Residential Leases and Commercial Leases: What Are the Key Differences?
When a property is leased, one of the first matters to establish is the purpose for which its use is being granted. An apartment leased for residential use is different from premises leased for the operation of a shop, office, medical practice or another professional activity. In everyday practice, the terms “civil” and “commercial” lease […]
Private Lease Agreement and Declaration in Taxis: What Is the Difference and What Rules Apply?
In property leases, the terms “lease agreement” and “electronic lease agreement in Taxis” are often used as though they refer to the same thing. These are two different things serving different purposes. On the one hand, there is the agreement between the landlord and the tenant, which may be set out in detail in a […]
Can I Rent a Property from Someone Who Is Not Its Owner?
A prospective tenant will usually assume that the person letting a property to them must also be its owner. From a legal perspective, however, this is not always necessary. Under Greek law, a lease agreement may, in principle, be valid even if the landlord does not own the property. Why Can Such a Lease Be […]
Residential Property Letting: How Landlords Can Protect Their Interests Before and During a Tenancy
Letting a residential property provides many owners with a stable source of income. At the same time, however, it creates a contractual relationship that may last for years and affect both the financial return and the condition of the property. A landlord’s protection does not begin when unpaid rent, damage or disagreements with the tenant […]
Residential Tenants: When They Are Protected and When They May Face Eviction
A residential lease does not merely grant rights to the tenant; it also creates specific obligations concerning payment of rent, use of the property, and conduct towards other residents. In practice, however, the boundaries are not always self-evident. When does deterioration constitute normal wear and tear, and when does it amount to improper use? Are […]
Long-Term Residential Leases in Greece: What Landlords and Tenants Need to Know
Residential leases are among the most common contractual relationships in Greece. Despite their prevalence, disputes frequently arise in practice concerning the duration of the lease, payment and adjustment of rent, the security deposit, repairs to the property, early departure by the tenant, and the return of possession of the property to the landlord. For this […]
€500,000 Fixed-Term Deposit: An Alternative Investment Route to a Residence Permit in Greece
The Greek Golden Visa has become internationally associated primarily with the acquisition of real estate. However, for an investor considering Greece as part of a broader residence and investment strategy, purchasing property is not the only available option. The Greek legal framework also provides for financial investment routes, including the placement of at least €500,000 […]
Increase in Property Transfer Tax to 15% for Buyers from Third Countries: What We Know So Far and What Remains to Be Clarified
The 90th Thessaloniki International Fair brought to the forefront an important announcement concerning the Greek real estate market and, more specifically, residential property purchases by persons from third countries. As part of the measures presented to address the housing issue, the Government announced its intention to increase the property transfer tax on residential properties from […]
Company Types in Greece: Key Differences and Selection Criteria
Choosing the appropriate legal form is one of the most important decisions when establishing a business in Greece. A company’s legal form is not merely a formal characteristic; it materially affects matters such as the liability of partners or shareholders, the company’s management and representation, ownership interests, the ability to admit new investors and, more […]
Establishing a Company in Greece as a Foreign National: A Legal and Practical Guide (Part 2)
Drafting the Articles of Association The articles of association constitute the company’s principal constitutional document and determine how the company is organized and operates. Among other matters, they regulate the company’s name and registered office, corporate purpose, capital, the participation of partners or shareholders, the company’s management and representation, and the fundamental relationships among those […]
