Getting a mortgage in Greece as a UK buyer

The contents of this article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal or tax advice. Decisions related to tax should be made after thorough research, consultation and verification from a qualified financial and legal advisor.

Buying a property in Greece when you’re based in the UK can be an exciting opportunity - whether you’re dreaming of a holiday home, planning a permanent move or investing in a buy-to-let.

However, unless you’re buying the property outright in cash, you’ll probably need to arrange financing. This is where it can get a little tricky, especially when it comes to the daunting prospect of navigating the Greek mortgage system as a foreign buyer.

In this guide, we explain how to get a mortgage in Greece as a UK foreigner. This includes eligibility rules, documentation, costs, timelines, Greek mortgage rates and lender options.

And if you’re looking for ways to save money on currency exchange when sending a deposit or mortgage fees to Greece, check out the money services provider Wise.

You can send large transfers with Wise for low fees* and mid-market exchange rates - making it ideal if you’re sending a secure international transfer.

Get expert support for your large transfer 📞

Can you get a mortgage in Greece as a non-resident?

Yes, Greek banks and international lenders do offer mortgages to foreign nationals, including UK residents and non-residents.

However, the mortgage application and approval process can be more complex than for Greek residents, and lending criteria can be stricter.

Non-residents usually face:

• Lower loan-to-value (LTV) ratios, often capped at 60 to 65%¹
• More documentation requirements
• More detailed affordability checks
• Longer approval times.

This usually means you’ll need a larger deposit, proof of stable income and a clean credit history. Some lenders may also prefer borrowers with ties to Greece, such as an existing Greek bank account, income in euros or a residency permit.

Getting a mortgage in Greece from the UK after Brexit

Brexit changed the legal status of UK citizens in the EU. This means that UK buyers are now classed as third-party nationals, which means additional checks around residency, taxation and compliance are likely to be carried out.

This doesn’t mean that Brexit has stopped UK buyers from securing Greek mortgages. You can still apply as a non-resident, but there might just be additional checks and documentation required.

Mortgage eligibility criteria for UK citizens in Greece

While every lender has its own rules, common eligibility requirements include:

• Minimum deposit: 35 to 40% for non-residents¹
• Stable income: Proof of consistent income
• Good credit history: Clean UK credit report and 3 to 6 months of bank statements.¹

Lenders may also assess:

• Employment type (employed, self-employed, retired)
• Length of employment or business activity
• Existing debts and financial commitments
• Currency risk (especially if income is in GBP but mortgage is in EUR).

Is it easy to get a mortgage in Greece?

It is possible for UK residents to get a Greek mortgage, but there are several common challenges to be aware of. These include higher deposit requirements, strict documentation checks, language barriers and longer processing times.

To improve your chances of approval, you should consider working with a bilingual mortgage broker. Preparing documents in advance and maintaining a strong financial profile can help - as can opening a Greek or international bank account early.

Step by step guide on how to apply for a Greek mortgage as a foreigner

Here’s how the mortgage process typically works for UK buyers in Greece:

1. Calculate your borrowing capacity

Work out how much you can realistically borrow based on your income, deposit and existing debts. Many banks have affordability calculators online or you can ask a broker for guidance.

2. Get mortgage pre-approval

Pre-approval gives you a clearer idea of your budget and strengthens your negotiating position with sellers. It’s not mandatory but highly recommended.

3. Find a property

Now, the exciting bit! It’s time to start looking for suitable properties to buy in Greece. Once you’ve found one, agree on a purchase price and sign a preliminary contract (subject to financing). This is where a local estate agent and solicitor will come in handy.

4. Submit a formal mortgage application

You’ll submit financial and legal documentation for lender review. A property valuation will also be arranged.

5. Valuation and legal checks

The lender will commission an independent valuation. Then, a Greek lawyer will conduct legal due diligence on the property and transaction.

6. Mortgage offer and signing

Once approved, you’ll receive a mortgage offer. If it gets accepted, final contracts are signed and funds are released.

Which documents do you need as a non-resident?

The exact requirements will vary from lender to lender but typical documents include:²

• Passport
• Proof of address
• Proof of income
• Bank statements (last 3 to 6 months)
• Employment contract or accountant letter
• Credit report
• Purchase contract
• Greek tax number (AFM)

All documents may need to be translated into Greek and notarised.

How long does it take to get a mortgage in Greece?

Timeframes vary by lender and applicant profile and you need to factor in pre-approval, full approval and completion.

Remember, delays are common due to document translation, valuations and legal checks so factor this into your overall plan too.

Fees and costs for getting a mortgage in Greece

Buying a property in Greece comes with various different costs - and not just the property price. Together, these can all add up, which is why they should also be considered when determining your initial budget.

Bank arrangement fees

Most Greek lenders charge a mortgage arrangement or processing fee, which is typically 1% of the total loan amount.³ This covers the administrative costs of assessing and setting up your mortgage.

Valuation fees

The lender will require an independent valuation of the property to confirm its market value and condition. This usually costs EUR €300 to €500,⁴ depending on the size, location and complexity of the property. This fee is payable whether or not the mortgage is approved.

Legal fees

Legal fees generally range from around 2% of the purchase price.⁴

A Greek lawyer will conduct essential checks such as verifying property ownership, reviewing contracts and ensuring there are no outstanding debts or legal disputes attached to the property.

Using a lawyer who speaks fluent English can simplify the process.

Notary fees

Notary fees in Greece typically amount to 2% of the property value.⁴

The notary is responsible for preparing and authenticating the final purchase and mortgage contracts, as well as overseeing the signing process. These fees are mandatory and regulated by Greek law.

