Buying Property in Greece for UK Citizens in 2026: What Changed After Brexit

After Brexit, a UK citizen buying a house or apartment in Greece is no longer in the same legal position as an EU citizen. However, UK citizens can still purchase real estate in Greece. The key is to separate three distinct issues: property ownership, legal right of stay, and the tax implications of the transaction.

You Can Buy. But Buying Doesn’t Grant Automatic Residency

A British citizen can purchase an apartment, villa, or plot of land. Typically, the transaction requires a Greek tax number (AFM), proof of origin of funds, legal and technical due diligence, and notarization. The AFM for a tax resident of another country can be processed through the AADE electronic procedure, including via an authorized representative.

Answers to main questions for foreign buyers are collected in the AILIT Group FAQ.

The 90/180-Day Rule After Brexit

Owning a villa in Greece does not automatically allow a British citizen to live there year-round. Without a long-term visa or residence permit, UK citizens can generally stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Staying longer requires an appropriate legal basis.

Therefore, even before selecting a property, you should decide: is this a second holiday home, an investment, a future primary residence, or a family relocation?

Golden Visa for British Buyers

After Brexit, UK citizens are classified as third-country nationals and, upon meeting specific criteria, can apply for the Greek Golden Visa. For instance, AILIT notes a threshold of €800,000 and a minimum of 120 m² for a single qualifying property on the standard route in Crete. A separate special route starting at €250,000 exists for certain properties undergoing a legal change of use; this does not mean any €250,000 property qualifies for the program.

Read more: Golden Visa in Greece.

Pounds, Euros, and the Real Budget

For a UK buyer, it is crucial to calculate more than just the property price. Converting GBP to EUR carries currency risk, and banks may request source of funds documentation. Taxes, notary fees, lawyer fees, engineer fees, registry costs, translations, and agreed agency commission are added to the property price. The UK government also recommends factoring in exchange rate fluctuations, bank charges, and obtaining independent legal advice when purchasing property abroad.

Cost breakdown: Additional Costs When Buying Property in Greece.

What Should a UK Citizen Buy: Crete or Athens?

For a second home by the sea, Crete is often considered; for urban living, Athens and the Athenian Riviera are popular. But you shouldn’t just choose a location. It is essential to define your budget, expected duration of stay, rental strategy, maintenance costs, and residency needs in advance.

Check out the current AILIT Group projects. The catalog currently features villas, apartments, and investment projects in Crete and Athens.

Before placing a deposit, we also recommend reviewing typical foreign buyer mistakes.

Do you live in the UK and are considering buying property in Greece? Send AILIT Group your budget, purchase goal, and preferred region. We will select options specifically tailored for UK buyers and help organize due diligence and the transaction.

Article reviewed by Alexey Fatuev — expert in real estate construction and development in Greece.