Greece could raise the 3 percent real estate transfer tax applied to home purchases by investors from outside the European Union to 15 percent. Drawing attention to the fact that the measure, which is expected to be implemented next year, could significantly increase Turkish investors' purchase costs, Vesta Global Founding Partner Teuta Narazan said: “In Golden Visa investment, it is now much more important not only to choose the right property, but to invest at the right time.”
Greece, one of the countries in which Turkish investors show the most interest for real estate investment and residence in Europe, is preparing for a significant tax change aimed at foreign investors. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced, in a statement made at the 90th Thessaloniki International Fair, that the 3 percent real estate transfer tax applied to home purchases by citizens of third countries outside the European Union (EU) could be raised to 15 percent. The measure could be debated in parliament and come into force next year. Because Turkey is among the non-EU third countries, the measure could directly affect the purchase costs of Turkish real estate investors in Greece.

Noting that total cost calculations are becoming increasingly important in Golden Visa investment decisions, Vesta Global Founding Partner Teuta Narazan said: “When investing in Greece's Golden Visa program, it is not enough to look only at the €250,000, €400,000, or €800,000 investment thresholds. Taxes, purchase costs, the property's rental yield, its capital appreciation potential, and the long-term exit strategy must be evaluated together. The announced tax change plan makes timing much more important, especially for Turkish investors. On an €800,000 investment today, the transfer tax is around €24,000; under the new rate, it could exceed €100,000. For this reason, we consider it important for those planning to invest in Greece to make good use of 2026.”

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