Non-residents can get a mortgage in Greece, but fewer products are open to them and the paperwork is heavier. Bank of Greece data put the average rate on new floating-rate housing loans at 3.39% in August 2026. Banks lend up to a set share of the bank’s own valuation and ask for proof of income from your country of residence. This guide covers rates, loan size, documents and costs.
Last checked: October 2026
At a glance
- New floating-rate housing loans averaged 3.39% in August 2026, down 14 basis points on July (Bank of Greece).
- The ECB raised its three key rates by 25 basis points from 16 September 2026, which feeds into floating rates.
- Piraeus Bank’s euro mortgage for borrowers abroad lends up to 80% of the bank’s valuation, over up to 35 years.
- Non-residents must show tax returns and income proof from their country of residence, plus a credit report.
- Registering a mortgage or prenotation at a Hellenic Cadastre office costs a proportional fee of 9 per thousand (8 per thousand plus 1 per thousand for the cadastral-book entry) plus €20; 8 per thousand applies only where an old land registry still operates.
Greek mortgage rates: the latest Bank of Greece data
Greek mortgage rates on new floating-rate loans averaged 3.39% in August 2026, the latest Bank of Greece figure. The bank published the data on 1 October 2026.
| Measure (August 2026) | Rate | Change on month |
|---|---|---|
| New floating-rate housing loans | 3.39% | Down 14 basis points |
| Outstanding housing loans over 5 years | 3.74% | Almost unchanged |
These are averages for all borrowers. The rate offered to you depends on the bank, the loan-to-value, the fixed period and your profile. Our report on the August 2026 mortgage rate has the full release.
Rates may rise from here. The ECB raised its deposit facility rate to 2.50% and its main refinancing rate to 2.65%, effective 16 September 2026.
How much will banks lend? Loan-to-value and terms
Banks lend a share of the property’s value as assessed by their own engineer, not the price you agree. Bank pages show the limits for each product.
Piraeus Bank’s published terms are a useful example of what a Greek bank offers borrowers abroad:
| Feature | Euro loan for borrowers abroad | Loan in CHF, GBP or USD |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum loan | Up to 80% of the bank’s valuation | Up to 70% of the bank’s valuation |
| Maximum term | 35 years | 30 years |
| Age limit | 75 at the end of the loan | 75 at the end of the loan |
| Minimum loan | €20,000 | €20,000 |
| Early repayment | Free of charge | Free of charge on the capital repaid early |
The bank describes these products for borrowers who live permanently in the euro area, Switzerland, the UK or the US. Its foreign-currency loan is for people whose main income is in Swiss francs, pounds or US dollars. The bank also says the maximum term depends on your country of residence and nationality.
Buyers living elsewhere, for example in Australia or Israel, should ask banks directly whether they qualify. Plan for a deposit of at least 20% plus buying costs.
Greek mortgage for foreigners: the documents banks ask for
A Greek mortgage for foreigners needs Greek tax paperwork and income proof from home. Piraeus Bank’s published list for non-residents sets out a typical file.
- Identity. A valid passport or EU identity card. Non-EU residents of Greece also show a residence permit.
- Greek tax number. You need a tax number (AFM) and usually a Greek bank account. See our guide to getting an AFM and bank account.
- Greek tax forms. Greek tax returns (E1), plus E2 if you have rental income and E9 if you own property in Greece.
- Income from abroad. Employees and pensioners: tax returns for the last two years and the latest payslip or pension statement from your country of residence.
- Self-employed income. Profit and turnover documents for the last two financial years from your country of residence.
- Credit report. A credit score and report from a recognised credit bureau. US residents must provide reports from both Experian and TransUnion.
- Proof of address. A recent utility bill or similar.
The bank may ask for more during its assessment. If you cannot be in Greece to sign, a power of attorney can cover the purchase steps.
Floating or fixed rate?
A floating rate moves with Euribor, while a fixed rate stays the same for an agreed period. The choice depends on how much rate risk you can carry.
| Type | How it works | Piraeus Bank indicative pricing (euro loan) |
|---|---|---|
| Floating | 1-month Euribor plus a fixed margin | Margin of 1.60% to 2.65% |
| Fixed | One rate for 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 years | 2.60% to 4.90% |
| Fixed then floating | Fixed for an initial period, then floating | Depends on the fixed period |
These are the bank’s indicative ranges, not an offer. The final rate depends on the bank’s assessment. Interest also carries a levy under Law 128/1975, 0.12% for homes on Piraeus Bank’s terms.
