Foreigners are buying property in Greece for many different reasons. Some buyers like to have their own house near the sea, others expect to make money on rent. Investors are interested in the prospects of a Greek "golden visa." What awaits a buyer from abroad?
Greece is one of the countries with the longest coastline in the world because it owns more than 3,000 large and tiny islands – about 20% of the territory. There are an average of 300 sunny days a year. The local climate is considered one of the best in the world. But how to become a property owner in this paradise?
Can foreigners buy property in Greece?
Citizens of any country have the right to buy residential and commercial real estate in Greece. You can make a deal as an individual or a legal entity.
The only exceptions are the areas considered border territories. A foreigner needs the authorities' permission to buy real estate in these places. The list includes some Greek islands bordering Turkey (for example, Rhodes and Kos).
The cost depends on the property type and region. In general, Greece is still a relatively inexpensive country. In Athens, Thessaloniki, you can buy property at a price of up to € 2,000 per sq. m. There are locations with € 500-750 per square meter.
It is also useful to study Greek or international real estate sites to learn more about the process of buying property.
Best places to buy property in Greece
Most settlements in Greece have all the necessary infrastructure, which means that can easily choose property between big cities and small towns. Transport links are well established between the regions.
Athens is the capital city of Greece, one of the oldest and most famous cities in the world, and the cradle of an ancient civilization. Modern Athens is a developed metropolis with all the necessary infrastructure. Housing prices in Athens range from €1,400 per sq. m. in the western districts to almost €3,000 in the south of the city.
Thessaloniki is the largest city after Athens, the cultural capital of Greece. It is full of museums, restaurants, and shopping malls, and for lovers of nightlife and clubs, there is a big reconstructed historical district Ladadika. Housing prices in Thessaloniki range from €1,200 to €1,700 per sq. m. You can buy a small apartment can be purchased for €50,000-70,000.
Corfu is the northernmost and the second largest among the Ionian Islands. A little more than 100,000 people live here. Corfu has everything you need for year-round living. Many ancient villages are gradually turning into resorts with numerous cafes and shops. On average, a square meter of housing in the prefecture of Corfu costs €1,700.
Crete is the largest and southernmost island of Greece, the fifth largest in the Mediterranean Sea. The infrastructure of Crete is rich: eight public hospitals, three universities, museums, and historical and cultural attractions located in the largest cities. According to Spinogatos, the cost per square meter in Heraklion Prefecture is €1,300.
Santorini is a volcanic island of the Cyclades archipelago in the Aegean Sea. The area is 76,000 square kilometers, and the length of the coastline is 66 km. Here you can find a variety of restaurants and cafes with local cuisine, water sports clubs, shops, beauty and health centers, and tanning salons. If you are looking for a Santorini property for sale, remember that this is one of the most expensive islands in Greece: a square meter of housing in Santorini costs more than €2,000 on average.
How can I find a property in Greece?
You are not obliged to hire a real estate agent. But you will save yourself the need to understand legal documents in an unfamiliar language. You can contact a Greek real estate agency or a company in your country that sells real estate in Greece through its partners.
Examples of properties for sale in Greece:
1 800 000 €
Villa in Nea Makri, Greece
800 sq.m51
Residence
For sale a 2-storey villa of 800 sq.m in Attica. The first floor consists of one bedroom, living room, one kitchen. The second floor consists of a living room with a kitchen, 2 living rooms, one kitchen. The windows offer a magnificent view of the mountains. The property has a fireplace, air conditioning, barbecue area, heating. The property is...
GREKODOM DEVELOPMENT A.E
320 000 €
House in Kassandra, Greece
80 sq.m321
ResidenceRemote TransactionRental property
For sale a 2-storey furnished house of 80 m² on a plot of 1.724 m².
The semi basement floor of 80 m² consists of a single room which is used as a storeroom and accordancing to the wishes of the buyer can be converted into an independent apartment.
