What counts as a change of use?
A change of use occurs when a space is intended to operate with a different planning or building purpose from the one shown in its file. Moving from one business to another may be a functional change, or it may create new technical and legal requirements.
Changing furniture within the same lawful use differs from changing the activity. Converting a shop into a home is another question. The answer comes from the property records and site condition, rather than the estate listing or the previous tenant.
Pre-lease feasibility checks
A tenant, investor or landlord should request a small, focused set of information before committing. The file does not need to be perfectly organised to start, but it must show what can be checked and what is missing.
| Check | Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Title and property data | Who has the right of use and what is the exact unit? | The engineer needs the correct property and area. |
| Permit and plans | What was approved, and what do the plans show? | The actual space may differ from the file. |
| Current use | What use is lawful and what is operating now? | Previous trading does not prove legality. |
| Building rules | Does the regulation allow the intended use? | Private restrictions can sit alongside planning rules. |
| Technical fit | Are access, escape, power, ventilation and drainage adequate? | The intended activity must work in the space. |
The tool follows these questions and gives an indicative next step. The engineer still reviews the property and current framework before the lease or purchase is treated as safe.
Initial works classification guide
Indicative result
Choose one
Indicative only, within the framework of Law 4495/2017; an engineer confirms the route.
Speak to an engineerWhen another building act may be needed
The label used by an agent or contractor does not select the legal route. The engineer considers whether the intended use or works affect planning data, structural design loads, service routes, façades or other building requirements.
- Building permit: may be needed where the change or works fall within the e-Άδειες building-permit procedure.
- EEDMKA: may cover defined small-scale works if the property and intervention meet the applicable conditions.
- Article 30: some limited works may be carried out without a permit after the engineer confirms that they genuinely fall within that provision.
- Electronic Building Identity: the engineer checks whether the property record must reflect the act or permitted works.
Change-of-use studies and permits are technical work. For wider context, see the building permit guide and small-scale works guide.
Four common scenarios
- Shop to office: check approved use, main-use spaces, access and the requirements of the new operation.
- Office to shop: review use, façade, public access, common areas and services. A commercial label is not enough.
- Shop to food service: consider health conditions, ventilation, fire safety and the operating file alongside planning matters.
- Storage to commercial use: assess public access, escape, building rules and whether the space can support the proposed activity.
These are starting points, not legal advice. The engineer confirms use, act and technical requirements for each property.
Process and deliverables
- Intake: collect address, current and intended use, plans, permit, photographs and lease or purchase stage.
- File search: compare available records with the information supplied by the landlord or agent.
- Site survey: review rooms, services, access, façades and potential discrepancies.
- Feasibility note: record the use, risks, missing documents and indicative next step.
- Studies and works: prepare the required acts, coordinate works and update records where required.
A useful note does not promise a permit. It states what was checked, what is missing and what needs to be resolved before a contract is signed.
Cost and programme drivers
Floor area alone cannot predict the work. Cost and programme depend on structural intervention, MEP systems, fire safety, accessibility, drawings, missing records, site surveys and any review by a competent authority. A technical estimate should show these assumptions.
How Premier Construction supports the decision
Premier Construction can coordinate change-of-use studies, file review, technical surveys and works where needed. For an operating business, read the guide to a shop operating licence as well. Work proceeds only after the correct route has been checked.
Send the address, current and intended use, plans, permit information, photographs and lease stage. Request a pre-lease technical review so the decision rests on the property, not an assumption.
Sources: EUGO, building permits and e-Άδειες, National Registry procedure for EEDMKA, Law 4067/2012, NOK, Law 4495/2017, gov.gr, Electronic Building Identity, TEE, Electronic Building Identity manual and Presidential Decree 41/2018. Last checked: 2026-09-06.
Frequently asked questions
What is a change of use for a property in Greece?
It is the move from the approved or lawful use of a space to another use you intend to operate. It is not always the same as changing business operator or layout. An engineer compares the file, actual condition and intended use.
When does a change of use need a permit in Greece?
The answer depends on the intended use, planning terms, loads, building systems and proposed works. The route may involve a building permit, small-scale works approval or another act. An engineer confirms the route for the specific property.
Can I convert a shop into a home in Greece?
Only after a feasibility review. The engineer checks permitted use, lawful construction, building rules, light and ventilation, services and any works. A property listing or previous trading history cannot establish that the conversion is possible.
Does a change of use require an update to the Electronic Building Identity?
Where the lawful condition or permitted works change the information held for the property, an authorised engineer checks whether the Electronic Building Identity must be updated. The requirement depends on the act and property, not a universal rule for every change.
Should I check the property before signing a lease?
Yes, where the intended use is central to the investment. Request the address, permit, plans, building identity information, building rules and photographs. A pre-commitment review can identify a change-of-use or works issue before the lease is binding.