Signs of a slowdown were recorded in the Greek real estate market in April, as property transactions moved at a more subdued pace compared to previous months. By contrast, parental property transfers maintained their momentum, remaining one of the most popular choices in real estate transfers, thanks to the generous tax-free threshold of €800,000 that applies to first-degree relatives.
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Parental property transfers: Why they remain the top choice in real estate transactions
The favorable tax framework continues to encourage parents and grandparents to proceed with property transfers to their children and grandchildren, taking full advantage of the available tax exemptions.
Despite the dip in activity observed in April, first-quarter 2026 data shows that revenues from property transfer tax remain on an upward trajectory. Specifically, collections reached €193.71 million, compared to €180.58 million during the same period in 2025 — a year-on-year increase of 7.27%.
Taxes from parental transfers and gifts also trended upward, reaching €80.57 million in the January–April period, up from €76.55 million a year earlier — a rise of 5.3%. The picture for inheritance taxes remained largely unchanged, with taxes assessed during the four-month period totaling €61.86 million, compared to €61.45 million during the same period last year.
Greek real estate: Property transfer tax revenues rise in the first four months of 2026
According to data from Greece’s Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE), the property transfer tax assessed on building sales reached €162.83 million, compared to €149.76 million during the same period in 2025 — an increase of 8.73%. Changes in land and agricultural plot transactions were negligible, with the tax assessed in the first four months amounting to €30.88 million, up slightly from €30.82 million a year earlier.
Property transfers drop by over 10% in April
On a monthly basis, however, the picture was less encouraging. In April 2026, property transfer tax revenues came in lower than the same month in 2025. Specifically, revenues fell to €44.33 million from €49.73 million in April 2025, marking a decline of 10.86%. For building sales, total transfer tax collected amounted to €37.30 million, down from €39.92 million in April 2025 — a drop of 6.6%.
The decline was even steeper for land and agricultural plot transfers, exceeding 28%, with the corresponding transfer tax revenues shrinking to €7.02 million this April from €9.81 million a year ago.
Gifts and parental transfers post 11.3% increase in tax revenues
At the same time, taxes linked to gifts, parental transfers, and inheritances moved higher. In April, total assessed amounts rose by 3%, reaching €20.18 million. More specifically, inheritance taxes and fees came in at €15.15 million, up marginally from €15.08 million in April 2025 — a modest gain of 0.5%. Meanwhile, taxes and fees from gifts, parental transfers, and other grants reached €5.03 million, compared to €4.52 million last year, recording an increase of 11.3%. On a four-month basis, taxes from parental transfers and gifts totaled €80.57 million, up from €76.55 million in the same period of 2025 — a gain of 5.3%. Inheritance taxes stood at €61.86 million, compared to €61.45 million last year, posting a marginal increase of 0.8%.
AADE puts 4,820 property transfer and parental gift cases under scrutiny
At the same time, Greece’s tax authority AADE is placing 4,820 cases involving real estate transfers, gifts, parental property grants, inheritances, and E9 property declarations under the microscope, focusing on instances where tax exemptions have been granted or properties fall outside the objective value assessment system.
Specifically, the following will be subject to audit review:
- 2,000 cases involving taxpayers who received an exemption from transfer or inheritance tax on the grounds of acquiring a primary residence.
- 320 cases of amended E9 declarations that resulted in ENFIA (property tax) credit balances.
- 2,500 cases involving taxpayers who filed transfer tax declarations for gifts, parental grants, and inheritances relating to properties located in areas outside the objective property valuation system.
