Property tracking system launched
Digital platform to cross-reference utility payments with declared vacancies to catch tax evaders.
The government is launching a comprehensive digital property registry system to combat widespread tax evasion in the real estate sector, addressing a longstanding problem where properties are declared vacant while simultaneously paying for electricity, water and utilities.
The new Unified Property Registry, spearheaded by Digital Governance Minister Dimitris Papastergiou, will function as a unique “property social security number” containing all relevant data about Greek real estate. The system aims to end the fragmentation of property information across multiple agencies and databases.
Currently, properties can be registered as closed or vacant for tax purposes while maintaining active utility connections, indicating actual occupancy. This practice has created significant revenue losses for the state, though officials cannot yet quantify the exact financial impact of undeclared rental income and its broader effects on housing policy, including social housing and short-term rental regulations.
The digital platform will integrate with the Hellenic Cadastre through the Gov.gr portal, consolidating legal, urban planning, administrative, forestry, tax, energy and other property data nationwide. The system will include National Cadastre Identification Codes (KAEK), Property Identity Numbers (ATAK), electricity company data, insurance contracts, pending lawsuits and building permits from the Technical Chamber of Greece.
Properties will be catalogued with detailed information including surface area, location, floor level, power connection status, completion status, vacancy and ownership percentages. Additional data will cover rental status, rent amounts and tenant information. Cross-referencing with the Cadastre will enable rapid identification of undeclared properties, false information or unreported rental income.
Tax authority AADE is simultaneously developing the Property Ownership and Management Registry (MIDA), which will interact with the new property database. This two-phase implementation will first cross-reference ATAK and KAEK codes, requiring taxpayer confirmation of property details. The second phase will eliminate redundant property management applications, centralizing all information in real-time.
The integrated system will automatically complete tax returns, provide reliable real-time data for calculating benefits and subsidies, and simplify verification processes. Officials expect substantial revenue benefits not only from direct tax evasion prevention but also from eliminating fraudulent subsidy claims.
Beyond tax enforcement, the system will benefit professionals, including lawyers, notaries and engineers by providing reliable property data, reducing administrative costs, and enhancing legal security in real estate transactions. The initiative represents Greece’s first comprehensive attempt to organize its property sector systematically.
Source: Property tracking system launched | eKathimerini.com
