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LEGAL CONTROL OF THE PROPERTY—WHY IT IS NECESSARY

Buying a property is one of the most important and costly decisions someone can make, whether for homeownership or investment purposes. Many purchasers, particularly foreign nationals, are unaware of the potential risks associated with purchasing without a proper legal check.

The presence of a title deed in Greece does not always indicate the absence of legal issues, including encumbrances (mortgages, liens, seizures, etc.), issues with the property registry, or even capricious actions. A competent attorney’s legal oversight shields the buyer’s investment from any hazards and future issues.

But what is legal control over a property in Greece?

The process by which a lawyer verifies a property’s ownership and legal status before making a purchase is known as legal control of the property. The objective is to determine whether any legal concerns could impact the transaction or result in problems down the road for the buyer. Because it is typical for a property to have legal issues in ownership, particularly if it has not been recorded in the land registration, this procedure secures the property’s ownership. It is the lawyer’s responsibility to verify to purchasers that the seller is the sole legitimate owner and is authorized to sell the property. It’s also crucial to look for any encumbrances a property might have. If there are any, the buyer may be at risk financially, or there may be an issue with the acquisition, in which case they should talk to the lawyer about a safe manner to transfer the property. Unauthorized constructions can also pose a problem, potentially leading to further complications for the buyer. In these situations, the lawyer works with an engineer to decide whether the property is legal from a planning perspective or if certain arbitrary acts need to be settled. In addition, the lawyer reviews all previous contracts, transfers, and deeds to make sure there are no irregularities or legal gaps, and lastly, he determines whether the land is protected by a special designation, such as a forest area or an archaeological zone.

In conclusion, we would like to emphasize that the purchase of real estate may seem a simple process, but occasionally it hides significant legal risks. Legal control protects the buyer from unpleasant surprises and ensures the safety and legality of their investment. To put it briefly, a qualified lawyer’s legal control over the property guards against ownership disputes and legal traps, identifies encumbrances, and guarantees that the acquisition and sale are completed without running any legal risks.

Therefore, do not miss the legal control before moving on with the acquisition of a property, as it is the only assurance of a risk-free and secure investment.