Greek You’ll Need When Moving House in Greece
Moving house in Greece involves much more than unpacking boxes. During your first few weeks, you may need to finalize a rental agreement, understand shared building expenses, arrange internet service, contact your landlord, learn the local garbage and recycling system, introduce yourself to neighbors, and update your address with the organizations that need it.
For many foreign residents, these tasks can feel more stressful than the move itself. Even if your Greek is good enough for shopping or ordering food, housing-related conversations often include unfamiliar vocabulary, formal expressions, and paperwork that you may not have encountered before.
The good news is that you don’t need perfect Greek to manage these situations. Learning a small set of practical phrases can help you ask questions, understand important information, and communicate more confidently with real estate agents, landlords, service providers, municipal staff, and neighbors.
In this guide, you’ll learn 40 essential Greek phrases for seven common situations you’ll encounter when moving house in Greece. Each section also includes romanization, useful vocabulary, a short dialogue, and practical context to help you prepare for real conversations.
Table of Contents
What Do You Need to Handle When Moving House in Greece?
When moving house in Greece, residents commonly need to:
- Rent or finalize an apartment
- Understand the rental agreement and related costs
- Set up internet service
- Talk to a landlord or property manager
- Introduce themselves to neighbors
- Learn local garbage and recycling rules
- Update their address with relevant services and authorities
For a broader guide to housing, paperwork, healthcare, banking, transportation, and other parts of daily life, see The Ultimate Greek Guide for Living in Greece: 160+ Essential Phrases for Visa, Immigration, Moving & Daily Life.
Renting or Finalizing Your Apartment
Whether you’re viewing apartments or getting ready to move in, you’ll probably speak with a real estate agent or landlord several times. Useful questions include the rent, shared building expenses, whether the property is furnished, and when it is available.
If you want extra listening practice, GreekPod101’s Looking for an Apartment in Greece lesson lets you hear a realistic apartment-search conversation.
Common Situations
You may need to:
- Ask about the monthly rent
- Check whether the apartment is still available
- Arrange a viewing
- Ask when you can move in
- Check whether it is furnished
- Ask about shared building expenses
6 Essential Greek Phrases
| Greek | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| Πόσο είναι το ενοίκιο; | Póso íne to eníkio? | How much is the rent? |
| Είναι ακόμα διαθέσιμο το διαμέρισμα; | Íne akóma diathésimo to diamérisma? | Is the apartment still available? |
| Θα ήθελα να δω το διαμέρισμα. | Tha íthela na do to diamérisma. | I’d like to see the apartment. |
| Πότε μπορώ να μετακομίσω; | Póte boró na metakomíso? | When can I move in? |
| Είναι επιπλωμένο; | Íne epiploméno? | Is it furnished? |
| Πόσα είναι τα κοινόχρηστα; | Pósa íne ta kinóchrista? | How much are the shared building expenses? |
Dialogue Example
Agent
Το διαμέρισμα είναι διαθέσιμο από την πρώτη Νοεμβρίου.
To diamérisma íne diathésimo apó tin próti Noemvríou.
The apartment is available from November 1.
Resident
Πόσο είναι το ενοίκιο;
Póso íne to eníkio?
How much is the rent?
Agent
Είναι επτακόσια πενήντα ευρώ τον μήνα, συν τα κοινόχρηστα.
Íne eftakósia penínta evró ton mína, syn ta kinóchrista.
It’s 750 euros per month, plus the shared building expenses.
Key Vocabulary
| Greek | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| διαμέρισμα | diamérisma | apartment |
| ενοίκιο | eníkio | rent |
| κοινόχρηστα | kinóchrista | shared building expenses |
| επιπλωμένο | epiploméno | furnished |
| διαθέσιμο | diathésimo | available |
| μετακομίζω | metakomízo | to move house |
Understanding Your Rental Agreement
Rental paperwork in Greece can contain vocabulary that even intermediate learners may not know. Terms such as μισθωτήριο (rental agreement), εγγύηση (deposit), and κοινόχρηστα (shared building expenses) are especially useful to recognize.
