Greece Announces Planned 15% Property Transfer Tax for Certain Third-Country Residential Buyers
Athens, Greece — September 9, 2026 — The Greek government has announced plans to increase the property transfer tax on certain residential property purchases by buyers from countries outside the European Union, raising the main tax rate from 3% to 15%.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced the measure during his address at the 90th Thessaloniki International Fair as part of a broader package of housing and economic policies. The Greek government subsequently published additional details regarding the proposed measure.
According to the government’s clarification, the increased rate would apply to purchases of residential property by certain individuals from third countries who do not fall within specified exemption categories. The measure would not apply universally to all foreign buyers.
Under Greece’s current property transfer tax framework, the main transfer tax is generally 3% of the property’s taxable value. An additional levy of 3% on the main tax is imposed in favor of municipalities and communities, resulting in an effective rate of 3.09%, according to the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE).
Under the proposed 15% main tax rate, the corresponding effective rate, including the municipal levy, would be 15.45%.
For example, on residential property with a taxable value of €250,000, the current basic transfer tax would be €7,500, rising to approximately €7,725 when the municipal levy is included. At a 15% main tax rate, the basic tax would be €37,500, or approximately €38,625 including the municipal levy.
The Greek government has described the measure as part of its broader housing policy aimed at addressing increased demand for residential property and reducing pressure on housing prices and availability for permanent residents.
The final implementation date and detailed application of the measure will depend on the relevant legislative and regulatory framework. Prospective property buyers should therefore monitor official government and tax authority announcements as additional implementation details become available.
Potential Impact on Greece Golden Visa Property Purchases
The announced tax measure does not itself change the investment thresholds or eligibility requirements of the Greece Golden Visa program.
However, depending on the final scope of the legislation and an individual buyer’s status, the proposed increase could affect the acquisition costs associated with residential property purchases that may otherwise qualify for Greece’s residency-by-investment program.
The timing of a property transaction may also become an important consideration where tax rules change before completion of a legal transfer. A reservation or preliminary agreement does not necessarily determine the date on which ownership is formally transferred.
“Any investor considering a property purchase should distinguish between the reservation stage and the completion of the legal transfer,” said Idil Hamzadi, Greece Director at Get Golden Visa. “The announced change makes the expected transaction timeline an important factor alongside the property’s eligibility and overall acquisition costs.”
Get Golden Visa recommends that prospective investors review applicable legislation, property eligibility requirements, transaction timelines and their individual circumstances with appropriately qualified legal and tax professionals before completing a purchase.
About Get Golden Visa
Get Golden Visa is a global mobility and residency-by-investment consultancy founded in 2014. The company supports individuals and families exploring residency and citizenship programs across multiple countries, providing guidance on investment options, applications, documentation and relocation. Get Golden Visa operates offices in London, Lisbon, Athens and Istanbul.
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