Property Loans for Foreign Buyers in Greece
Ktimatoemporiki Real Estate - 2025-09-16
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Property Loans for Foreign Buyers in Greece. Greece continues to rank among the most attractive real estate destinations in Europe. From luxury beachfront villas in Crete to investment apartments in Athens, international buyers increasingly look for financing solutions that allow them to leverage their capital rather than pay the full purchase price in cash.
This guide explains how foreign nationals can secure a property loan (mortgage) in Greece in 2025, what conditions apply, and how to prepare for a successful application.
1. Can Foreign Buyers Get a Mortgage in Greece?
Yes—under specific criteria. Greek banks will lend to non-residents and non-EU citizens provided the borrower can demonstrate solid financial standing and comply with all anti–money laundering (AML) regulations.
The process resembles that for Greek citizens, but lenders typically request higher equity participation and stronger proof of income.
2. Minimum Equity & Loan-to-Value (LTV)
• Typical LTV: 60–70% for prime locations; some banks require even lower (50–60%) for non-residents.
• Down-payment: Expect to cover at least 30–40% of the property value with your own funds.
• Golden Visa note: The minimum investment amount required for the Greek Golden Visa (250–800 k € depending on region) must always be paid with personal funds, even if you finance any excess value with a loan.
3. Documentation Required
To satisfy Greek banking regulations and EU AML directives, prepare:
• Valid passport and residence information (even if temporary).
• Proof of stable income (tax returns, employment contract, or business ownership documents).
• Bank statements showing available down-payment.
• Property documents: pre-contract or purchase agreement, energy certificate, topographic plan.
• Greek tax number (AFM) and a local bank account.
Tip: Open a Greek bank account early. All loan payments and property-related expenses will flow through this account.
4. Interest Rates & Loan Terms in 2025
• Rates: As of 2025, variable mortgage rates in Greece for foreign buyers typically range from 4.2% to 4.8%, depending on the borrower’s risk profile and the currency.
• Duration: Standard loan terms are usually 15–25 years, with options for fixed or variable interest.
• Prepayment: Most banks allow early repayment without significant penalties after the first few years.
5. Greek Banks Active in Foreign Buyer Mortgages
While products may change, the main lenders currently offering mortgages to non-residents include:
• Eurobank – long track record with international clients.
• Alpha Bank – competitive for prime-area investments.
• National Bank of Greece (NBG) – stable programs for EU and non-EU residents.
• Piraeus Bank – flexible terms for high-net-worth individuals.
6. Costs to Factor In
• Bank arrangement fees: typically 0.5–1% of the loan.
• Valuation fee: approx. €300–€600 depending on property size.
• Notary and land registry fees: 1.2–2% of purchase price.
• Legal counsel: advisable for contract review and due diligence.
7. Alternative Financing Options
• Developer financing: Some new-build projects offer staged payment plans or private lending schemes.
• Cross-border lending: High-net-worth individuals sometimes secure loans from their home-country banks and transfer the funds to Greece.
• Private debt funds: Boutique lenders can offer bespoke terms for luxury or commercial projects, often at higher rates.
8. Step-by-Step Roadmap
1. Pre-qualify with a Greek bank or international lender to know your budget.
2. Select the property and sign a preliminary agreement.
3. Submit full documentation to the bank.
4. Bank valuation & approval.
5. Sign the mortgage contract and final sale deed before a Greek notary.
6. Register the mortgage at the local land registry.
9. Key Takeaways
• Foreign buyers can obtain property loans in Greece, but must expect lower LTVs and higher equity requirements than locals.
• All funds must be fully documented to meet EU AML standards.
• For Golden Visa applicants, the statutory minimum investment must be covered by personal funds, even if you finance any excess value.
• Early preparation—opening a Greek bank account and gathering international income documentation—makes the process smoother.
