Greece plans a 15% property transfer tax for non-EU buyers: what is known

In early September 2026, at the 90th Thessaloniki International Fair, the Greek Prime Minister announced, as part of a €2.2 billion housing package, that the transfer tax on homes would rise from 3% to 15% for buyers from outside the EU and the EEA. As of 23 October 2026, according to IMI Daily, no bill has been tabled, but the measure also affects Golden Visa buyers.

What has been announced

• The rate. The main transfer tax rises from 3% to 15%. With the municipal surcharge (3% of the tax) the effective rate rises from 3.09% to 15.45%.
• The date. 1 January 2027 was named first; the date was then moved to 1 July 2027.
• Who is affected. Natural persons who are citizens of countries outside the EU and the EEA and buy a home. Greek citizens, the diaspora, EU and EEA citizens and long-term residents are exempt. Companies are outside the measure.
• What stays at 3.09%. Commercial premises, land, and investments that are not real estate.

The Golden Visa

• IMI Daily writes that as of 23 October 2026 no exemption for the Golden Visa has been announced: unless the law provides one, 15% would apply to the whole real estate route, including the €250,000 option (conversions and restorations).
• Greek press reports that the ministry is weighing an exemption for buyers who add to the housing stock (new builds and converted properties). It is not confirmed.
• Industry bodies are asking for an exemption for that category or a middle rate, possibly 8%. The law will also decide whether a converted property counts as residential at the time of transfer.

What is not there yet

• No bill has been tabled in parliament and no vote has been held. National elections are due in spring 2027. The opposition PASOK tabled an amendment to abolish the real estate route; the governing New Democracy dismissed it.
• Until a law passes, deeds are taxed at 3.09%.
• The tax arises when the notarial deed is signed, not at reservation. The ministry has not said whether deposits and preliminary agreements signed before July 2027 will be protected.

What it means in money

Property price	Now, 3.09%	At 15.45%
€250,000	€7,725	€38,625
€400,000	€12,360	€61,800
€800,000	€24,720	€123,600

At the €800,000 threshold the difference is about €99,000. The other purchase costs (lawyer, notary, land registry) come to about 3.8% of the price in our calculator.

Related deadlines

• The suspension of 24% VAT on new builds and the suspension of the 15% capital gains tax on property both expire on 31 December 2026; no renewal has been decided.

What a buyer should do

1. Follow the publication of the bill and of the transitional rules: they decide how deals started before 1 July 2027 will be treated.
2. If you plan to buy, discuss the timing of the deed and of the permit application with a lawyer in advance.
3. Do not decide on headlines alone: the terms will be set by the law as passed.

Our cost calculator still uses the current 3.09% rate. If the law is passed, we will update the calculations.

Sources: IMI Daily, articles of 6, 7 and 10 September and 23 October 2026.

This material is informational and is not legal or tax advice.