For long-term rentals, property lease information is submitted electronically through Greece’s Independent Authority for Public Revenue, or AADE. AADE’s current service allows rental-information declarations to be submitted, viewed, and accepted online. AADE provides the official rental-declaration service and instructions here.
Common Situations
You may need to:
- Ask how long the rental agreement lasts
- Ask how much the deposit is
- Clarify whether bills are included
- Ask about notice before moving out
- Ask for an unfamiliar condition to be explained
- Confirm that the rental information has been submitted to AADE
6 Essential Greek Phrases
| Greek | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| Πόσο διαρκεί το μισθωτήριο; | Póso diarkí to misthotírio? | How long is the rental agreement? |
| Πόση είναι η εγγύηση; | Pósi íne i engýisi? | How much is the deposit? |
| Περιλαμβάνονται οι λογαριασμοί στο ενοίκιο; | Perilamvánonte oi logariasmoí sto eníkio? | Are the bills included in the rent? |
| Πόσο νωρίτερα πρέπει να σας ενημερώσω αν θέλω να φύγω; | Póso norítera prépi na sas enimeróso an thélo na fýgo? | How far in advance do I need to tell you if I want to leave? |
| Μπορείτε να μου εξηγήσετε αυτόν τον όρο; | Boríte na mou exigísete aftón ton óro? | Could you explain this term to me? |
| Έχει δηλωθεί το μισθωτήριο στην ΑΑΔΕ; | Échi dilothí to misthotírio stin AADE? | Has the rental agreement been declared to AADE? |
Dialogue Example
Resident
Πόση είναι η εγγύηση;
Pósi íne i engýisi?
How much is the deposit?
Landlord
Η εγγύηση είναι ένα ενοίκιο.
I engýisi íne éna eníkio.
The deposit is one month’s rent.
Resident
Μπορείτε να μου εξηγήσετε αυτόν τον όρο;
Boríte na mou exigísete aftón ton óro?
Could you explain this term to me?
Key Vocabulary
| Greek | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| μισθωτήριο | misthotírio | rental agreement / lease |
| εγγύηση | engýisi | deposit |
| ιδιοκτήτης / ιδιοκτήτρια | idioktítis / idioktítria | landlord / property owner |
| μισθωτής / μισθώτρια | misthotís / misthótria | tenant |
| όρος | óros | term / condition |
| λογαριασμός | logariasmós | bill |
| ΑΑΔΕ | AADE | Independent Authority for Public Revenue |
Setting Up Internet and Wi-Fi
After moving in, internet access is usually one of the first services you’ll want to arrange. Depending on the building and area, you may need to check which connection types are available, compare plans, arrange a technician visit, and ask about contract length or installation costs.
Common Situations
You may need to:
- Ask to set up internet service
- Check whether fiber is available at your address
- Ask about the monthly price
- Ask whether a technician is required
- Arrange an installation appointment
- Check the minimum contract term
6 Essential Greek Phrases
| Greek | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| Θα ήθελα να βάλω ίντερνετ στο σπίτι. | Tha íthela na válo ínternet sto spíti. | I’d like to get internet at home. |
| Υπάρχει οπτική ίνα στη διεύθυνσή μου; | Ypárchi optikí ína sti diéfthynsí mou? | Is fiber available at my address? |
| Πόσο κοστίζει τον μήνα; | Póso kostízi ton mína? | How much does it cost per month? |
| Χρειάζεται εγκατάσταση από τεχνικό; | Chriázete egkatástasi apó technikó? | Does it need installation by a technician? |
| Πότε μπορεί να έρθει ο τεχνικός; | Póte borí na érthi o technikós? | When can the technician come? |
| Υπάρχει ελάχιστη διάρκεια συμβολαίου; | Ypárchi eláchisti diárkia symvolaíou? | Is there a minimum contract term? |
Dialogue Example
Customer
Υπάρχει οπτική ίνα στη διεύθυνσή μου;
Ypárchi optikí ína sti diéfthynsí mou?
