Land registry in Greece

What the land registry is and how it works in Greece

The land registry in Greece, known as the Hellenic Cadastre (Ελληνικό Κτηματολόγιο), is a government-managed system for recording property ownership, boundaries and rights throughout the country.

It serves as the official repository of property data, which helps ensure legal certainty in real estate transactions, prevent fraud, and provide a clear picture of property rights.

The system is also critical for urban planning, infrastructure development, environmental protection, and taxation.

The Greek cadastre records information about who owns a property and any associated rights, such as easements, mortgages, or other encumbrances. It includes detailed maps and boundaries of properties, providing accurate information on the size, location and boundaries of each property.

With the creation of the registry, property rights are publicly documented, providing a clear legal status that supports real estate transactions and legal proceedings if disputes arise.

Property owners must register their land with the Hellenic Cadastre. This process involves submitting proof of ownership (such as title deeds or inheritance documents) and paying a registration fee. Once submitted, the Cadastre verifies the ownership documents and the boundaries of the property. Surveyors or land engineers may assess or confirm boundaries if necessary.

The Greek Cadastre holds a consultation period during which local residents or property owners can review the registry data to identify any errors or boundary disputes. After resolving any objections, the Cadastre prepares a final record. Properties are assigned unique codes and owners receive official confirmation of ownership and boundary details.

Registered property data is accessible online through the Hellenic Cadastre platform. Owners can retrieve property certificates, and potential buyers or lenders can check the legal status of a property.

How to access land registry records in Greece

Accessing land registry records in Greece can be done online or in person, depending on your needs and whether the property is registered with the Hellenic Cadastre.

To access land registry records online, you can visit the official website of the Hellenic Cadastre.

Once logged in, you can search for property records by entering the unique property code (ΚΑΕΚ – KAEK) or the location of the property. You can view property boundaries, ownership information, and any encumbrances (such as mortgages or easements) associated with the property. However, the amount of information available may depend on user permissions and the purpose of the request.

If you prefer or need personal assistance, you can visit the local land registry office (Κτηματολογικό Γραφείο) for the municipality where the property is located. At the office, you can request various types of property records, including ownership verification, boundary maps, and any associated rights or encumbrances.

If you are unfamiliar with the system or do not reside in Greece, you can authorize our Greek real estate lawyers to access property records on your behalf.

Why the land registry is important when buying a property in Greece

The Land Registry is crucial when buying property in Greece as it provides a legally verified record of the ownership, boundaries and any encumbrances on the property, which helps to ensure a safe and transparent transaction.

Here are the main reasons why the land registry plays a key role when buying property in Greece:

• Verification of ownership: The land registry confirms the legal ownership of the property, which is essential to prevent fraud. By checking the Hellenic Cadastre, you can ensure that the seller is the legitimate owner and has the right to sell the property. This verification process protects buyers from purchasing property that is disputed or to which someone else may have a claim.
• Boundary and title information: The registry provides detailed mapping and boundary information so buyers can clearly understand the dimensions, location and boundaries of the property. This can prevent future disputes with neighbors or other parties about where one property ends and another begins. This data is especially useful in rural or complex areas where boundaries may have been unclear in the past.
• Encumbrances and liabilities: The land records reveal any encumbrances on the property, such as mortgages, liens, easements, or rights of way. This information is critical because any unresolved encumbrances could be transferred to the new owner, affecting the property’s use and potential resale value. By checking the registry, buyers can ensure that the property is free of debts or claims that could complicate ownership.
• Legal certainty and security of title: The land registry provides legal certainty to the buyer by documenting ownership and boundaries in a government-controlled system. This registration minimizes legal risks, as the registry data serves as evidence in court in the event of a dispute. It also supports smooth property transfer processes, as all relevant ownership rights and restrictions are officially documented and easily accessible.
• Simplifies the property transfer process: Once a property is registered in the cadastre, the transfer of ownership becomes more streamlined and secure. The registry contains all the essential information needed by notaries and Greek real estate attorneys involved in the transaction, speeding up the process and reducing the risk of errors or omissions. Access to land registry records during due diligence helps ensure a faster, less stressful transaction process.
• Supports informed decision-making: Buyers can make more informed decisions about the property by understanding its full legal status. Knowing all the details, from boundaries to potential encumbrances, allows buyers to assess potential costs or challenges before finalizing the purchase. This transparency reduces unexpected complications and helps buyers avoid costly or difficult issues that may arise after the purchase.
• Compliance with Greek Law: All real estate transactions in Greece require legal due diligence, which includes a land registry check. The Hellenic Cadastre ensures that properties are registered in accordance with national laws and regulations, which is essential for legal protection and future resale or development.
• Future planning and development: Registry information can also inform buyers of any zoning or environmental restrictions that may affect future property development or changes. This is particularly important for buyers looking to build, renovate or expand, as compliance with these regulations is essential for legal development.