Law and taxes
The New Hatzidakis Law: What Changes for Foreign Property Owners in Greece in 2026
Law 5293/2026, titled ‘Measures for a More Citizen-Friendly State,’ has come into effect in Greece. The new regulations aim to simplify real estate procedures, limit state property claims, and transition toward a digital format for transactions. For foreign owners, this means reduced bureaucratic burdens and increased process transparency.
Limiting State Claims on Private Property
A key aspect of the law is restricting the state’s ability to claim rights over land that has been privately owned for decades. Under certain conditions, state authorities are no longer permitted to initiate legal proceedings against such properties.
Protection applies to:
- Properties with properly registered old titles.
- Certain agricultural plots previously transferred to citizens by the state.
Important: Exceptions remain for coastal zones, public areas, archaeological sites, and lands regulated by forestry legislation. Legal and technical due diligence before purchase remains mandatory.
Simplification of Transactions and Tax Procedures
The law introduces several measures to reduce costs and time when handling real estate:
- Topographic Plans: In cadastral areas, the requirement for a new topographic plan for every contract has been abolished if the necessary information is already available. An engineer’s involvement is still required to confirm boundaries, area, and building potential.
- Tax Payments: In certain cases, the law allows for the payment of inheritance, gift, or parental transfer taxes using funds obtained directly from the sale of the property.
The Notary as a ‘One-Stop Shop’
Digital interaction between notaries, the Land Registry, the tax office, and the electronic building identification system is being expanded. Notaries can now:
- Obtain certificates online.
- File tax returns and remit mandatory payments.
- Use escrow accounts for settlements, from which the seller’s debts related to the transaction are paid.
What This Means for the Investor
Despite the simplification of procedures, the process of buying property in Greece requires a professional approach. A foreign investor must conduct comprehensive due diligence: ownership rights, cadastral records, absence of debts, legality of structures, land status (forest/archaeological), and building regulations.
Ailit Group supports the purchase and construction of real estate in Greece. We help select properties, organize document verification, assess construction potential, and coordinate specialists at all stages of the transaction.