Law and taxes
New Real Estate Inheritance Reform in Greece: What Investors Need to Know
New Opportunities for Property Owners
In 2026, Greece is undertaking one of its largest inheritance law reforms in decades. For property owners, this is not merely a legal update, but a new tool for protecting family assets and engaging in long-term planning.
The main innovation is the option to enter into an Inheritance Contract. Property owners can now specify in advance who will inherit the property after their death and under what conditions. Such contracts are executed before a notary and are legally binding.
This is particularly crucial for foreign investors owning property in Greece. Many families hold assets across multiple countries, have children from different marriages, or manage joint investment projects. Clear succession planning significantly reduces the risk of future disputes.
Key Nuance of the Reform: Preserving Asset Integrity
Previously, real estate often passed to heirs as fractional co-ownership. For instance, a single villa might be co-owned by several heirs, frequently leading to conflicts, litigation, or forced sales.
The new reform emphasizes preserving real estate as a single asset. In certain cases, a legal heir’s mandatory share can be satisfied through monetary compensation rather than splitting the property itself. This is especially vital for properties where fragmented ownership diminishes investment appeal:
- Hotels;
- Income-generating residential buildings;
- Villas;
- Commercial real estate.
Why This Matters to Investors
Greece is becoming increasingly popular among international investors. As foreign ownership grows, so does the need to plan the transfer of wealth to the next generation in advance.
Proper estate planning is now as essential to an investment strategy as property selection or tax optimization. It safeguards family capital and prevents complex legal disputes in the future.
Consultation and Support
If you plan to buy property in Greece or wish to establish a secure family asset ownership structure in advance, the experts at AILIT Group are ready to assist at every stage—from asset selection to working with lawyers and notaries.
Article reviewed by Alexey Fatuev — expert in construction and real estate development in Greece.