Real Estate Transfers Unblocked via Tax Authority Withholding

Two key interventions in real estate transfers—both using notary-held withholding payments to the Greek Tax Authority (AADE)—are included in the recently presented draft law on reducing bureaucracy (Feb 4, 2026). First, for inheritance-related property transfers, the inheritance tax can now be covered directly from the transfer price, with the notary withholding, remitting, and filing the tax declaration upon signing—eliminating the need for a prior tax clearance certificate. This resolves liquidity barriers that previously stalled sales. Second, for seized properties, AADE may now definitively approve transfers if the notary withholds and remits a case-specific percentage of the sale price—determined by AADE based on outstanding debt and sale proceeds—ensuring direct public revenue collection while unblocking transactions.