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Frequently asked questions

Answers to the questions investors most often ask about buying, building and managing property in Greece.

01 Buying Property
  1. 01 Can foreigners buy property in Crete?

    Yes. Foreign citizens can buy property in Crete. Before the transaction, the buyer normally obtains a Greek tax number (AFM), documents the source of funds and completes independent legal and technical due diligence.

    Read more: How a Foreign Investor Buys Land and Builds Property in Greece

  2. 02 Can I buy a villa or plot remotely?

    Yes. Viewings, document review and most coordination can be arranged remotely. Signing and representation are structured case by case, often with a properly issued power of attorney and independent professional checks.

    Read more: How to buy property in Greece remotely

  3. 03 How long does buying property in Crete take?

    Timing depends on the readiness of documents, due diligence, the parties and the transaction structure. Allow several weeks after a suitable property is chosen; no fixed completion date should be assumed before the professionals review the file.

    Read more: How a Foreign Investor Buys Land and Builds Property in Greece

  4. 04 Who should inspect a plot of land before purchase in Greece and what are they responsible for?

    Inspecting a plot before purchase is a critical step that must be carried out by qualified professionals: a lawyer and an engineer.

    • Lawyer verifies legal status: ownership rights, transaction history, presence of encumbrances, mortgage liens, or legal disputes.
    • Engineer assesses technical parameters: precise plot boundaries, building potential (permitted area and height), presence of territorial restrictions (forest, archaeological, or coastal zones), and the feasibility of utility connections.

    AILIT Group provides comprehensive transaction support, including all necessary checks, to minimize risks for the investor. We recommend always conducting independent professional verification before signing any binding documents.

02 Legal, Documents & Taxes
  1. 01 Which documents are needed to buy property in Greece?

    The exact list depends on the buyer and transaction, but commonly includes a passport, AFM, proof of funds and, when applicable, a power of attorney with the required certification and translation. Your lawyer and notary confirm the final list.

    Read more: How a Foreign Investor Buys Land and Builds Property in Greece

  2. 02 What is an AFM and how do I obtain one?

    AFM is a Greek tax identification number. A non-resident generally obtains it through the tax authority personally or through an authorised representative; the required supporting documents depend on the individual case.

    Read more: How a Foreign Investor Buys Land and Builds Property in Greece

  3. 03 What additional costs arise when buying property?

    Plan for transaction tax or the applicable VAT regime, notary, lawyer, engineer, cadastre, translation and any agreed agency fees. The amount and tax treatment must be calculated for the specific property before money is committed.

    Read more: Additional Costs When Buying Property in Greece

  4. 04 How do I check the legal status of a property or plot?

    Use independent legal and technical due diligence. A lawyer reviews title, encumbrances and registration, while an engineer verifies boundaries, access, permits and buildability. One review does not replace the other.

    Read more: How to Check a Plot Before Buying in Greece: An Investor's Guide

03 Golden Visa & Residency
  1. 01 Can I obtain a Golden Visa by buying property in Crete?

    It may be possible when the investment and property meet the current Golden Visa rules. Eligibility depends on the property type, location, value and other statutory conditions, so it must be confirmed for the specific transaction.

    Read more: How to obtain a Golden Visa in Greece in 2026

  2. 02 What is the minimum budget for a Golden Visa?

    The qualifying amount depends on the property type and location, and the rules can change. In addition to the investment threshold, budget for transaction costs, legal support, documents and the residence-permit process.

    Read more: Greece Golden Visa for €250,000: Eligible Property Types

05 Land & Project Preparation
  1. 01 How can I buy land and build a turnkey villa?

    The process starts with a brief and full budget, then legal and technical land due diligence. After purchase and registration, the project proceeds through design, permits, construction, inspections and handover under agreed contracts and specifications.

    Read more: How a Foreign Investor Buys Land and Builds Property in Greece

06 Construction & Quality Control
  1. 01 How long does it take to build a villa in Crete?

    Design and permitting commonly take several months. Construction itself often takes around 10–18 months, depending on the scope, approvals, site conditions, procurement and weather; a project-specific schedule should be set in the contract.

    Read more: Building a Villa in Crete in 2026: A Budget from €800,000 for the Golden Visa

  2. 02 How are construction payments made and progress monitored?

    A sound contract links payments to verifiable milestones. Before each payment, the investor should receive the agreed invoice, progress evidence and, where arranged, confirmation from an independent supervising engineer.

    Read more: How an Investor Can Monitor Construction in Greece

  3. 03 What guarantees are provided during villa construction?

    Protection is defined by the contract and project documents: detailed specifications, payment milestones, acceptance procedures, defect obligations, insurance where applicable and a clear process for variations and disputes. The exact safeguards should be reviewed by the buyer’s independent lawyer.

07 Investment, Returns & Risks
  1. 01 Is it possible to invest with AILIT Group?

    Is it possible to invest with AILIT Group?

    Yes. AILIT Group offers private investors to participate in the company’s development projects in Greece: the construction of villas, residential complexes, apartments and small hotel facilities.

    Each project is considered individually. The amount of investment, the format of participation, the terms, the legal structure and the order of distribution of the result are determined after the analysis of the investor’s goals and budget.

    How the cooperation takes place

    The investor receives information about the site, the concept, the budget, the financing schedule and the exit scenarios. After the terms are agreed upon, lawyers and accountants prepare the participation structure and a package of documents.

    The financing can be divided into stages. The investor understands what work has been completed and what the next payment will be used for.

    Investment projects for any budget

    AILIT Group selects the participation format based on the specific budget and investment strategy.

    Possible guidelines:

    • from 250,000 € — participation in individual company projects;
    • from 500,000 € — a modern villa or a share in a larger project;
    • from 800,000 € — a premium villa or several properties;
    • from 1,200,000 € — a villa complex or an apartment project;
    • from 2,000,000 € — a large development or hotel project.

    The specific entry amount depends on the project. Before concluding an agreement, the team prepares an individual proposal, a financial model, an investment schedule, and a risk assessment.

    How is potential income generated

    The result can be generated through the growth of the property value after construction, the sale of a completed villa or complex, long-term rental, or a combination of rental and subsequent sale.

    The profitability depends on the land price, the cost of construction, the timing, the demand, and the final sale price. Therefore, a fixed profit is not guaranteed; multiple scenarios and budget reserves are calculated for each project.

    What does AILIT Group do

    The company checks the site, develops the concept, organizes the design and permits, controls the construction, expenses and the preparation of the facility for sale or operation.

    The owner of AILIT Group has more than 35 years of experience in construction. Over the past three years, the company has built 12 facilities with a total area of about 4200 m² and participated in the sale of more than 45 real estate.

    See AILIT Group investment projects, study the company’s work stages and answers in the FAQ for investors.

    Bottom line

    Investing with AILIT Group is possible through participation in a project selected for the investor’s budget and goals. Before signing an agreement, the client receives a calculation, legal structure, financing schedule, and exit strategy.

    Any investment involves risks, so the decision is made after studying the financial model and project documents.

08 Ownership, Rental & Management
  1. 01 Can I rent the property out short term?

    Rental rules depend on the property, municipality and acquisition route. Some properties acquired under newer Golden Visa rules may face short-term-rental restrictions, so confirm the current requirements before relying on rental income.

    Read more: Renting Out Golden Visa Properties in Greece

  2. 02 Does AILIT Group help manage and rent out property after purchase?

    AILIT Group can coordinate the next steps after acquisition, including operational preparation and rental management where this is included in the agreed scope. The services, responsibilities and fees are documented for each property.

    Read more: What to do after buying property: E9, cadastre, electricity, water, and insurance

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