How long does the engineer's certificate take?

If the permit documents are available and there are no discrepancies, a few days after the inspection. If the file has to be retrieved from the building authority or works need legalising, it takes longer.

The house is very old and has no permit. Can it be sold?

Buildings that existed before 1955 may be treated as lawfully existing if this can be proven, for example with aerial photographs. This applies to many old stone houses in Mani. Otherwise the building needs legalisation.

Do you work with owners who live abroad?

Yes. We inspect on site and handle communication remotely, in English.

Property legality

Buying or selling property in Greece: the engineer's certificate and legal check

Every property transfer in Greece needs an engineer's certificate confirming there are no unauthorised building works, or that they have been legalised. We inspect, check the property against its permit and issue the certificate — or tell you clearly what has to be fixed first.

At a glance

The certificate is required by Article 83 of Law 4495/2017 and is attached to the transfer contract by the notary.
Unauthorised works in categories 1–4 can be legalised under Law 4495/2017; the deadline was extended to 31 March 2028 by Law 5270/2026. Category 5 remains excluded.
Without legalisation, the certificate cannot be issued and the sale cannot complete.
If you are buying, we recommend an independent technical survey before paying a deposit.

Last updated: 30 September 2026

What we check

The certificate is only as reliable as the inspection behind it. On site we check:

Areas, heights, façades and uses against the permit drawings
Enclosed balconies and semi-open spaces, mezzanines, basements and attics
Structures in the yard, on the roof and on balconies
Earlier legalisation filings and whether they were completed
Consistency with the Land Registry (Ktimatologio) records

For buyers: a technical survey before you commit

The seller's certificate covers legality. It does not tell you the condition of the building, what a renovation will cost, or whether the extension you have in mind is allowed.

An independent survey answers these before you commit: legality, visible structural issues, damp, energy performance and an estimate of the cost of anything that needs fixing. We carry out surveys in Athens and in Mani and report in English.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the engineer's certificate take?: If the permit documents are available and there are no discrepancies, a few days after the inspection. If the file has to be retrieved from the building authority or works need legalising, it takes longer.
The house is very old and has no permit. Can it be sold?: Buildings that existed before 1955 may be treated as lawfully existing if this can be proven, for example with aerial photographs. This applies to many old stone houses in Mani. Otherwise the building needs legalisation.
Do you work with owners who live abroad?: Yes. We inspect on site and handle communication remotely, in English.