Athens prices rose 6.2% in 2025 and transaction costs run 7–10% all-in. Rent first, budget the full stack — transfer tax, notary, lawyer, agent, ENFIA — and check whether your dream island sits in a border zone that needs ministry sign-off.
Last verified: 8 July 2026The sticker price is the start. On a resale property you'll pay the 3.09% transfer tax, then the professional stack — notary (mandatory in Greece), an independent lawyer (strongly advised, and required for some transactions), the agent's side of the commission, and land-registry fees. Budget 7–10% on top of the price, all-in:
| Cost | Typical rate | On a €300,000 purchase |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer tax (resale) | 3.09% | €9,270 |
| Notary | ~0.8–1.5% | €2,400–4,500 |
| Lawyer | ~1–2% | €3,000–6,000 |
| Agent (buyer side) | ~2% + VAT | ~€7,440 |
| Registration | ~0.5% | €1,500 |
Then every year: ENFIA, the annual property tax paid to AADE, usually in monthly instalments — the main charge runs roughly €2 to €16.20 per m² depending on the zone value, with surcharge elements on high-value holdings above €400,000. You'll need an AFM (tax number) and a Greek bank account before any of this — see Tax & Finance.
The Bank of Greece residential index — the official series — put Athens apartment prices up 6.2% in 2025, with Thessaloniki and other cities growing at similar or higher rates. Asking-price data (Spitogatos, via press — market data, not statistics) puts Athens' southern suburbs around €4,091/m² and the northern suburbs around €3,323/m². Central Athens asking rents crossed €10/m² in late 2025. Prime islands run far above all of these numbers; inland and northern mainland far below.
AFM, lawyer, notary, land registry — the sequence, the documents, and where deals stall.
How the zone system works and what typical expat purchases actually pay per year.
Which areas are designated, how the Ministry approval works, and realistic timelines.