Land Registry Reform: Thousands of Property Transfers Unblocked in Greece

In a significant development for property owners across Greece, the Department of Digital Government has passed new legislation that unblocks thousands of property transfers and resolves longstanding issues within the Land Registry system.

The reforms allow owners to unilaterally amend contracts to correct details like square footage without requiring the consent of other co-owners, a change that is expected to expedite transactions, especially in apartment buildings.

Previously, property transfers were often delayed by the need for agreement from multiple owners—sometimes as many as 39 in a single building—when discrepancies arose in property measurements. The new law not only simplifies this process but also establishes a mechanism for the immediate refund of outstanding mortgage fees, providing relief to many owners facing financial burdens.

A notable aspect of the legislation addresses properties that were incorrectly classified as forest land. Owners who have contested these classifications can now appeal directly to the cadastral office, bypassing the lengthy court procedures previously required. This change is expected to resolve issues for over 400,000 properties that were entangled in bureaucratic hurdles.

The reforms further include provisions for the unilateral correction of property data, particularly where minor discrepancies existed. This allows owners to make necessary adjustments electronically, facilitating the issuance of electronic property identity cards, which are essential for seamless transactions in the Land Registry.

Additionally, the law enhances the role of engineers in managing spatial changes and introduces Artificial Intelligence to streamline the registration process. AI technology can now review contracts within minutes, drastically reducing the time and costs associated with property transactions. Previously, contract approvals could take hours or even days; now, the process is reduced to under ten minutes, with costs dropping from €15 to as little as €0.30.

Minister of Digital Governance Dimitris Papastergiou emphasized that these reforms aim to eliminate the bureaucratic inefficiencies that have long plagued property transactions in Greece. By leveraging technology, the government hopes to complete the Land Registry by 2025, making it a more effective tool for citizens.

The introduction of AI and other digital tools is transforming the process, allowing for 24/7 document submissions and significantly improving the efficiency and accessibility of property transactions for all citizens. This legislative overhaul not only addresses decades-old problems but also positions Greece as a model for integrating technology into public administration.