CHRISTINA G. PACHOU

August 2024

Why Notarial Services Are Essential for Foreign Investors?

Greece – the land of ancient history, breathtaking landscapes, and, let’s not forget, that delicious Mediterranean cuisine. But beyond the postcard-perfect views and the sun-kissed beaches, Greece has been quietly transforming into one of the hottest real estate markets for international investors. Whether you’re dreaming of owning a quaint villa by the sea or making a savvy property investment, Greece is calling, and you might want to pick up the phone.

A Rising Star in Real Estate

Over the past few years, Greece has become a magnet for foreign investors. And it’s not just the endless blue skies and rich cultural heritage that are drawing them in. The Greek real estate market has seen a surge in interest, particularly from international buyers. According to the Bank of Greece, foreign direct investment in real estate jumped by an impressive 68% in 2023. That’s right – Greece is now a strategic hotspot for global investors.

But what’s driving this boom? Well, there are a few factors at play. For one, the Golden Visa program has been a game-changer. This initiative offers non-EU investors a fast track to residency in Greece when they invest in real estate, providing an extra incentive for those looking to buy property.

And it’s not just investors who are taking notice. The word is out that Greece is also becoming a top destination for digital nomads – those adventurous souls who work remotely while soaking up the beauty of their surroundings. Thanks to favorable tax policies and a growing economy, Greece is quickly climbing the ranks as a prime spot for both living and investing.

The Role of Notarial Services: Your Essential Guide

So, you’re ready to dive into the Greek real estate market. But where do you start? Enter the notary – your go-to professional for ensuring that your property purchase is smooth, secure, and free from any unexpected surprises. Here’s how they help:

  • Contract Drafting and Validation: A notary will draft and validate your property contracts, making sure they meet all legal requirements. This step is crucial to protect you from any potential risks down the road.

  • Title Deed Verification: They’ll also verify that the title deeds are clean, meaning no hidden mortgages or legal disputes are lurking in the background. Transparency is key, and your notary is there to ensure it.

  • Golden Visa Assistance: If you’re aiming for that Golden Visa, a law expert can guide you through the entire process, from the initial application to final approval. It’s like having a trusted friend who knows all the ins and outs.

  • Inheritance Management: Inheriting property in Greece? Notaries are essential in helping you navigate the complex legal waters, ensuring that all rights are correctly transferred and that you’re not left with any unwanted surprises.

The Bottom Line: Why Greece?

With a stable economy, dynamic growth prospects, and the promise of a warm, welcoming lifestyle, Greece stands out as one of Europe’s most attractive investment destinations. The BBC even points out that Greece’s economic stability makes it an ideal spot for real estate investments.

So, if you’re considering investing in the Greek real estate market or acquiring your dream home under the sun, teaming up with a specialized notary is your first step towards success. And with an exclusive partnership with greekpropertylawyer.com, we make sure that securing your property in Greece is a seamless, one-stop journey.

Ready to take the plunge? Book an appointment with us today, and let’s turn your Greek real estate dreams into reality.

C.P.

The First Step to Buying Property in Greece

Investing in Greek property can be a lucrative opportunity, but it comes with its own set of challenges, especially for foreign investors. One of the most crucial aspects of this process is understanding the role of notarial services. Notaries in Greece play a vital role in ensuring that property transactions are legally sound and transparent.

So, can you guess what always should precede the notarial services in regards to property investment ?

 

Legal Property Title Check

The legal check of property titles is a crucial process that must be undertaken before purchasing or transferring property to ensure the legality and clarity of the ownership titles. This process includes the following stages:

  1. Chain of Ownership Verification: Examination of the unbroken sequence of property transfers from one owner to another, ensuring that each transfer was legal and valid.
  2. Legality of Acquisition: Verification of the legality of the method of acquisition by the most recent and prior owners.
  3. Check for Encumbrances: Search for any mortgages, claims, pre-notations of mortgages, or other encumbrances that may burden the property, limit its free use, or reduce its value.
  4. Check for Easements: Investigation into any easements (e.g., usufruct, habitation) that may impose restrictions on the property’s use.
  5. Claims Against the Property: Verification of any legal claims or lawsuits filed against the property by third parties who may be asserting rights over it.
  6. Inheritance Issues: In cases of inheritance, checking the death certificate and the non-revocation certificate of the will to ensure that the inheritance has been legally transferred to the heir.

