What legalities are involved in the purchase of a property?
Buying a house, apartment or a building plot on Corfu is subject to similar legalities to those applying in most other EU countries. It is necessary to appoint a lawyer, who will check the title of ownership and ensure that there are no mortgages outstanding or legal encumbrances attached to the property. CPA can, if requested, make recommendations for the appointment of an appropriate lawyer and subsequently liaise with him/her on your behalf. Your lawyer would be responsible for the appointment of a notary public who prepares the necessary Final Contract in conjunction with him/her. Once the sale has been completed, it is the Notary who registers it with the Land Registry, and retains a copy of the Final Contract. The Notary, will also give you certified copies. In certain cases, it may be necessary to appoint a qualified surveyor to assist with enquiries. You are required to obtain a Greek tax number prior to the final contract being signed.
