The Greek Association of Property Owners (POMIDA) has welcomed the phased implementation of Law 5293/2026, which introduces significant reforms affecting property owners and transactions involving the state. According to POMIDA, these changes aim to resolve long-standing bottlenecks in the real estate market.
What Is Already in Force
Since April 7, 2026—the date the law was published—several provisions have taken effect, including:
- The abolition of the mandatory attachment of topographic diagrams to real estate deeds in cadastral areas;
- The option to pay inheritance, gift, or parental grant tax at the time of property transfer;
- The ability to file complaints about maladministration with the Integrity Commissioner;
- A centralized review process for administrative appeals handled by a single authority within each public body.
End to Longstanding State Claims
POMIDA highlights the importance of a recent circular issued by the Ministry of Rural Development concerning Articles 12 and 14 of the law. This circular effectively ends years-long judicial claims by the state against private property owners. Under the new rules, the state will no longer assert rights over properties where citizens hold legally valid ownership titles registered within the statutory deadlines. Special provisions also apply to agricultural land previously granted or distributed directly by the state.
Recognition of Ownership After Long-Term Good-Faith Possession
For the first time in over a century, the law allows for the recognition of ownership against the state in cases of prolonged, good-faith possession—subject to specific legal conditions.
Changes to Property Transfers
POMIDA notes that two key ministerial decisions are expected imminently:
- A measure permitting property transfers even when seizures are in place—provided part of the sale price is withheld by the notary and remitted to the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) to settle outstanding debts;
- The establishment of the notary as a ‘one-stop service’ for all property transfers. Notaries will now handle document collection, tax procedures, and full registration of the transfer with the Hellenic Cadastre.
Additional Citizen-Friendly Measures
Other provisions already active include:
- Replacing numerous documents with sworn statements;
- Enabling electronic tracking of citizens’ case progress;
- Mandating the publication of all official circulars issued by public services;
- Strengthening administrative compliance with court rulings.
POMIDA assesses that the new framework strengthens legal certainty, safeguards private property rights, and significantly simplifies real estate transactions.