Wondering how much it costs to buy or sell a property in Chania, Crete? There are a number of fees to consider when making a transaction, including the cost of the real estate agents, your deposit and lawyer fees. This guide will help you plan for all of these when you work out your budget.

Property Buyers Expenses

The additional real estate expenses of buying a property in Chania (Greece) are on average approximately 10% of the property purchase price. The real estate expenses will include:

1. The Property Purchase Price

As agreed between the buyer and the vendor.
With off-plan properties, property buyers normally pay a deposit to the builder and then a series of stage payments.

2. Tax

Transfer tax is similar to Stamp Duty Land Tax in the United Kingdom. This is charged at 3% of the purchase price.

Property Ownership Tax

Special Tax of Real Estate Property is abolished. An annual tax on possession of substantial real estate property is imposed on an individual level on the following scale:

3. Legal Fees

Lawyer’s fees are charged as a percentage of the purchase price. Fees typically total around 1% -1.5% of the purchase price. There may be an additional cost if a Power of Attorney is required. Your lawyer will advise you of their fees.

4. Notary Fees

The charges involve: a standard fee of 200 euro plus 0.8% of the purchase price up to 120.000 euro property sale cost (plus VAT) and it scales accordingly for the rest of the purchase price. This fee is decreased as the the amount of the purchase price is increased. There are usually some small additional charges in relation to the number of pages in the document to be signed and how many copies of the contract shall be issued.

5. Land Registry Fees

The payable fee is dependent on the assessed tax value of the property and range from 0.45% to 0.5% of the property value. There may be minor additional fees for stamp duties and certificates.

6. Estate Agents Fees

The estate agents fees are paid by the seller. The charge is 2%-3% of the sale price.

Additional Property Buyers Expenses Info

• All costs are calculated using the highest value between the Contract Value and the Assessed Tax Value.
• The Assessed Tax Value is determined by the Greek Ministry of Finance.
  Properties in Greece belong either to the Land Registry or to the Cadastre.
• The registration of a property to the Land Registry has a 0,45% (plus VAT) rate, while the registration to the Cadastre has a 0,65% (plus VAT) rate.

Seller’s Expenses – Costs

1. Lawyer Charges

Lawyer’s charge for attending on the day of the final contract. The presence of a lawyer during the drafting and signing of the contract is not obligatory for the seller as from the 01/01/2014. However, the lawyer’s participation is suggested for the legal protection and advise of both parties.

2. Notary Charges

Fees may be payable upon agreement between both parties involved, seller and buyer.

3. Real Estate Agent Charges

Realtor’s commission fee of 2%-3% of the property selling price plus Additional Value Tax (VAT) .