Electronic Property Auctions

Electronic Property Auctions

1. What is eauction.gr?

eauction.gr is the official online platform for property auctions in Greece, including foreclosure and judicial sales. All electronic property auctions are conducted exclusively through this portal.

2. How do I register on the platform?

  • With a Greek Tax ID (AFM): Log in using your TaxisNet credentials and activate your account via SMS.

  • Without a Greek AFM: Select an auction, fill in your personal or company details, and register as an individual or legal entity. Registration is approved by the Auction Officer and confirmed via SMS.

3. How can I participate in an auction?

To participate, you must:

  1. Submit a Participation Request for the auction of interest.

  2. Pay the participation guarantee (30% of the starting bid) to the notary’s designated account.

  3. Upload all required documents before the submission deadline (at least three working days before the auction).

4. What is the guarantee deposit?

The participation guarantee equals 30% of the starting bid price. It is refundable if you are not the winning bidder.

5. When and how are auctions held?

  • Auctions take place Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, starting at 10:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m.

  • Typical duration is 2 hours, with automatic 5-minute extensions if bids are placed in the final minute (up to 12 extensions, total 1 hour).

6. How does the bidding process work?

  • Submit bids directly on the platform.

  • Real-time updates show the current highest bid and your ranking.

  • Stay attentive to the auction status, last bid, ranking, and remaining time.

7. How do I know if I won the auction?

After the auction closes, the final ranking is displayed, and the highest bidder (ranked 1st) is declared the winner.

8. Are there tools or protections available?

  • Overbidding Protection: prevents accidental bids exceeding twice the current or previous offer.

  • Help Mode: provides explanations at each stage of the auction.

9. When does the starting price decrease?

If an auction is unsuccessful due to lack of participation:

  • Third auction: Starting price automatically reduces by 20%.

  • Fourth auction: Starting price further reduces to reach a 35% total reduction from the original price.

Example: A property starting at €1,000,000:

  • Third auction: €800,000 (20% reduction)

  • Fourth auction: €650,000 (35% total reduction)

These reductions are automatic and do not require court intervention.

10. What happens after the auction is completed?

Once the property is awarded to the highest bidder, the following steps must be completed:

a) Payment of the winning bid and expenses

  • Deposit the remaining balance within 10 business days.

  • Pay the eAuction platform fee (€350 or €100 depending on starting price).

  • Cover other associated costs (property transfer tax, notary fees, lawyer fees if applicable).

b) Auction Award Report

  • The notary drafts the report documenting all bids and officially designating the winner.

  • The summary of the award report acts as the legal title, required for registration.

c) Property Registration at the Land Registry

  • Register the notarial deed at the Land Registry or Mortgage Office.

  • Pay the cadastral registration fee.

  • Registration formally transfers ownership.

d) Handover of the property

  • The new owner can take possession in coordination with a lawyer and court-appointed officer.

11. Lease Termination After Property Transfer

Under Article 1009 of the Greek Civil Procedure Code (Κ.Πολ.Δ.) (January 2022 onwards):

  • Residential or commercial leases can be terminated by the new owner:

    • 6 months if there is an officially dated lease.

    • 2 months if no officially dated lease exists.

Key points:

  • The new owner may request eviction after the relevant period.

  • Termination applies only after registration of the property transfer at the Land Registry or Mortgage Office.

  • Exceptions exist (e.g., tenants in vulnerable social groups), so consult a legal advisor.