Registration and land registry fees

Another fee to consider is property registration fees, which are usually 0.5% of the property value.³

These cover the official recording of your ownership rights and mortgage with the Greek Land Registry. Without this step, legal ownership of the property cannot be fully transferred.

Mortgage registration tax

Mortgage registration tax can be up to EUR €700.³ This tax is paid to formally register the mortgage against the property. It’s a standard cost for all Greek mortgage borrowers.

Currency exchange and transfer fees

Finally, if you’re sending money from the UK to Greece for your deposit, legal fees or mortgage costs, exchange rate margins and international transfer fees can increase your overall expenses.

That’s where Wise can help. Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate with low, transparent fees*. In short, by using Wise, you can reduce the overall cost of sending large sums of money internationally.

Learn more about international transfer fees

Greek banks or lenders offering mortgages to foreigners

Some of the most common Greek and international lenders working with foreign buyers include:

• Alpha Bank
• Eurobank
• National Bank of Greece (NBG)
• Piraeus Bank
• HSBC Greece

Mortgage rates in Greece

Greek mortgage rates vary based on whether the mortgage is fixed or variable, the loan term and the borrower profile. However, as of early 2026, mortgage rates typically range from 3% to 6.5%.⁵

Can you get a UK mortgage to buy property in Greece?

You might find it difficult (although not impossible) to get a mortgage in the UK to finance your property purchase over in Greece.

While some UK lenders do offer overseas mortgages, most UK buyers either use Greek mortgages or remortgage their UK property to release funds.

Crucially, you should only do this if you can afford the repayments. It could also be a good idea to seek professional financial advice first.

Read more: The best UK banks for sending money abroad

Do banks offer Buy-to-Let mortgages in Greece?

Yes, it’s possible to get a Buy-to-Let (BTL) mortgage in Greece, and a few banks and lenders offer them.

Despite this, non-residents should expect lower LTV, higher interest rates and a strong requirement for rental income evidence. Rental income projections may also be required.

Refinancing a mortgage in Greece

It’s also possible to remortgage a property in Greece, which is useful if you want to switch providers to get better interest rates, change mortgage terms or release equity.

This means you might be able to borrow more money to fund another property purchase without having to sell your first property.

You’ll just need to make sure you can afford the repayments and aren’t overstretching yourself. Remember, fees may apply too, so be sure to conduct a cost-benefit analysis first.

Types of mortgages in Greece

Here are the main mortgage types you can choose from in Greece:

Variable-rate mortgages

This is the most common type of mortgage in Greece. The interest rate typically tracks the Euribor benchmark, and includes a fixed margin set by the lender, meaning your monthly repayments can rise or fall.

While variable rates often start lower than fixed-rate alternatives, they carry a higher risk if market rates increase significantly.

Fixed-rate mortgages

Fixed-rate mortgages allow you to lock in a set interest rate for a defined period, often between 3 and 30 years.

This provides greater certainty over monthly payments, making budgeting easier and protecting you from sudden interest rate rises.

However, fixed-rate mortgages usually start with slightly higher interest rates than variable options, and early repayment penalties may apply.

Interest-only mortgages

Interest-only mortgages are less common in Greece and are typically offered to experienced investors or high-net-worth individuals.

With this type of loan, you only pay the interest each month, with the full loan amount due at the end of the term. While this reduces monthly payments, it requires careful planning to ensure the capital can be repaid.

Mixed mortgages

Mixed mortgages combine fixed and variable interest rate periods. For example, your loan may start with a fixed rate for several years before switching to a variable rate.

This can suit borrowers who want predictable payments in the short term while retaining long-term flexibility.

Final tips for non-resident mortgages in Greece

To stand the best chance of getting accepted for a Greek mortgage as a non-resident, bear these tips in mind:

• Try to build up a credit file or some form of financial footprint in Greece, such as opening a local bank account. This can streamline the payment process later on when you come to send large amounts of money.
• Ensure you have a large enough deposit
• Get tailored advice about suitable mortgage products for non-residents and foreign applicants - this may mean paying a specialist broker for their services.
• Make sure you have all your documentation in order, especially relating to income, employment and savings.

Learn more about sending large sums of money.

Manage overseas property costs with Wise

If you’re sending your deposit and mortgage fees to Greece from the UK, you may incur hefty transfer and exchange fees when converting your British pounds to Euros (EUR). This is where Wise and the Wise account can help you save money.

Open a Wise account online and you can start managing your money in 40+ currencies. It’s not a bank account and offers customers an alternative option to a conventional bank account, but has similar features.

Here’s an overview of the main benefits for using Wise:
Fast and easy setup with no physical paperwork Low, transparent fees* Mid-market exchange rate for currency conversions Fully trackable transfers Fast transfer times Advanced security features with two-factor authentication and real-time notifications Dedicated support for large transfers

Sign up with Wise today

---

FAQs

Can I get a mortgage in Greece as a UK citizen?

Yes. UK citizens can apply for Greek mortgages as non-residents. However, you may face stricter lending criteria, lower LTV ratios and more documentation requirements.

How much deposit do I need for a mortgage in Greece?

Most non-resident buyers need at least a 35 to 40% deposit.¹ But this depends on lender, property type and personal finances.

How long can I stay in Greece if I buy a house?

If you qualify for the Greek Golden Visa through the purchase of property, you could be eligible for a 5-year renewable residence permit.⁶

---

Sources used:

1. Global Mortgage Group - Greek Mortgage Requirements
2. Piraeus Bank - Greek Mortgage Documentation
3. Tranio - Mortgage Requirements for Foreigners
4. Your Overseas Home- Buying Greek Property Costs
5. Elxis- How to Get a Mortgage in Greece
6. Citizen Remote - Greece Golden Visa

Sources last checked on date: 17-Feb-2026