How to Build a Home in Greece
Your Questions Answered
1. Can a foreign national buy property and build a home in Greece?
Yes. As a general rule, foreign nationals can acquire property and build a home in Greece.
However, additional restrictions or prior approvals may apply in certain border areas or specially protected locations.
Before purchasing any property, we recommend an independent legal and technical review by a lawyer, notary and qualified engineer.
2. Are EasyGreen homes suitable for permanent residence?
Yes. EasyGreen homes are permanent residences designed and built for everyday, year-round living in accordance with European standards.
They combine structural integrity, thermal insulation, energy efficiency, quality materials and construction solutions designed for long-term durability.
Each home is adapted to the people who will live in it, the characteristics of the plot and the climate of the area.
3. Can I adapt an EasyGreen home plan or have a completely custom home designed?
Yes.
An existing EasyGreen home plan can be used as a starting point and adapted in terms of layout, size, architectural form and individual features.
We can also design a completely custom home from scratch, based on your requirements, lifestyle and architectural preferences.
In every case, the design must also respond to the characteristics of the plot, applicable planning regulations and any local architectural or morphological restrictions.
4. How much does an EasyGreen prefabricated home cost?
The cost depends on the home design, construction system, level of completion, size and project location.
For a more accurate initial estimate, choose an EasyGreen home plan similar to the home you have in mind and use Request a Quote.
5. What other costs should I budget for besides the house?
Depending on the project, additional costs may include foundations, site preparation, external works, utility connections, public fees and charges, landscaping and other works required for the specific plot.
These costs are calculated separately and the project budget is progressively updated as the studies are completed and the actual requirements of the project become known.
6. Does a prefabricated home require a building permit in Greece?
Yes.
A prefabricated home intended as a permanent residence follows the normal building-permit procedure, just like any other permanent home in Greece.
The required architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical and other applicable studies must be prepared and the relevant building permit must be issued before construction.
7. How much do the studies and building permit cost?
As a general indication, the total professional cost of the required studies, building-permit procedure and related technical supervision is usually around €100–150/m² of residential area.
At EasyGreen, for homes with more than 80 m² of main living area, we provide these services at no additional professional fee: the required studies, engineers’ fees, preparation and management of the complete permit file, the building-permit procedure and the technical supervision associated with the permit.
For a 100 m² home, this can represent a benefit of approximately €10,000–15,000.
The owner remains responsible only for statutory taxes, levies, public fees, permits, charges and similar amounts payable to public authorities or third parties.
8. Can EasyGreen check a plot before I buy it?
Yes.
Contact an EasyGreen Home Consultant and send us the available plot information and topographic survey.
An initial review can often identify whether the plot appears relatively straightforward or whether there are obvious matters requiring further investigation.
Some cases require a more detailed planning and technical assessment, which is carried out during the preliminary design stage.
EasyGreen’s technical review does not replace an independent legal review of the property title.
9. If I own a plot, does that automatically mean I can build on it?
No.
Ownership of a property does not automatically mean that it is legally buildable or suitable for the home you wish to construct.
Buildability may depend on the location, area and dimensions of the property, access to a recognised road, land-use regulations, applicable building rules and possible forestry, archaeological, environmental or other restrictions.
Before purchasing a plot, it should be reviewed by an independent engineer you trust, together with a lawyer of your choice. You should not rely solely on statements or assurances provided by the seller or the seller’s representatives.
10. What documents are initially required from a client living abroad?
For the first discussion and preliminary plot review, we normally require the available property information, including:
- contact details
- property title or other available ownership information
- a recent topographic survey, where available
- Land Registry or Cadastre information, where available
- information regarding any existing buildings or previous permits
Additional personal, tax or legal documents are requested only when they become necessary for the relevant stage of the purchase, agreement or permit process.
A Greek Tax Identification Number (AFM) is required for the purchase of property in Greece. Where another person will act on the owner’s behalf, an appropriate authorisation or notarised power of attorney may also be required.
11. Can the design and project process be managed remotely and in English?
Yes.
A large part of the process can be managed remotely, and the main project communication can be conducted in English.
Meetings, design presentations, approvals, budget updates and document exchange can normally take place digitally and by video call.
