Here are collected the practical guidelines for buying and owning property in Halkidiki. Each of them answers one question — what happens, what documents are needed, how much it costs, what is owed after the transaction. Read them as preparation before we start a conversation.
Buying step by step
The path from the search to the notary passes through several clear stages.
- Clarification of the goal. The property will be used personally, for rent or for sale. This determines which area and what type of property you are looking for.
- Tax number (AFM). Without a Greek tax number, a property cannot be bought. It is issued at the tax authority in Greece or through a representative.
- Viewing. The property is viewed on site or via video, with a person who is in the area.
- Legal and technical check. Ownership status, encumbrances, building permits, zoning and tax obligations — are checked in the registry before you pay.
- Preliminary contract. The price, the conditions and the deadline for the transaction are agreed.
- Notarial deed. The transaction is concluded before a notary; the amount under the deed is paid by bank transfer.
- Registration in the land registry. With this, the property becomes yours by documents.
Acquisition costs
The final price is not just the price of the property. On top of it, several costs accumulate, which it is better to foresee in advance.
- Property transfer tax — depends on the tax assessment and the value recorded in the notarial deed.
- Notary fees — for the drafting and certification of the deed.
- Lawyer's fee — for the legal assistance with the transaction.
- Registration fee in the property registry.
- Our commission — for finding and securing the property.
Total transaction costs are usually around 7 – 9% of the property price. The exact amount is verified at the notary before signing.
Documents
On your side, only a few things are needed: an identity document and a Greek tax number (AFM). Everything else is related to the property — title deed, certificate of no encumbrances, tax assessment and building permits. We collect and verify these documents before you pay.
Tax on rental income
If you rent out the property, the rental income is taxed on a progressive scale. For 2026 the rates are as follows.
| Annual rental income | Tax rate |
|---|---|
| up to 12,000 euros | 15% |
| 12,001 – 24,000 euros | 25% |
| 24,001 – 36,000 euros | 35% |
| over 36,000 euros | 45% |
Owning the property also carries annual obligations — a declaration and property tax. If you do not live in Greece, this is usually handled by a tax representative who files the declaration in your name.
Renting out
The rental season in Halkidiki is May – October, with a peak in June – September. This means income is concentrated in a few months, while for the rest of the year the property requires maintenance.
When renting out, the owner declares the income and pays the due tax. Long-term primary residence contracts in Greece are protected by law, which is why every property is checked in advance for active rental contracts before purchase.
Short-term rental
If the property is rented out short-term, a short-term rental registration with an AMA number from AADE — the Greek tax authority — is required. Without this registration, short-term renting is not legal. The registration is done before the first rental.
What to pay attention to
Most problems when buying a property in Greece are not in the price, but in the documents. Here is what we always check before you pay.
- Encumbrances and prohibitions. The property may be mortgaged or have a lien. This can only be seen when checking the registry, not from a copy provided by the owner.
- Discrepancies between documents and reality. Built or unauthorized parts that do not appear in the building permit.
- Inherited shares. If the property is inherited, all heirs must agree and sign.
- Active rental contracts. A property with a primary residence tenant is sold together with the tenant's protection.
These checks are done before the preliminary contract. If a problem is discovered in time, the deal can be renegotiated or cancelled without loss.
Next step
These guides provide the general framework. The specific documents, costs and timelines for your property are checked on a case-by-case basis.
If you want to move from general information to your specific case, contact us. See also frequently asked questions for short answers to the most common questions.