Greek Property Title Search & Legal Check of the Property

Greek Property Title Search & Legal Check of the Property
Having a lawyer present during the signing of a property sale and purchase agreement is essential. It is the only way to prevent mistakes that could lead to significant legal or financial issues after the contract is finalized.
To ensure a secure transaction, any prospective buyer should:• Conduct a Greek property title search at the local land registry office. This legal check of the property is crucial to determine whether there are any encumbrances, such as mortgages, claims, or liens.
• Verify the complete chain of ownership, ensuring all previous transfers were legally valid and free from disputes.
• Once the legal property check confirms the property is clear, copies of the title deeds are obtained. These documents are necessary for drafting the contract, which is signed before a notary in the presence of both parties and their lawyers.
However, the transfer process does not end with the contract signing. The property must also be registered at the land registry, where ownership is officially transferred to the buyer.
At Economou & Economou law office in Athens Greece, we ensure every buyer completes the property purchase process with diligence and accuracy, avoiding potential legal pitfalls.
Cost of Greek property title Check – Title Search Fees
The cost of conducting a Greek property title check depends on various factors, such as the property’s value and location (inside or outside Attica). Generally, fees are determined by:
• An hourly rate based on the time required for title and legal checks.
• A percentage (%) of the property’s value.
A Greek property title search and legal verification should always be completed before signing a preliminary contract or making a down payment. Once the legal inspection confirms there are no encumbrances, planning violations, or other legal risks, the buyer proceeds with the payment.
Preliminary Agreements and Legal Requirements
The down payment is made through a notarized preliminary contract. Under no circumstances should funds be exchanged without a legally binding agreement.
The seller must also collect all required supporting documents, including:
• Property title deed
• Seller’s and buyer’s identity documents
• Cadastral certificate & diagram
• Certificate of no VAT liability
• Engineer’s certificate confirming no unauthorized structures
• Energy efficiency certificate
• ENFIA certificate (past five years)
• Seller’s tax clearance certificate
If a third party signs the contract on behalf of the buyer or seller, a power of attorney is required.
Property Transfer Tax & Contract Registration
Before the final contract is signed, the notary prepares the property transfer tax return, which the buyer submits to the tax office. The transfer tax is 3% of the objective value of the property, though exemptions may apply for first-time homebuyers.
The notary then drafts the final contract, which is reviewed by a lawyer to ensure accuracy and legal compliance. On the day of signing, the lawyer conducts a final title check to confirm no new encumbrances have been registered.
Land Registry Registration – Finalizing the Purchase
The transaction is completed with the registration of the contract at the Land Registry. The notary submits the necessary documents, and the buyer’s lawyer ensures the successful transcription. The registration fee is 0.475% of the property’s objective value.
Once registered, the buyer receives the title deed and submits it to their accountant to update their tax records.
Legal Property Audit – Title Search for Real Estate in Greece
A thorough Greek property title check is a critical step in securing a real estate transaction. At Economou & Economou, we provide comprehensive property title searches, ensuring buyers and sellers comply with legal requirements.
Importance of Greek Property Title Search
A Greek property title search is a key step in due diligence. It uncovers any legal issues affecting ownership, such as:
• Outstanding liens, mortgages, or claims
• Easements or restrictions on property use
• Zoning law compliance
• Unauthorized building modifications
By reviewing public records, deeds, and financial obligations, buyers can avoid future disputes and financial risks. Identifying easements, restrictive covenants, or encumbrances before purchasing ensures the property meets the buyer’s intended use.
Investigating Property Ownership History
Understanding a property’s ownership history helps verify its legal standing. A lawyer conducts a detailed examination of ownership transfers, mortgages, and legal disputes to ensure the property’s title is valid.
Additionally, legal experts can detect fraudulent transactions, hidden liens, or misrepresentations that could create future legal complications.
Checking for Liens, Mortgages, & Encumbrances
Uncovering liens and mortgages is essential in a legal property check. Liens can arise from unpaid debts, tax obligations, or court judgments. A mortgage is a specific type of lien where the property is collateral for a loan.
To confirm clear ownership, legal professionals review public records and obtain preliminary title reports from the relevant authorities. If any financial burdens exist, they must be settled before finalizing the purchase.
Detecting Easements & Encroachments
A legal check of the property can reveal easements and encroachments that affect ownership rights.
• Easements grant third parties rights to use part of the property (e.g., for utilities or access).
• Encroachments occur when neighboring properties extend structures onto the land.
A lawyer reviews title documents and land surveys to ensure these issues do not impact the property’s intended use.
Ensuring Zoning Compliance & Building Permits
Zoning laws regulate land use, affecting construction, business operations, and building height. During a legal property check, lawyers verify zoning restrictions and review any special permits or variances granted for the property.
A thorough Greek property title search also includes a review of building permits and potential violations, ensuring the property meets legal and structural standards.
Environmental & Legal Compliance
Environmental concerns such as soil contamination, hazardous materials, or protected land restrictions must be addressed. A legal property check ensures compliance with environmental regulations, reducing liability risks.
Additionally, real estate fraud can pose a threat to buyers. Lawyers conduct fraud risk assessments, verifying documentation and identifying suspicious transactions.
Hiring a Legal Professional for Property Inspections
A comprehensive legal check of the property is vital for a secure transaction. Engaging legal experts like Economou & Economou law office ensures:
• A detailed Greek property title search
• Verification of legal documents and ownership history
• Protection against fraud, encumbrances, or disputes
• Compliance with zoning and building regulations
Our law office handles every aspect of the process, from title searches to contract registration, ensuring a seamless and legally sound transaction.
A Greek property title search and legal check of the property are essential for a secure and legally compliant real estate transaction. By conducting thorough due diligence, buyers can avoid financial risks and ensure clear ownership.
Economou & Economou law office in Athens Greece recognized among the best law offices in Greece by Lawzana for real estate law and Greek property title search, specializes in legal property audits, providing expert legal guidance for domestic and international buyers investing in Greek real estate.
Contact us to safeguard your property purchase.
📧 Email: econlaw@live.com
📞 Phone: (+30) 2103603824
🌐 or fill out our Contact Form
Our experienced legal team will guide you through every step, ensuring a smooth and secure property transaction
