Press Release: Direct Taxation: The Commission requested Greece to amend its discriminatory tax provisions applicable to the acquisition of a first residential real estate in Greece

The European Commission sent Greece a formal request to amend its rules which give permanent residents in Greece a tax exemption on the real estate transfer tax for their first residential property purchase, but do not grant the same exemption to first-time residential buyers who do not yet live permanently in Greece but intend to do so in the future. Furthermore, Greece was requested to abolish its discriminatory rules that, under certain circumstances, allow a real estate transfer tax exemption to Greek nationals living abroad when they are acquiring their first residential real estate in Greece, but do not allow the same exemption to foreign nationals. This request was in the form of a reasoned opinion, the second stage of the infringement procedure under Article 226 of the Treaty. If Greece does not amend its law within two months, the Commission may refer the case to the Court of Justice.

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