Greece plans 15% property transfer tax increase for non-EU buyers

Greece is set to significantly increase the property transfer tax for buyers from outside the EU and EEA (European Economic Area) purchasing residential property, as the government seeks to ease pressure on the housing market and improve access to homes for permanent residents.

From 1 June 2027, the transfer tax for buyers from outside the European Union and European Economic Area who are not long-term residents will rise from 3% to 15%. Including the additional municipal levy, the effective rate will increase from 3.09% to 15.45%. The measure will apply to residential properties only and will not cover commercial premises, plots of land or other types of real estate.

The government estimates that third-country investors spent € 1.2 billion on Greek real estate in 2025, with approximately € 800 million directed towards residential property. Net foreign direct investment in Greek real estate from outside the EU reached € 1.217 billion during the same year. Turkey and Switzerland were the largest individual markets, contributing € 214 million and € 211 million, followed by Hong Kong with € 115 million.

The tax increase will also affect residential property purchases made by investors seeking residency through Greece’s Golden Visa programme, adding to the costs associated with qualifying investments. The programme has already seen higher minimum investment thresholds introduced in high-demand areas such as Attica and Thessaloniki.

The measure represents a significant shift in Greece’s approach to foreign residential property investment, as the government attempts to balance continued international demand for Greek real estate with housing affordability and availability for residents.

Source:

Greek Property Transfer Tax to Rise to 15% for Third-Country Homebuyers  09 September 2026