Sell Your Property with Crete's Trusted Real Estate Specialists

Everything you need to know about selling your property in Crete

Selling your property in Crete

Your property deserves more than just an advertisement – it deserves a carefully designed marketing strategy that reaches the key buyers and maximises its value.

With over 20 years of experience in the Cretan property market, Crete Properties 4U specialises in presenting exceptional homes, villas, investment properties and development land to discerning buyers from Greece and around the world. Combining in-depth local knowledge with international marketing expertise, we provide a personalised service that delivers results while ensuring a smooth, transparent and stress-free selling experience.

From the initial valuation to the final transfer of ownership, we manage every aspect of the sales process with professionalism, discretion and attention to detail.

Why Sell with Us?

Accurate market valuation based on local expertise and current market conditions.
Tailored advice on presenting your property to maximise its appeal and market value.
Professional photography, compelling property descriptions and high-quality marketing materials.
Premium exposure through our website, leading international property portals and targeted digital marketing campaigns.
Strategic promotion across social media channels to reach qualified buyers worldwide.
Access to an extensive database of local and international purchasers actively searching for property in Crete.
Collaboration with a trusted network of partner real estate agencies, expanding your property’s visibility beyond our own client base.
Prominent presentation in our office and marketing channels for additional local exposure.
Complete coordination with experienced surveyors, engineers, lawyers, notaries and other trusted professionals.
Skilled negotiation on your behalf to secure the best possible terms and sale price.
Comprehensive management of every stage of the transaction, from listing and viewings to the signing of the preliminary agreement and the final transfer deed.

A Personal Approach

Every property is unique and so is every client. We take the time to understand your objectives and create a bespoke marketing strategy designed to attract the key buyers, minimise time on the market and achieve the highest possible value for your property.

Whether you are selling a luxury villa, a seaside home, a traditional Cretan residence, a development plot or an investment opportunity, you can rely on our experience, local expertise and international reach to guide you every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to questions most commonly asked by buyers and sellers of property in Crete.

Is property ownership secure in Crete?

The Registry of Mortgages is the State authority charged with securing property ownership. All property titles are held, and all encumbrances registered, there. Property is filed under the owner’s name; lawyers/attorneys are entitled to check under the name of any individual or organisation. A thorough property title search here will uncover any/all extra hidden claims, covenants or charges attached to the property; it will also confirm the proper previous transfer of the property. This must always be done as part of the transactional process.

Who can purchase property in Greece/Crete?

EU citizens
Generally speaking, all EU citizens have the right to purchase property in Greece/Crete.

Non-EU citizens
Generally, Non-EU citizens have the right to purchase property in Greece/Crete. For details of current regulations, contact the Greek consulate or embassy in your home country.

Residence Permits for Non EU citizens
Greece can grant residence permits, for Non-EU citizens and their families with the acquisition of property worth more than €250.000 [Read more]

Am I required to purchase property in my own name?

Not necessarily. You can purchase property in joint name, with spouse and/or other third parties, in the names of children, legal heirs or a company.

Do I need a Greek Tax Registration?

Yes. Anyone purchasing a property is required to have a Greek Tax Registration Number. You should apply to the local (Greek) tax office, with your passport/ID and sometimes birth certificate. Your appointed solicitor can make the application on your behalf, if you have granted him/her Power of Attorney.

Can I obtain a mortgage in Greece?

Yes. Each bank or financial institution may have its own stipulated requirements of the applicant; but generally, with your passport/ID, you will need to provide proof of earnings (P60’s, payslips or tax returns if self employed) for 2-3 years. You should also bear in mind that you must be able to pay all closing costs before the bank will release any funds.

What is a Notary Public, and do I need one?

The Notary Public is a lawyer who represents the Greek government in the property purchase transaction. You must appoint a Notary or you will not be able to legally purchase a property. It is his/her responsibility to process and certify the transaction. He/she will draw up all the necessary legal documentation. The contracts must be signed in the presence of the Notary who must be happy that they have been read and understood by all parties.

Do I need a lawyer?

It is highly recommended to have legal representation throughout the transaction. Your lawyer is also responsible for carrying out the necessary legal surveys and property title search.

Do I need a Greek bank account?

A Greek bank account is not required when buying real estate in Greece. You can make all necessary payments related to the purchase from a bank account in your country. However, a bank account in Greece can be useful once you own a house in Greece to pay taxes, utility bills, property management fees etc.

Golden Visa: The requirements for whether it is necessary to open a bank account to obtain a residence permit in Greece (Golden Visa) may vary, so consult your lawyer.

Bank accounts can be opened by proxy or in person by account holder(s).

Most banks require the following information:

Greek Tax Number (ΑΦΜ)
Copy of proof of identity
Proof of your home address e.g. an extract from the registry office or a utility bill (electricity, water, telephone)
Employer’s statement or extract from the Chamber of Commerce
Tax assessment

Am I required to sign the contract personally?

Not necessarily. If you wish, your solicitor can sign on your behalf if you have granted him/her Power of Attorney.

What and how much are ‘closing costs'?

Closing costs include all legal expenses, fees and taxes. There is no set figure for this; but it is generally prudent to budget for an additional 9 – 12% as a guide for total purchase costs. You or your appointed representative should clarify this at the earliest opportunity.

How should I best insure my new property?

The building industry on Crete is subject to EU regulations and standards. In addition there are strict local regulations for earthquake protection. It is therefore prudent to insure your new property in the standard manner against fire, water damage, storm damage, earthquake, theft and third party.

As a property owner, must I file taxes in Greece?

Yes. Anyone owning a property in Greece is legally bound to file annually an E9 form with the Greek tax authorities. This must be filed in conjunction with the basic Income tax E1 form. If you don’t actually have an income in Greece you should enter “0” income in the E1. Your accountant will help with this.

What is the 'Tax Objective Value'?

The Tax Objective Value of a property is assessed by the Greek tax authorities for the purpose of levying taxes. It is not the purchase price of the property; generally being significantly lower than that.

How is property tax calculated?

Property tax (ENFIA) is calculated based on the location, size, use, age and other factors of the house and/or plot and is imposed on natural and legal persons.

For most (vacation) homes in Crete the annual tax is 3-4EUR/m² built (e.g. a house of about 100m² = 300-400EUR/year).

For land/plots the annual tax is significantly lower, calculated based on similar parameters as described above.

The annual real estate tax assessment (ENFIA) is accessible through the website of the Greek tax authority.

How are utility bills generally paid?

Generally, these can be paid by standing order by your bank. You can, of course, pay in person at the relevant office.

Member of

Prestigious Real Estate Associations

European Association of Real Estate Professions

Hellenic Association of Realtors

International Consortium of Real Estate Associations

National Association of Realtors

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Useful info

We offer solutions for everything concerning Real Estate in Crete. Use the following links for more information.