Property Tax in Greece for Foreigners in 2026

Buying property in Greece taxes

When purchasing a Greek property, the buyer pays either a transfer tax or VAT. The same rules apply regardless of whether the property is purchased in the name of a company or an individual.

The tax type and rate depend on the characteristics of the property purchased. When buying a property that has been occupied or for which the construction permit has been issued after January 1, 2006, VAT is to be paid at a rate of 24%. Earlier, the Greek authorities have introduced a number of changes that improved the investment climate in Greece, including VAT regulations. Until December 31, 2025, new-built apartments can be purchased with no VAT accrued. The regulation will apply to properties for which construction permits have been obtained after January 1, 2006.

In the rest of the cases, the buyer pays 3.09% (3% being the transfer tax rate with a municipal tax levied at 0.09%) of the property cadastral value or the purchase price, whichever is higher. The tax is paid by the buyer before closing the transaction: the documentary proof of the tax payment has to be provided to the notary in advance.

Additional expenses include notary, registration, legal, and the Greek real estate agent’s fees.

Owning property in Greece taxes

Single Property Tax in Greece (ENFIA)

The Single Property Tax (ENFIA) is an annual property tax in effect since January 1, 2014. Individuals and legal entities pay the tax according to different formulas.

ENFIA has two components: the main and the additional parts. The main part ranges from €2 to €16 per m², the amount is determined by a number of factors: area, cadastral value, building date, and so on.

For legal entities, the additional levy is fixed at 5.5% of the property’s cadastral value. There are also preferential tax rates, of 1% of the cadastral value, for instance, if the property is used for trading activities of a company.

In addition, an annual municipal property tax exists. Its rate ranges from 0.025% to 0.035% depending on the property’s location.

The owner also pays other fees and charges for trash removal, public area cleaning, lighting, and others; and bears the rest of the expenses related to property use.

Special Real Estate Tax in Greece (SRET)

The Special Real Estate Tax (SRET) is a special tax paid by the companies owning Greek real estate. The rate equals 15% of the property’s cadastral value. Companies can get a tax exemption when disclosing the names of all its beneficiaries and organising the reception of Greek tax identification numbers by those or when the active income (from commerce and service delivery) exceeds the passive income (rent, dividends, interest).

The rental income tax rate depends on whether the income is obtained by a company or an individual. Individuals pay tax on rental income at progressive rates from 15% to 45%; a standard 5% maintenance deduction applies to the tax base. From the 2026 tax year, the rates are:

Companies pay a rental income tax at the corporate tax rate of 22%, with the property maintenance costs completely deducted.

Tax exemptions for long-term rentals

From 2025, there will be a 3-year income tax exemption for homes rented on a long-term basis.

This applies to dwellings that:

— have a floor area of up to 120 square metres;

— rented for at least 3 years between September 8, 2024, and December 31, 2025;

— have been declared as vacant (form E2) or used exclusively for short-term rentals and declared to the tax administration in 2022, 2023 and 2024 (if the long-term lease was concluded in 2025).

Selling property in Greece taxes

The capital gains resulting from selling real estate are taxed differently for companies and individuals.

Until December 31, 2026, Greece will not levy a capital gains tax if the property is sold by an individual and the following restrictions are respected: one person sells no more than two properties within two years, and the sale is not a business activity.

Meanwhile, if the sales proceedings are recognised as an entrepreneurial income, the rates will depend on the amount received:

Companies pay a capital gains tax at a rate of 22%. The tax is collected on the margin between the proceeds from sale and the property value specified in the balance sheet.

Inheritance tax in Greece

According to the Greek tax legislation, the inheritance tax rate is calculated on the basis of the heritable property’s current value. The tax rate varies significantly depending on the degree of relationship between the estate-leaver and the inheritor, as well as on some other factors, such as the heir’s status. The rates range from 1% to 40%, with the tax-deductible amount also depending on the degree of relationship.

For instance, for the spouse, parents, children, grandchildren of the estate-leavers the initial amount is €150,000 per person. Each of them can receive a part of the inheritance of up to €150,000 without paying the tax.