HOW TO RENT REAL ESTATE IN GREECE?
Are you planning to come to Greece and need to rent an apartment? First, read this article, in which I will tell you about the nuances of renting real estate in this sunny country. Please note that the Greeks are in no hurry to rent apartments for several months, they are interested in annual contracts. You can find short-term options on Airbnb, but the prices will be much higher. The Greeks themselves rent housing for several years and move into a new house without furniture. They equip an apartment, and then move to another place with all this. Furnished properties are found in the central and student areas of Athens, but be prepared for a contract of at least one year.
So, the first thing you need to do is to determine the area in which you would like to live. Also, I recommend looking at neighboring areas, as there are few apartments, and the transport interchange in Athens is quite good.
What must be provided to the owner for rent?
What must be provided to the owner for rent? You must have a Greek tax number (AFM), a lawyer will take care of its discovery; and an office on the tax website. A document confirming your studies or place of work (sometimes requested). It is advisable to open an account in a Greek bank, as the rent is paid by bank transfer to the owner’s account.
Payment details
After signing the contract, you need to pay the owner 1 or 2 deposit amounts equal to the rent. When you move out, the lessor will make sure that the property is in good condition and that there are no debts, and the deposit will be returned. Rent must be paid every month on the date specified in the contract.
You must also pay:
- Realtor services – an amount equal to 1 rent plus 24% VAT.
- To the owner – the first month of residence.
The official lease agreement is drawn up by the lessor’s accountant on the tax website. (Here you need to insert a photo of the contract) After concluding the contract, it automatically comes to your office, you log in with your password and confirm it. You now have an official rental agreement. All utility payments are also transferred to your name: electricity, water, gas, entrance maintenance, Internet connection, etc. It may seem that renting an apartment in Greece is a real waste. But in the hands of an experienced realtor, you will only enjoy the process and get the best option for you in the shortest possible time. I will be happy to become your reliable assistant in the search for a dream apartment. Your realtor in Greece, Natalia Pavlichenko.
HOW TO BUY REAL ESTATE IN GREECE?
If you have reached this section, then you are ready to invest in real estate by the sea. Greece is rightfully one of the most beautiful countries in the world, with a Mediterranean climate, delicious cuisine and undeniable hospitality. An excellent choice for investments in a developing economy or moving to a permanent residence closer to the coast. Let’s go through the stages of purchasing real estate in Greece.
1. First, you should consult with a realtor in Greece to discuss what object you are looking for and your preferences in choosing an area. Also, you can choose options online before your arrival in the country.
2. After arriving in Greece, you need to open a tax number (in Greek it is called AFM) and an account in a Greek bank. To do this, you collect a number of documents in advance, under the online support of your realtor. And during your stay in Greece, you will be looking at real estate options that you have chosen online.
3. Next comes the inspection of the real estate object for encumbrances. Your realtor requests documents to verify one of the options that you liked best. A lawyer checks documents for encumbrances within 2-3 days.
4. Advance payment is made only after checking the documents. An agreement is drawn up between you and the property owner, which specifies:
- Advance payment in the amount of 5-10% of the cost.
- The deadline by which you need to sign the purchase agreement (~3 months for collecting documents).
5. Signing of the real estate purchase agreement. First, the notary checks all documents from the property owner, then 2 days before the date of signing the main contract, you pay a tax of 3.09% of the value and give the notary a confirmation of payment. You can pay by bank transfer or checks. On the day of signing the contract, you must have a legal status of residence in Greece and since you do not speak Greek, you must have an interpreter with you.
6. Registration and transfer of rights. After signing the contract, the notary registers the property in your name, and the next day the lawyer enters the data into the cadastre. Further, the accountant already enters your object in the tax office and all utilities are transferred to your name. By the way, the total costs when buying real estate in Greece are about 8-10% of the cost – this includes the services of a lawyer, realtor, notary, accountant, real estate taxes and cadastre. Congratulations! You have become the only legal owner of real estate in Greece. From this moment you start a new exciting adventure in a sunny country by the sea. With my support, you will save time, money and nerves, because I have contacts and partners who have been proven for years. I will be happy to find what you are looking for. Your realtor in Greece, Natalia Pavlichenko