Is fiber available at my address?
Provider
Ναι, υπάρχει διαθέσιμη οπτική ίνα.
Ne, ypárchi diathésimi optikí ína.
Yes, fiber is available.
Customer
Πότε μπορεί να έρθει ο τεχνικός;
Póte borí na érthi o technikós?
When can the technician come?
Key Vocabulary
| Greek | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| ίντερνετ | ínternet | internet |
| οπτική ίνα | optikí ína | fiber optic / fiber |
| εγκατάσταση | egkatástasi | installation |
| τεχνικός | technikós | technician |
| συμβόλαιο | symvóleo | contract |
| μηνιαία χρέωση | miniaía chréosi | monthly charge |
Talking to Your Landlord or Property Manager
Sooner or later, you may need to contact your landlord, building manager, or real estate agency about a problem in the apartment. Common issues include leaks, heating, hot water, electrical problems, appliances, or repairs.
Knowing a few clear and polite phrases can make it much easier to explain what is wrong and ask what will happen next.
Common Situations
You may need to:
- Report a water leak
- Explain that something is not working
- Request a repair
- Ask someone to come and inspect the problem
- Ask when the repair can be done
- Ask for an update
6 Essential Greek Phrases
| Greek | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| Υπάρχει διαρροή νερού. | Ypárchi diarroí neroú. | There’s a water leak. |
| Ο θερμοσίφωνας δεν λειτουργεί. | O thermosífonas den leitourgí. | The water heater isn’t working. |
| Θα ήθελα να ζητήσω μια επισκευή. | Tha íthela na zitíso mia episkeví. | I’d like to request a repair. |
| Μπορεί να έρθει κάποιος να το δει; | Borí na érthi kápios na to di? | Can someone come and take a look? |
| Πότε μπορεί να γίνει η επισκευή; | Póte borí na gíni i episkeví? | When can the repair be done? |
| Μπορείτε να με ενημερώσετε όταν έχετε νέα; | Boríte na me enimerósete ótan échete néa? | Could you update me when you have news? |
Dialogue Example
Resident
Υπάρχει διαρροή νερού στην κουζίνα.
Ypárchi diarroí neroú stin kouzína.
There’s a water leak in the kitchen.
Property Manager
Εντάξει. Θα στείλουμε έναν τεχνικό.
Endáxi. Tha steíloume énan technikó.
Okay. We’ll send a technician.
Resident
Πότε μπορεί να έρθει;
Póte borí na érthi?
When can they come?
Key Vocabulary
| Greek | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| επισκευή | episkeví | repair |
| διαρροή | diarroí | leak |
| θερμοσίφωνας | thermosífonas | water heater |
| τεχνικός | technikós | technician |
| βλάβη | vlávi | fault / breakdown |
| διαχειριστής / διαχειρίστρια | diachiristís / diachirístria | building manager |
Talking to Your Neighbors in Greece
Introducing yourself to your neighbors is not a formal requirement, but a short greeting can be a friendly way to start off well in a new apartment building or neighborhood. It is also useful to know how to apologize for noise during the move.
Common Situations
You may want to:
- Say hello to a neighbor
- Explain that you just moved in
- Introduce yourself politely
- Apologize for moving noise
4 Essential Greek Phrases
| Greek | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| Γεια σας, μόλις μετακόμισα εδώ. | Geia sas, mólis metakómisa edó. | Hello, I just moved here. |
| Χάρηκα πολύ. | Chárika polý. | Nice to meet you. |
| Συγγνώμη για τον θόρυβο από τη μετακόμιση. | Syngnómi gia ton thóryvo apó ti metakómisi. | Sorry about the noise from the move. |
| Αν υπάρχει κάποιο πρόβλημα, παρακαλώ πείτε μου. | An ypárchi kápio próvlima, parakaló píte mou. | If there’s any problem, please let me know. |
Dialogue Example
Resident
Γεια σας, μόλις μετακόμισα εδώ.
