Greece proposes 15% property transfer tax for non-EU buyers starting July 1

Non-EU buyers face a fivefold tax increase on residential real estate under a Greek government proposal announced Sept. 6, 2026.

Proposed transfer tax jumps to 15.45%

Individual buyers from third countries purchasing residential property in Greece will pay a 15% property transfer tax, rising to an effective rate of 15.45% once the standard municipal levy is factored in, the Ministry of National Economy and Finance announced. Greek buyers and citizens of EU and EEA member states remain at the current baseline rate of 3.09%.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis introduced the measure to cool speculative foreign demand in local housing markets. The ministry has outlined a target implementation date of July 1, 2027, though enabling legislation hasn't yet been submitted to Parliament. Commercial real estate, hotels, storage facilities and undeveloped land remain subject to the standard 3.09% transfer rate.

How the surcharge shifts buyer acquisition costs

The proposed increase drastically changes upfront acquisition costs for non-EU remote workers and investors planning on settling in Greece through property purchases:

• €250,000 ($270,000) entry-level purchase: The transfer tax rises from €7,725 ($8,343) today to €38,625 ($41,715) under the proposed rate, adding nearly €31,000 ($33,480) in cash due before notarial execution.

• €800,000 ($864,000) Golden Visa tier: Buyers in Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos and Santorini will owe approximately €123,600 ($133,488) in transfer taxes alone, stacked on top of legal, notary and registry fees.

Third-country nationals who secure Greek long-term resident status or second-generation permits before purchasing remain exempt from the 15% rate, maintaining the lower 3.09% transfer fee. Until the Greek Parliament passes the bill and publishes it in the Government Gazette, all property transactions proceed under the existing 3.09% rules.