? How Ktimatoemporiki Can Help
With nearly 30 years of experience and thousands of successful transactions, Ktimatoemporiki guides international clients through every step—from selecting prime property to arranging the right financing structure.
Contact us to receive a tailored mortgage roadmap and introductions to trusted Greek banking partners.
This guide explains how foreign nationals can secure a property loan (mortgage) in Greece in 2025, what conditions apply, and how to prepare for a successful application.
1. Can Foreign Buyers Get a Mortgage in Greece?
Yes—under specific criteria. Greek banks will lend to non-residents and non-EU citizens provided the borrower can demonstrate solid financial standing and comply with all anti–money laundering (AML) regulations.
The process resembles that for Greek citizens, but lenders typically request higher equity participation and stronger proof of income.
2. Minimum Equity & Loan-to-Value (LTV)
• Typical LTV: 60–70% for prime locations; some banks require even lower (50–60%) for non-residents.
• Down-payment: Expect to cover at least 30–40% of the property value with your own funds.
• Golden Visa note: The minimum investment amount required for the Greek Golden Visa (250–800 k € depending on region) must always be paid with personal funds, even if you finance any excess value with a loan.
3. Documentation Required
To satisfy Greek banking regulations and EU AML directives, prepare:
• Valid passport and residence information (even if temporary).
• Proof of stable income (tax returns, employment contract, or business ownership documents).
• Bank statements showing available down-payment.
• Property documents: pre-contract or purchase agreement, energy certificate, topographic plan.
• Greek tax number (AFM) and a local bank account.
Tip: Open a Greek bank account early. All loan payments and property-related expenses will flow through this account.
4. Interest Rates & Loan Terms in 2025
• Rates: As of 2025, variable mortgage rates in Greece for foreign buyers typically range from 4.2% to 4.8%, depending on the borrower’s risk profile and the currency.
• Duration: Standard loan terms are usually 15–25 years, with options for fixed or variable interest.
• Prepayment: Most banks allow early repayment without significant penalties after the first few years.
5. Greek Banks Active in Foreign Buyer Mortgages
While products may change, the main lenders currently offering mortgages to non-residents include:
• Eurobank – long track record with international clients.
• Alpha Bank – competitive for prime-area investments.
• National Bank of Greece (NBG) – stable programs for EU and non-EU residents.
• Piraeus Bank – flexible terms for high-net-worth individuals.
6. Costs to Factor In
• Bank arrangement fees: typically 0.5–1% of the loan.
• Valuation fee: approx. €300–€600 depending on property size.
• Notary and land registry fees: 1.2–2% of purchase price.
• Legal counsel: advisable for contract review and due diligence.
7. Alternative Financing Options
• Developer financing: Some new-build projects offer staged payment plans or private lending schemes.
• Cross-border lending: High-net-worth individuals sometimes secure loans from their home-country banks and transfer the funds to Greece.
• Private debt funds: Boutique lenders can offer bespoke terms for luxury or commercial projects, often at higher rates.
8. Step-by-Step Roadmap
1. Pre-qualify with a Greek bank or international lender to know your budget.
2. Select the property and sign a preliminary agreement.
3. Submit full documentation to the bank.
4. Bank valuation & approval.
5. Sign the mortgage contract and final sale deed before a Greek notary.
6. Register the mortgage at the local land registry.
9. Key Takeaways
• Foreign buyers can obtain property loans in Greece, but must expect lower LTVs and higher equity requirements than locals.
• All funds must be fully documented to meet EU AML standards.
• For Golden Visa applicants, the statutory minimum investment must be covered by personal funds, even if you finance any excess value.
• Early preparation—opening a Greek bank account and gathering international income documentation—makes the process smoother.
? How Ktimatoemporiki Can Help
With nearly 30 years of experience and thousands of successful transactions, Ktimatoemporiki guides international clients through every step—from selecting prime property to arranging the right financing structure.
Contact us to receive a tailored mortgage roadmap and introductions to trusted Greek banking partners.