Geia sas, mólis metakómisa edó.
Hello, I just moved here.
Neighbor
Καλώς ήρθατε στη γειτονιά!
Kalós írthate sti geitoniá!
Welcome to the neighborhood!
Resident
Ευχαριστώ πολύ. Χάρηκα πολύ.
Efcharistó polý. Chárika polý.
Thank you very much. Nice to meet you.
Key Vocabulary
| Greek | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| γείτονας / γειτόνισσα | geítonas / geitónissa | male / female neighbor |
| γειτονιά | geitoniá | neighborhood |
| μετακόμιση | metakómisi | move / moving house |
| θόρυβος | thóryvos | noise |
| συγγνώμη | syngnómi | sorry / excuse me |
Understanding Garbage and Recycling Rules
Garbage and recycling arrangements in Greece can vary by municipality and by neighborhood. You will commonly see different collection points or bins for mixed household waste, recyclable packaging, glass, and in some areas bio-waste or other separately collected materials.
National waste guidance, for example, identifies blue bins for mixed packaging waste, blue bell-shaped containers for glass, brown bins for household bio-waste where that collection system is used, and green or metal bins for mixed municipal waste. The Hellenic Recycling Agency provides official guidance on what materials can be recycled. Local availability and collection arrangements can still differ, so check your municipality’s current instructions before disposing of unfamiliar or bulky items.
Common Situations
You may need to:
- Find the household garbage bins
- Work out which bin to use
- Ask whether something can be recycled
- Find glass recycling
- Dispose of bulky items such as furniture
- Ask when collection takes place
6 Essential Greek Phrases
| Greek | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| Πού είναι οι κάδοι απορριμμάτων; | Poú íne oi kádoi aporrimmáton? | Where are the garbage bins? |
| Σε ποιον κάδο μπαίνει αυτό; | Se pión kádo béni aftó? | Which bin does this go in? |
| Αυτό ανακυκλώνεται; | Aftó anakyklónete? | Can this be recycled? |
| Πού μπορώ να πετάξω γυαλί; | Poú boró na petáxo gyalí? | Where can I dispose of glass? |
| Τι κάνω με τα ογκώδη αντικείμενα; | Ti káno me ta ogkódi antikeímena? | What do I do with bulky items? |
| Πότε γίνεται η αποκομιδή; | Póte gínete i apokomidí? | When is the collection? |
Dialogue Example
Resident
Συγγνώμη, σε ποιον κάδο μπαίνει αυτό;
Syngnómi, se pión kádo béni aftó?
Excuse me, which bin does this go in?
Neighbor
Αυτό ανακυκλώνεται. Μπαίνει στον μπλε κάδο.
Aftó anakyklónete. Béni ston ble kádo.
That can be recycled. It goes in the blue bin.
Resident
Ευχαριστώ!
Efcharistó!
Thank you!
Key Vocabulary
| Greek | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| απορρίμματα | aporrímmata | garbage / waste |
| κάδος | kádos | bin |
| ανακύκλωση | anakýklosi | recycling |
| γυαλί | gyalí | glass |
| ογκώδη αντικείμενα | ogkódi antikeímena | bulky items |
| αποκομιδή | apokomidí | waste collection |
| βιοαπόβλητα | vioapóvlita | bio-waste |
For unusual or bulky waste, check your municipality’s official website or sanitation service before leaving anything beside a bin. Municipal collection schedules and procedures can differ by area.
Changing Your Address in Greece
Moving to a new home in Greece does not usually mean completing one single universal change-of-address procedure for every organization. Instead, you may need to update your address separately with the services that apply to you, such as the tax registry, banks, utilities, your employer, insurance providers, or immigration-related services.