This comprehensive check is usually conducted by a lawyer specializing in real estate law, ensuring that legal issues and disputes are avoided after the property transfer.


To navigate the complexities of property law effectively, it’s essential to engage expert property lawyers. We highly recommend the team of skilled professionals at GreekPropertyLawyer.com. Their extensive experience and attention to detail will provide you with peace of mind, knowing that every aspect of your property transaction is thoroughly examined.

Together, we ensure that your property transaction is handled with the highest level of professionalism and care will keeping your risk at bay. 


Trustworty Notarial services are essential for foreign investors as they provide a layer of security and legal assurance. From verifying the authenticity of documents to ensuring that all legal requirements are met, our office will help in safeguarding your investment. We offer comprehensive services in English , German and other languages, making the process smoother for international clients.

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Get the certainty and confidence you need and deserve for your property investment decisions.
Call us: +30 210 300 3929
DALL·E 2024-08-17 21.32.51 - A distant scene showing a modern apartment in Athens, Greece, being inspected by a Lebanese couple. The couple is engaged in conversation with a realt

Is Buying a new apartment easy

The process of purchasing a new apartment is complex and requires careful planning and proper legal guidance. One of the key stages in this process is signing a preliminary contract with the developer. At this point, the involvement of an experienced notary is essential.

Why Do You Need an Experienced Notary?

A notary ensures that all legal documents are properly drafted and cover the needs and interests of the buyer. In the case of a preliminary contract, the notary checks the rights and obligations arising from the agreement, ensuring that the developer has all the legal prerequisites for transferring the property. Additionally, the notary can identify potential legal difficulties or risks that may arise.

During the process of delivering a new apartment, construction often takes place in stages, such as the foundation phase, the structure (above-ground construction), and the final touches (e.g., electrical installations, interior spaces). The developer delivers the project in phases, with each stage completed according to the agreed technical specifications. The buyer typically pays in installments, usually after each phase is completed and verified by an engineer to ensure that the work progresses according to the schedule and agreed specifications.

Why Do You Need an Experienced Lawyer?

To ensure the smooth execution of the project and the proper disbursement of payments, the final purchase contract includes clauses that bind the developer to complete each phase within specific deadlines and according to agreed quality standards. In case of delays or deviations from the specifications, the clauses may impose penalties on the developer or suspend payments until the issues are resolved. This way, the buyer is protected and ensured that they will receive the property as agreed. The selection of an experienced lawyer is crucial for the success of this process. A lawyer not only ensures that all legal documents are complete and accurate but also oversees the adherence to agreements and protects the buyer’s rights. Collaborating with a specialist, such as the lawyers at Greek Property Lawyer, ensures that your purchase will be carried out with safety and transparency, offering quality services that cover every aspect of the property purchase process.

The Role of the Developer

The developer is primarily responsible for the construction and transfer of the apartment. Their involvement is crucial, as they must guarantee that the apartment will be delivered according to the agreed specifications and within the stipulated deadlines. The developer is also responsible for resolving any technical or construction issues that may arise during the delivery. From the very beginning, our office has focused on providing both easy and effective assistance to buyers who are purchasing a new apartment for the first time.

  • We know and recommend reliable developers and contractors with proven experience and reliability.

Guarantees in a Well-Drafted Contract

A well-drafted contract includes significant guarantees for the buyer, such as:

  • Performance Guarantee: The developer guarantees that the apartment will be constructed according to the established standards and specifications.
  • Delivery Time Guarantee: The delivery date of the property is clearly defined, with clauses for delays.
  • Hidden Defects Guarantee: The developer is responsible for repairing any defects that appear after the delivery of the apartment within a predetermined period.

The notary ensures that all tax procedures are completed correctly and that the buyer benefits from the available tax exemptions. 

Conclusion

Buying a new apartment is a process that requires careful legal and financial management.  A well-drafted contract, along with the appropriate legal guidance, is key to a safe and successful investment.

C.P.

About Us

Legal advice and guidance on property investment.

Christina Pachou is a notary public in Greece, she graduated from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and has a Postgraduate Degree (Honors) from the Law Department of the University of Southampton (U.K.).

  • Complete services for golden visa applicants.
  • Multilingual support.
  • High-quality legal services.
  • Competitive prices.

Call us to book an appointment for hassle-free document preparation and drafting of your contracts.

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+30 210 300 3929
pachoucontracts@gmail.com
20, PAGKA I. , ATHENS,
115 24, GR