With a floating loan, the ECB’s September 2026 increase passes through to Euribor and then to your payment. A fixed rate removes that risk for the fixed period but often costs more at the start. Our mortgage questions for non-resident buyers lists what to ask each bank.
Notary, registration and bank costs
A mortgage adds registration and bank fees on top of the normal buying costs. Budget for them from the start.
| Cost | Amount | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Cadastre registration of mortgage or prenotation | 9 per thousand (0.9%) at Hellenic Cadastre offices, or 8 per thousand where an old land registry still operates, plus €20 fixed fee | Cadastre decision 2/12-1-2026 (Government Gazette B 64/13-01-2026) |
| Notary fee on the purchase deed | 0.80% up to €120,000, 0.70% from €120,000.01 to €380,000, 0.65% from €380,000.01 to €2,000,000, plus €20 | Ministerial Decision 111376/2011 |
| Bank application and checks | €500 application, €50 legal check, €150 technical check | Piraeus Bank APR example |
| Insurance | Fire and earthquake cover is mandatory | Piraeus Bank terms |
Banks secure the loan with a mortgage or a mortgage prenotation (prosimiosi ypothikis) on the property. Registration fees are worked out on the value set by the Cadastre rules, so ask the bank for a full cost breakdown in writing. Make sure the title is clean first, using our Cadastre checks.
For the full list of purchase costs, see our guide to the cost of buying property in Greece or use the buying cost calculator.
How to apply for a mortgage in Greece from abroad
Start with the bank before you sign a preliminary contract. Approval takes time, and the bank’s valuation can be below the agreed price.
- Get a Greek tax number (AFM) and open a Greek bank account.
- Ask two or three banks whether they lend to residents of your country, and on what terms.
- Collect income, tax and credit documents from your country of residence.
- Apply for approval in principle and compare the annual percentage rate (APR) of each offer.
- Agree the price, then let the bank’s engineer value the property and its lawyer check the title.
- Sign the loan contract and the purchase deed, and register the security at the Cadastre.
Frequently asked questions
Can a non-resident get a mortgage in Greece?
Yes, some Greek banks lend to non-residents, but eligibility depends on where you live and earn. Piraeus Bank, for example, describes its products for residents of the euro area, Switzerland, the UK and the US.
What are Greek mortgage rates now?
New floating-rate housing loans averaged 3.39% in August 2026, according to the Bank of Greece. Individual offers vary by bank, loan size and fixed period.
How much deposit do I need to buy in Greece?
Expect a deposit of at least 20% of the bank’s valuation, plus buying costs. Piraeus Bank lends up to 80% on its euro loan and up to 70% on loans in Swiss francs, pounds or dollars.
Can I repay a Greek mortgage early?
Often yes, but check each contract. Piraeus Bank states that full or partial early repayment of its euro loan is free of charge.
Do I need life insurance for a Greek mortgage?
Not always, but property insurance is required. On Piraeus Bank’s terms, fire and earthquake insurance is mandatory and life cover is optional, though declining it may raise the margin.
How long can a Greek mortgage last?
Up to 35 years on Piraeus Bank’s euro loan, as long as you are no older than 75 when it ends. Loans in Swiss francs, pounds or dollars run for up to 30 years.
Buyers should confirm how this applies to them with a Greek lawyer or accountant.
Sources
- Bank of Greece, Interest rates on bank deposits and loans: August 2026 (1 October 2026)
- European Central Bank, Monetary policy decisions (10 September 2026)
- Piraeus Bank, Mortgage loan in euro as a foreign currency
- Piraeus Bank, Mortgage loan in foreign currency
- Piraeus Bank, Documents for foreign citizens and non-residents (PDF)
- Hellenic Cadastre decision 2/12-1-2026 on fixed and proportional fees (Government Gazette B 64/2026), consolidated text
- Ministerial Decision 111376/2011 on notary fees, Article 1