For the Greek tax registry, a residential-address change can be requested through myAADE under the registry and communication services. The National Registry of Administrative Procedures describes the online route as myAADE > Registry and Communication > Change Registry Details > Address. See the official procedure here.
If you hold a residence permit or have another immigration status, check the requirements that apply to your specific status as well, since address or contact details may need to be updated separately.
Common Situations
You may need to:
- Tell an organization that you have moved
- Ask how to update your address
- Ask what proof or documents are required
- Provide your new address
- Ask whether another service also needs to be notified
- Confirm that the change is complete
6 Essential Greek Phrases
| Greek | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| Θέλω να αλλάξω τη διεύθυνση κατοικίας μου. | Thélo na alláxo ti diéfthynsi katoikías mou. | I’d like to change my home address. |
| Πώς μπορώ να δηλώσω τη νέα μου διεύθυνση; | Pós boró na dilóso ti néa mou diéfthynsi? | How can I register my new address? |
| Χρειάζεται κάποιο δικαιολογητικό; | Chriázete kápio dikaiologitikó? | Do I need any supporting document? |
| Αυτή είναι η νέα μου διεύθυνση. | Aftí íne i néa mou diéfthynsi. | This is my new address. |
| Πρέπει να ενημερώσω και κάποια άλλη υπηρεσία; | Prépi na enimeróso ke kápia álli ypiresía? | Do I need to notify any other service too? |
| Έχει ολοκληρωθεί η αλλαγή; | Échi oloklirothí i allagí? | Has the change been completed? |
Dialogue Example
Resident
Θέλω να αλλάξω τη διεύθυνση κατοικίας μου.
Thélo na alláxo ti diéfthynsi katoikías mou.
I’d like to change my home address.
Staff Member
Έχετε κάποιο αποδεικτικό της νέας διεύθυνσης;
Échete kápio apodiktikó tis néas diéfthynsis?
Do you have proof of the new address?
Resident
Ναι. Αυτή είναι η νέα μου διεύθυνση.
Ne. Aftí íne i néa mou diéfthynsi.
Yes. This is my new address.
Key Vocabulary
| Greek | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| διεύθυνση | diéfthynsi | address |
| κατοικία | katoikía | residence / home |
| αλλαγή | allagí | change |
| δικαιολογητικό | dikaiologitikó | supporting document |
| αποδεικτικό | apodiktikó | proof / supporting evidence |
| υπηρεσία | ypiresía | service / authority |
| myAADE | myAADE | AADE online services portal |
Learn Practical Greek with GreekPod101
Moving house is only one part of building a life in Greece. The most useful language is often the Greek you need for real situations: asking questions, understanding paperwork, explaining a problem, and speaking politely with the people you deal with every day.
GreekPod101 can help you build that practical confidence through:
- Beginner-friendly Level 1 Greek
- Dialogue-based lessons and listening practice
- Vocabulary lists with native-speaker audio
- Lessons for daily life and common services
- The Living in Greece pathway
- The 160+ Essential Greek Phrases for Living in Greece guide
Regular listening and speaking practice makes unfamiliar situations much easier to handle. Start with the phrases you are most likely to need, then practice them inside complete conversations so that the wording feels familiar before you have to use it in real life.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Moving house in Greece comes with plenty of practical tasks, from understanding your rental agreement and arranging internet service to dealing with repairs, recycling, neighbors, and address changes.
You don’t need to master every housing term before you move. Start with a few phrases from the situations you are most likely to face, listen to natural Greek conversations, and build from there.
When you’re ready to keep improving your practical Greek, start learning with GreekPod101 through native-speaker audio, dialogues, vocabulary practice, and structured learning pathways.
We’d Love to Hear From You
Which part of moving house in Greece would you find the most difficult in Greek?
- Understanding a rental agreement
- Talking to a landlord
- Setting up internet
- Meeting your neighbors
- Understanding garbage and recycling rules
- Updating your address
Leave a comment below and let us know. We’ll recommend lessons and resources to help you feel more confident in that situation.
