The Deputy Prime Minister, Kostis Hatzidakis, presented the key provisions of the draft law aimed at reducing bureaucracy, as well as measures for the protection of real estate ownership and the facilitation of property transfers and inheritances.
According to Mr. Hatzidakis, the draft law, which is now open for consultation, aims to substantially simplify citizen interactions with public authorities, with a particular focus on longstanding inefficiencies related to real estate and associated transactions.
Among the 14 interventions approved by the Cabinet, the following are particularly significant for the real estate sector:
- Simplification of Required Documentation
The obligation to submit multiple documents—including land registry certificates—will be replaced by a declaration of responsibility for information already held by public authorities. This measure will accelerate transactions related to real estate.
For information already in the possession of public authorities (e.g., personal, property-related, or special personal status information), citizens will submit written or digital declarations of responsibility instead of documents. Currently, two of the 30 most common certificates (birth and family status certificates) are retrieved through interoperability. Going forward, additional documents such as marriage, birth, and death certificates, academic diplomas, copies of close relatives’ certificates, various land registry certificates, nationality certificates, etc., will not need to be submitted.
Upon submission of the declaration, the administrative act will be issued immediately unless it is evidently unfounded. The relevant authority will review the accuracy of the declaration within six months; if found inaccurate, the administrative act will be revoked, and administrative and criminal sanctions will be applied proportionally to the advantage sought through the false declaration. The option to submit a declaration will not apply to individuals previously convicted for false declarations, verified through the National Communication Registry and its integration with the Criminal Record. It is emphasized that the declaration pertains to information already held by the State and does not replace certificates, permits, or other official documents.
- Conditional Non-Claim by the State on Private Property
Currently, Land Services may litigate to claim private property without title or on grounds that it was state property during Ottoman rule. Such claims will cease under specific conditions reflecting Supreme Court jurisprudence and the protection of public interest. Specifically, the State will not claim property where:
The property or its predecessor was registered by 1975;
The owner was settled under state directive (e.g., refugees);
Temporary grants or equivalent administrative titles exist.
Exclusions include public/common property, coastal areas, archaeological sites, and forestry law compliance remains unaffected.
- Expansion of the “EFKA Model”
The EFKA model, currently applied to accelerate pension issuance, will extend to public sector transactions. Reports, inspections, and certifications can be issued by certified professionals, reducing delays. Ministerial Decisions will allow expansion to additional sectors, such as agricultural subsidy applications.
- Strengthening the Role of Notaries as a One-Stop Shop
Notaries will act as a central point for real estate transactions, handling tasks beyond drafting contracts, such as issuing tax/social security clearances and submitting cadastral registration requests. They will be integrated with the Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE) for the building’s electronic identity and the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) for tax exemptions. Notaries will also submit transfer tax declarations and remit payments. All fees will be paid into a special escrow account, and notaries’ remuneration will reflect additional services. Parties will only need to attend the signing of the contract.
- Elimination of Mandatory Topographical Plans
Mandatory topographical plans will no longer be required for transfers in urban areas with certified implementation plans and operational cadastre. The cadastral record will include topographical information, and building parameters will be obtained from the electronic building identity.
- Facilitation of Inheritance Tax Payments
The new framework allows inheritance tax to be paid during the transfer of inherited property, removing obstacles for property sales by heirs unable to pay the tax upfront.
- Release of Foreclosed Property Transfers
The AADE will have the authority to authorize the definitive transfer of foreclosed properties, provided a portion of the proceeds—determined based on the debt and the sale amount—is retained and remitted to the AADE by the notary.