Greek property survey

Whether to get a structural survey in Greece is a hot topic among buyers from abroad, especially from countries where getting a survey is more common than in Greece.

Checks on the integrity and value of the property you are purchasing can certainly offer peace of mind for buyers and potentially save money down the line.

However, there is no legal requirement to have a pre-purchase building survey completed, and they are not common practice.

Compulsory diagnostic surveys

There are several compulsory diagnostic surveys that are a legal requirement in Greece that must be carried out before a property sale. These diagnostic reports are managed by the notary.

The required diagnostic surveys are put together in a single report called the technical diagnostic file (ΤεχνικόςΦάκελος Διαγνωστικών Ελέγχων) or the TFD. As the TFD is quite comprehensive, most Greek buyers opt-out of hiring an independent property surveyor.

It is compulsory by law in Greece for sellers to disclose any issues with the property, such as termites, asbestos, lead paint, energy efficiency ratings, electrical and gas installations, plus environmental risks.

However, the TFD doesn’t cover everything, which is why you can also choose to carry out building and land surveys. These surveys can be inserted as a suspensive clauses when signing the preliminary contract (προσύμφωνο), which would protect you should the survey reveal the property isn’t up to scratch.

Environmental factors

Greece is an earthquake zone, so your lawyer should check that the property complies with Greece’s Seismic Code, as laid down by the Earthquake Planning and Protection Organisation (EPPO).

As Greece has experienced forest fires in summer, some of them fatal, check how the area you are buying in has fared and what provisions are in place.

Checks you can do yourself

If you’d rather not hire a surveyor, you could complete some checks yourself. If the property has been renovated, ask to see builders’ payments, so that you can be sure it’s a new wall, and not a lick of paint on an old one. Don’t take the seller or the estate agent’s word. Look for cracks and gaps.

Turn on the taps, look over the mains and the electricity, especially in rural properties.

Getting a property survey in Greece

The carrying out of property surveys in Greece is not the norm. Most Greek buyers will choose to skip this step and rely on the diagnostic report, although they may seek the opinion of a local builder for peace of mind.

If you are purchasing an older property that are planning to renovate or extend, then a survey may be useful.

Any survey that you get will be at your own expense as the buyer.

Benefits of a structural survey

The main benefit of appointing a chartered surveyor in Greece to survey the property is that they could identify matters that should be discussed with your Greek property lawyer. They will provide you with a clear, jargon-free report that outlines any defects according to their level of importance, potential cost, or level of disruption for their rectification.

Should something come to light in the survey that needs rectifying, your surveyor will recommend you speak to your property lawyer as it could be grounds for a clause suspensive.

How to find a surveyor in Greece

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is the leading organisation of chartered surveyors globally and they operate in Greece too.

It is likely that your lawyer will be able to recommend a local surveyor, but you are well within your right to appoint someone yourself.

The RICS website allows you to find a surveyor by location. Simply search your local town or region to find a qualified RICS chartered surveyor or firm.