How to Clear Out an Inherited Home in Greece: Legal, Emotional & Practical Guide
- Zacharenia Piperaki
- Jul 11
- 2 min read
Inheriting a home in Greece is often a mix of sentiment and stress. It could be in a quiet village house or an apartment in downtown Athens, clearing it out is rarely just about logistics.
It’s legal, emotional, and time-consuming; especially if you're based abroad.
This guide walks you through how to clear out an inherited home in Greece step-by-step: from legal obligations and emotional challenges to practical removal and what to do after the space is cleared.
If you're overwhelmed or simply can’t be there in person, Handled. can manage the entire process with care and precision.
Step 1: Establish Legal Ownership
Before doing anything inside the property, confirm you are legally recognized as the owner. In Greece, inheritance isn’t automatic — it must be formally accepted and registered.
Here’s what’s involved:
File a declaration of inheritance at the Magistrate’s Court within 4 months (12 if the deceased or heir lived abroad).
Obtain a Certificate of Inheritance through a notary.
Register the property with the Hellenic Cadastre (Κτηματολόγιο).
Settle inheritance tax, based on the property’s objective value and your relationship to the deceased.
Handled.gr’s legal support team can handle these steps on your behalf, including acting as power of attorney if you're overseas.
Step 2: Prepare Emotionally
This isn’t just about cleaning out a house. It's more about processing a loss. The emotional weight of going through a loved one’s belongings is real and often underestimated.
Suggestions:
Work in short sessions. Don’t try to do everything in a weekend.
Bring a sibling, cousin, or friend to help, emotionally and practically.
Photograph sentimental items you won’t keep but want to remember.
Give yourself permission to let things go.
When you need space from the process, or simply don’t have the time, We offer full home clearance services, managed with discretion and empathy.
Step 3: Sort and Categorize Contents
Once you’re ready to begin, go room by room and organize everything into clear categories:
Items to keep (and possibly ship)
Items to sell (furniture, artwork, collectibles)
Items to donate (clothing, basic household goods)
Items to throw away (broken, outdated, or unusable)
If you’re not in Greece, we can catalog and photograph contents for your review. Book a free consultation today.
Step 4: Arrange for Clearance and Disposal
The physical removal stage often requires logistics you may not have time to manage. You’ll need:
Clearance crews to remove furniture and personal items
Coordination for recycling and proper disposal
Donation delivery, if applicable
A deep clean after the home is emptied
Step 5: Decide What Comes Next
With the home now empty, what’s your next move?
Selling the property: You'll need a valuation, photos, potential repairs, and a reliable agent.
Renting it out: You may consider furnishing, listing, and property management services.
Keeping it in the family: This involves ongoing maintenance, utility management, and security.
Final Thoughts
Clearing out an inherited home in Greece is more than just a checklist. It’s a transition. A process filled with legal hurdles, emotional decisions, and physical effort. You don’t have to do it alone.
Need help clearing out an inherited home in Greece? Contact us today for a consultation.
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