'The Acquisition of Real Estate Property in Greece & the Role of Lawyers'
Online, May 31, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Lawyers in Greece play a fundamental role in the purchase of real estate property. In Greece, both parties in a property transaction must be represented by a qualified lawyer. The lawyers assumes the responsibility of handling the negotiations with the other party (i.e. for the purchase price, any legal issues with the property etc.), and also of acquiring any necessary documents from the authorities. For instance, every party to a notarial deed in Greece needs to have a Greek tax number. The lawyer can acquire such a tax number from the Greek tax authorities on behalf of the client. The foreign purchaser must also consult his lawyer in Greece so as to be advised as to how to declare the money imported from abroad in order to pay the purchase price. There is a procedure with the bank, where a certification must be provided by the bank that the money was imported from abroad. If this certificate is not acquired in time, the foreign purchaser risks having to pay income taxes for the purchase price.
In addition, in order to properly conclude a purchase of property in Greece you need to hire the services of a notary public. In contrast to other countries like Germany or England for example, a lawyer in Greece cannot perform the functions of a notary public.
If a foreign national wishes to acquire property in Greece he must first contact a lawyer to advise him. Lawyers in Greece can advise potential clients on how to find the appropriate real estate agent in Greece. The next step involves the purchase negotiations, acquiring a tax number in Greece and acquiring any necessary documents.
Our lawyers at Kosmidis and Partners, a law firm based in Greece possess the knowledge and practical experience to assist both Greeks and persons from abroad in the swift and successful acquisition of property in Greece. Foreign nationals also need to be aware that certain purchase restrictions apply to some areas that lie close to the borders of Greece; several Greek islands are also subject to these restrictions. Furthermore, European nationals (i.e. from the U.K.) are required to acquire a permit from the prefecture authorities in Greece. Nationals of non-E.U. countries (i.e. Americans, Australians, and Canadians etc.) are required to apply to the Greek Ministry of National Defense to obtain the relevant permit. In the latter case, the permit procedure lasts longer than the procedure required to be followed in the former case.
http://www.lawyers-greece.co.uk