on Checking the Property for Legal Issues.
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. This includes 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. Furthermore, check 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 everything is in order, you can sign the final contract and pay the purchase price. Your agent will 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. The sold land registry prices in Greece are usually 0.475% of the price of the property. So For Example you bought a Property for 300,000€ then the Land Registry Fees will be 1425€.
Buying a property in Samos, Greece can be a complex process, by Samos Housing, it can be a rewarding experience. Good luck!
What Types Of Properties Do You Offer For Sale?
We offer a wide range of Samos properties and Nationwide, including houses, apartments, villas, commercial properties, and buildable land.
What About The Paperwork Needed to Buy a Property?
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. That is, 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.
Also Needed
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.
Can You Help With Legal, Financial And Engineering Matters?
Yes, we work with a team of legal and financial experts to ensure a smooth and stress-free transaction. Furthermore, we are experienced Civil Engineers and we can give you a detailed report upon request for the property you are interested in.
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 involved in buyin real estate property in Samos, Greece?
The price quoted is always the price for the purchase of the property.
There are also additional costs on your side.
When you buy a property in Samos, Greece, you’ll need to factor in some additional costs on top of the purchase price of the property. Here are some of the most common costs:
Real Estate Fees
Estate agent fees: Estate agent 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 over €65,000 and up to €1.5m. The fees for contracts between € 1.5m and €4m are 2% plus VAT. For contracts over €4m, the real estate fee is 1% plus VAT. In addition, there is a flat-rate real estate fee of €2000 plus VAT for contracts under € 65,000
Legal Fees
Lawyer fees: You’ll need to instruct a solicitor to assist you with the legal aspects of the purchase. Legal fees can vary depending on the complexity of the transaction and the lawyer you work with, but you should budget around 1-2% of the purchase price.
Notary Fees
Notary fees: In Greece, a notary is required to notarize the sale of a property. Notary fees are usually around 1-2% of the purchase price.
Purchase Tax and Cadastre Fees
Transfer tax: When you buy a property in Greece, you must 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 land transfer tax is 3%.
Property registration fees: Once you have completed the purchase, you must register the property with the Land Registry. There is a fee of around 0.475% of the purchase price for this.
Value Added Tax
VAT: If you buy a new property, you’ll have to pay VAT of 24%. However, if the property is considered a “main residence” (meaning that the buyer plans to live in it for at least 6 months of the year), the VAT is reduced to 5%.
This only applies to newly built homes. If you’re buying a property from a third party with Samos Housing as your agent, there is no additional VAT.
To summarize, the usual additional cost of buying a property on Samos for EU citizens is around 11%.
In addition, a higher amount can be expected if the property is located near the sea, as the land transfer tax is usually higher for properties near the coast.
Remember that these costs can quickly add up, so it’s important to factor them in when planning your purchase.
A good real estate agent or solicitor can help you understand the costs involved and ensure you’re prepared for all the expenses associated with buying a property in Samos.
The property I like and I choose has an arbitrary extension, without a building permit, what do I do?
If the property you’re interested in has an arbitrary extension without a building permit (unpermitted), 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.
Unpermitted Buildings Have a Second Chance
What you should do in any case is to :
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 UNPERMITED 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. Fortunately the engineering team on Samos Housing, will tell you all the details about the property you want to buy and thus you can make a formative Decision.
It’s also 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 either legal and permitted or legalised through the unpermitted buildings law. We always inform you beforehand what the status of the property you wish to buy is.
All of our properties are either legal or legalised already or upon sale with the Arbitrary Buildings Law 4495/2017.
I want to build a new villa on the Land 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
Construction Key Steps :
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 aspects!