You do not need to be physically present in Greece at every stage. A visit can, however, be particularly useful for important design decisions and material selections.
Where original documents, certified signatures or specific actions in Greece are required, an appropriate power of attorney may often be used following guidance from a lawyer or notary.
Official documents that must legally be issued in Greek can be explained to the client, while certified translations, where required, are handled by the appropriate professional.
12. How long do architectural design and the building-permit process take?
The preliminary architectural design usually requires approximately one to two months, provided the owner has clearly defined the main requirements and has a realistic budget framework.
Once the design is finalised, the required permit studies follow, such as structural, mechanical, accessibility and any other applicable studies. These normally require a further one to two months, depending on the project.
After the necessary studies and preliminary approvals have been completed, a relatively straightforward project within a planned area or a non-traditional settlement may require approximately one to two additional months, provided there are no significant delays in the approval process.
On islands, in traditional settlements and in areas requiring additional approvals, the process may take approximately four to ten months.
For properties outside planning zones, particularly on islands or in protected areas, a reliable timeframe cannot be given until the necessary investigations have been completed.
All timeframes are indicative and cannot constitute guaranteed deadlines for public authorities.
13. Why might a plot require additional approvals?
On islands, in traditional settlements, archaeological areas and other protected locations, approvals may be required from different authorities or committees.
Depending on the location, these may include the Archaeological Service, the Architectural Council, the Council for Modern Monuments or another competent authority.
Many areas also have specific architectural and morphological rules. The owner’s preferences must therefore be combined with the particular character of the location and the actual planning restrictions that apply.
Working closely with our architects and taking their recommendations into account helps avoid design choices that may later require substantial changes, renewed approvals, additional cost and significant delays.
14. How long does construction take?
When EasyGreen also undertakes the excavation works, reinforced-concrete works and foundation slab, the standard contractual completion period is 10 months.
As an indication, approximately two months are allocated to the foundation works and eight months to the construction, installation and completion of the home and the other agreed works.
Where the foundation is constructed under the owner’s responsibility, the standard contractual completion period for the home is 8 months.
The construction period begins only after the foundation has been completed and approved, the necessary permits and studies have been completed, material selections have been finalised and all technical, financial and site conditions have been satisfied.
The programme may be affected by later changes, third-party works, access problems, weather conditions, transport issues, material availability or delays by public authorities and utility providers.
The exact programme and commencement conditions are defined in each project agreement.
15. What does an EasyGreen proposal include, and how can I monitor the total project cost?
Once the preliminary architectural design and the site master plan have been completed, EasyGreen prepares a detailed proposal for the home based on the company’s Specification Guide.
The proposal describes the selected construction system, technical specifications, materials, equipment and included works.
A separate project budget is also prepared for foundations, site works, fencing, retaining walls, swimming pools, external networks and other works related to the particular project.
At the preliminary design stage, this budget is necessarily indicative because all permit studies have not yet been completed. It is progressively updated as the project develops, based on actual information, final selections and quotations received.
Transparency in cost is a fundamental principle of EasyGreen’s budgeting process.
The owner can see the individual cost items and understand how each choice or change affects the overall project budget. Costs are presented separately and updated using actual information rather than being hidden within a general allowance for unknown expenses.
Our objective is to minimise financial surprises and give the owner the clearest possible picture of the real total project cost as early as practically possible.
16. What happens if I want to change something during the project?
The feasibility and impact of a change depend on the stage the project has reached.
During preliminary architectural design, changes can normally be incorporated more easily.
After the studies have been completed or the permit has been issued, a change may require amended drawings, additional studies or a permit revision.
During factory production or on-site construction, some changes may become difficult, may cause delays or may no longer be technically possible.
Every requested change is reviewed in terms of technical feasibility, quality and safety, cost and programme impact. Before implementation, it is presented to the owner and recorded in writing.
17. Can EasyGreen undertake foundations and external works?
Yes.
Subject to study and agreement, EasyGreen can undertake foundations, site formation and the agreed external works.
An initial indicative budget is prepared during the preliminary architectural design stage. As the studies are completed and selections are finalised, the budget is updated.
The final cost depends on ground and site conditions, access, level differences, the completed engineering studies and the works ultimately assigned to EasyGreen.
