The coming years are crucial for property owners, as important administrative procedures concerning the legality and proper recording of property assets are being completed. The period 2025–2026 marks the end of many deadlines, making it necessary for every citizen to carefully check the details of their property and confirm that there are no errors or omissions. Timely compliance with the prescribed procedures is the only means to avoid future difficulties, such as inability to transfer ownership or even disputes over ownership rights.
The Hellenic Cadastre is in its final stage of implementation. By the end of 2025, the registration of all properties is expected to be completed, with the new Cadastral Offices permanently replacing the old Mortgage Registries. Property owners can view the details of their properties electronically through the “e-Cadastre” application. If inaccurate or incomplete registration is found, immediate action is required: either submission of a request for correction of an obvious error, adjustment of geometric data, or new registration in case the property has not been declared. In several cases, failure to make corrections may lead to the loss of ownership rights if the property remains registered as “unknown owner.”
At the same time, forest maps continue to be a critical tool for securing ownership rights in out-of-plan areas. Through the electronic platform of the Ministry of Environment, each citizen can verify whether their property falls within an area designated as forest land. If an objection is pending, the final decision will be issued by the competent committee. Those who did not have time to file an objection in the past may request a revision of the map by contacting the Forestry Directorate, so that the possibility of declassification can be examined.
Particular importance is also given to the legalization of unauthorized constructions. The legislation distinguishes five categories of violations, depending on their seriousness and extent. The first four categories include smaller or older violations, which can still be legalized until March 31, 2026. The fifth category, which concerns serious violations without a building permit, can no longer be included in any regulation. Correction of even minor violations is necessary, since without it no transfer, sale, or lease can take place. The owner must contact an engineer for the inspection of urban planning legality and the submission of the corresponding legalization declaration.
A central role in the modern process of securing property is now played by the Building Electronic Identity. It is a unified digital file in which all the necessary elements of a building are gathered — the building permit, plans, energy performance certificate, structural study, and legalization declarations. Its issuance is mandatory for every transfer, donation, or parental grant, as it serves as proof that the property is legally and technically compliant. It is not required for leases or inheritance acceptances; however, the need for its issuance arises if the heir wishes to transfer the property in the future.
For those who have already legalized unauthorized constructions, the process is not considered complete without the preparation of the Building Electronic Identity. Failure to issue it may lead to legal pending issues or difficulties in property transfers. The file includes a series of documents, such as the building permit, approved plans, energy performance certificates, unauthorized construction declarations, structural study, and the Certificate of Completeness. For apartments and other horizontal properties, the file additionally includes the table of co-ownership percentages and the expense allocation study.
Compliance with all the above procedures by March 2026 is critical. Proper registration in the Cadastre, verification of forest maps, legalization of violations, and issuance of the Building Electronic Identity ensure full legal coverage and protection against any future dispute. Inaction, on the other hand, may lead to loss of rights and significant administrative burdens.
