Potential customers of LINDIAN TRUST may wish to purchase of off-plan properties or, may wish to purchase a resale property. On this page information for buying off plan is given, the link to the sub page at the bottom of the page will direct you to information for buying a resale.

We at LINDIAN TRUST have teams of professionals to assist you throughout the entire purchasing process; we will guide you to ensure your purchase is as straightforward and hassle free as possible.

All EU and Non EU citizens are entitled to purchase property in Greece but there are a few simple procedures you must undertake in order to complete your purchase.

Once you have decided which property you like and have agreed the final sale price, we require a small security/reservation deposit to be paid (2000 -5000 Euros) to secure the property and remove the property from the market. During this time your appointed lawyer initiates searches and a survey.

6 Simple steps

• A visit to the Tax Office is required to make an application for a Greek tax Number or “AFM” (pronounced Ah-Fi-Me). You must complete a straightforward 1 page application form and submit this together with a photocopy of your passport details. Your Greek Tax number will then be issued to you. It is also important to appoint an accountant who will be able to help you with Greek tax legislation and tax returns in the future.

• A visit to the local police station is necessary to complete your temporary residency permit (known as the Blue Card). The application is completed within a few minutes and is issued to you or your appointed Lawyer within two to four weeks. You will be required to provide five passport sized photographs, your E111, proof of a Greek Bank account showing available funds of 330 Euros and a photocopy of your passport details.

• You must also open a Greek Bank Account, as all necessary payments need to be made via this account and this will prove that funds used have come from another country into Greece. You will need proof of ID (passport) and your Greek Tax number (AFM see above)

• You must appoint a lawyer and arrange an appointment with him/her. Your lawyer will be able to run searches and check that the property holds a clean title and is free from outstanding taxes or mortgage notes and any other legal encumbrances.

You can grant what is known as a “Power of Attorney” to your Lawyer. With the POA and under the supervision of the Notary Public your Lawyer will then be able to act on your behalf for the following; payment of Taxes, signing of the Greek contract and the transfer and release of funds from your Bank Account to the sellers account.

• In Greece, it is necessary to appoint a Notary Public to certify Real Estate Transactions. A Notary Public is an official representative of the Government (a Government appointed Lawyer). At completion the Greek contract will be signed in the Notary’s office by the seller and the buyer or your legal representative if you have granted POA to your Lawyer. The notary witnesses the signing of the contract, the original is kept at the Notary’s office, a second is given to the purchaser and a third copy is sent to the Land Registry where the official transfer of the ownership is registered.

• If you are buying off plan we will visit together our kitchen, tiles and bathroom suppliers to make your selection.