18. Can I select materials and finishes remotely?
Yes.
Many selections can be presented by video call, digital catalogues, photographs and technical samples.
Clients may also visit EasyGreen’s cooperating suppliers.
If requested, EasyGreen can make specific selections on the client’s behalf only on the basis of clear authorisation, agreed specifications and an approved budget framework.
19. How can I monitor construction while living abroad?
Project monitoring can be organised through scheduled updates, video calls, photographs, videos and progress presentations at defined stages.
The method and frequency of communication are agreed before construction begins.
Remote reporting helps clients remain informed from abroad, but it does not replace the necessary on-site technical inspections and supervision.
20. Who coordinates the architects, engineers, suppliers and construction teams?
EasyGreen’s team includes architects, civil engineers, mechanical engineers, technical consultants, production staff and construction-management personnel.
They work within one coordinated process with defined stages, responsibilities, deliverables and control points.
EasyGreen coordinates the studies, factory production and works included in the agreed scope, so that a client living abroad does not have to manage multiple engineers, suppliers and construction crews independently.
The client has a defined point of contact and knows who is responsible for each stage.
21. Does EasyGreen build on islands and in remote areas?
Yes.
EasyGreen constructs homes throughout Greece, both on the mainland and on the islands, provided the site has the necessary access for trucks, cranes and the other equipment required for construction.
Before the project proceeds, access, transport and installation requirements, local conditions and any particular restrictions of the area are reviewed.
22. What happens if my plot has planning restrictions or difficult access?
Planning and other regulatory restrictions are reviewed during the technical assessment and may require changes to the position, size or design of the home.
Site access for trucks, cranes and construction crews is also assessed.
If a difficulty is identified, the client is informed and technically feasible solutions are presented where available.
If a restriction cannot be resolved safely and legally, this is communicated before the project proceeds.
23. Can an EasyGreen home be low-energy or certified as a Passive House?
Yes.
Depending on the client’s requirements, EasyGreen can design and construct highly energy-efficient, low-energy homes as well as homes certified to the Passive House standard.
In 2014, EasyGreen constructed the first prefabricated Passive House in Greece.
Since then, the company has constructed several certified prefabricated Passive Houses, and the EasyGreen team includes two certified Passive House designers.
24. What warranty does EasyGreen provide?
EasyGreen provides a two-year commercial warranty for free rectification from the date the handover protocol is signed.
It covers proven defects resulting from inadequate execution of EasyGreen’s works or failure of materials supplied by EasyGreen.
EasyGreen also provides a 30-year commercial warranty for the structural integrity of the timber load-bearing frame manufactured and installed by the company.
The warranties apply in accordance with the terms and exclusions of the project agreement and do not limit any rights available to the client under applicable law.
25. Is financing available for clients living abroad?
Financing possibilities can be explored through a cooperating financial intermediary, depending on the client’s country of residence, financial profile and the banking products available at the time.
The intermediary’s service is provided free of charge to EasyGreen clients. The intermediary is remunerated by the participating financial institution and the client does not pay an intermediary fee.
Every application remains subject to the bank’s eligibility requirements, assessment, approval and final terms. Neither EasyGreen nor the intermediary can guarantee financing approval.
26. Can EasyGreen assist with legal, tax and notarial procedures?
Yes.
If requested, EasyGreen can introduce clients to cooperating lawyers, accountants and notaries for matters related to property purchases, title reviews, tax obligations, powers of attorney and notarial procedures.
These professionals act independently within their own field of expertise and responsibility.
Their scope of work, professional fees and terms are agreed directly with the client and are not included in EasyGreen’s proposal unless expressly stated otherwise.
The client always remains free to appoint independent professionals of their own choice.
27. What is the first step?
Contact an EasyGreen Home Consultant for an initial discussion about your requirements, preferred location, plot, desired home size and available budget framework.
You will receive information about the construction method and materials, review the different EasyGreen construction systems and identify the solution most suitable for your needs.
Based on the initial information, you can receive an early cost indication and a clear explanation of the process and next steps.
The People Behind EasyGreen
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Speak with an EasyGreen Home Consultant to discuss your plot, requirements, budget and next steps.