Property taxation in Greece is more approachable than its reputation suggests once you separate the one-time costs from the annual ones. Here’s what owners should actually plan for.
ENFIA is the main annual property tax
The Unified Property Tax, known as ENFIA, is assessed annually on every property owner in Greece and is calculated using the property’s official “objective value,” which factors in location, size, age, and floor. Bills are typically issued and payable in installments later in the year.
The transfer tax is a one-time cost at purchase
Buyers pay a one-time transfer tax calculated on the property’s objective value at the time of purchase, separate from ENFIA. This is one of the costs your lawyer and notary will confirm precisely before the sale closes.
Exemptions and reductions exist
Reduced ENFIA rates and exemptions apply in certain cases, including for primary residences under specific value thresholds, families with multiple dependents, and properties in particular categories. It’s worth checking your eligibility each year rather than assuming last year’s bill will repeat exactly.
Rental income is taxed separately
If you rent out a property, income is declared and taxed under a separate scale from ENFIA, with rates that increase progressively based on the amount earned. Short-term rental platforms carry their own specific reporting requirements.
Most surprises with Greek property tax come from timing, not amount — knowing when a bill is due matters as much as knowing what it costs.
Key takeaways
- ENFIA is an annual tax based on a property’s official objective value, not its market price.
- Transfer tax is a separate, one-time cost paid at the time of purchase.
- Exemptions and reductions exist for primary residences and larger families — check eligibility yearly.
- Rental income is taxed on its own progressive scale, separate from ENFIA.