On the first floor there are 2 bedrooms, living room with dining area and...
El Greko
180 000 €
Maisonette in Poligiros, Greece
180 sq.m642
Townhouse for sale with an area of 180 sq.m in Halkidiki. The townhouse is located on 3 levels. The first floor consists of one bedroom, a living room with a kitchen, one shower room. The second floor consists of one bedroom, a living room with a kitchen, one bathroom. The third floor consists of 2 bedrooms, one bathroom. The windows offer a...
GREKODOM DEVELOPMENT A.E
300 000 €
Flat in Athens, Greece
100 sq.m432
Residence
For sale apartment of 100rs in Athens. The apartment is situated on the 8th floor. consists of 3 bedrooms, living room with kitchen, one bathroom, one shower WC. Flat has front layout. A magnificent view of the mountain opens up from the windows. There is a fireplace, awnings and heating. The owners will be leaving the furniture with the sale....
Mercury Group
300 000 €
Townhouse in Athens, Greece
220 sq.m642
Residence
For sale maisonette of 220rs in Attica. The maisonette has 4 levels. The semi-basement consists of living room with kitchen, one WC. The ground floor consists of living room with kitchen. The first floor consists of 2 bedrooms, one bathroom. The second floor consists of 2 bedrooms, one bathroom. A magnificent view of the city, the mountain opens...
Mercury Group
1 000 000 €
House in Athens, Greece
460 sq.m644
Residence
For sale 3-storey villa of 460rs in Attica. The ground floor consists of living room, one kitchen, one shower WC. The first floor consists of 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. The semi-basement consists of one bedroom, living room, one shower WC. A magnificent view of the city, the sea, the mountain, the forest opens up from the windows. There is a...
Mercury Group
400 000 €
Townhouse in Kassandra, Greece
160 sq.m544
Remote TransactionRental property
For sale a 2-storey maisonette of 160 m² with a plot of 500 m².
It consists of 4 bedrooms, living room with open plan kitchen, 4 bathrooms and spacious verandas.
Also, there is: fireplace, Α/C unit, safety door, parking places, common garden with BBQ area.
For sale there are more identical maisonettes with sea view:
* On...
El Greko
430 000 €
Flat in Glyfada, Greece
104 sq.m4
Residence
An apartment of 104 sq.m is for sale in Athens. The apartment is located on a floor with mountain views.
GREKODOM DEVELOPMENT A.E
850 000 €
Flat in Athens, Greece
150 sq.m432
Residence
For sale apartment of 150rs in Athens. The apartment is situated on the 1st floor. It consists of 3 bedrooms, living room, one kitchen, 2 shower WC, one WC. Flat has front layout. A view of the city opens up from the windows. There are solar panels for water heating, a fireplace, air conditioning and heating. There is an alarm system installed....
Mercury Group
265 000 €
Maisonette in Thessaloniki, Greece
140 sq.m431
Residence
A townhouse with an area of 140 sq.m is for sale in the suburbs of Thessaloniki. The townhouse is located on 2 levels. The ground floor consists of a living room with a kitchen, one bathroom. The second floor consists of 3 bedrooms, one bathroom. The rooms offer views of the city. The facility has air conditioning, awnings, heating. The property...
GREKODOM DEVELOPMENT A.E
75 000 €
Maisonette in Pieria, Greece
72 sq.m321
An apartment of 72 sq.m is for sale on the Olympic Riviera. The apartment is located on the third floor and consists of 2 bedrooms, a living room with a kitchen, one bathroom, one pantry. The windows offer views of the city. The facility has solar panels for heating water, air conditioning, awnings. The property is sold furnished. There is an...
GREKODOM DEVELOPMENT A.E
460 000 €
House in Chania, Greece
200 sq.m43
Residence
Beautiful detached villa with a private pool, located in prime location of Platanias, most popular touristic resort of Crete island.
Just 500m from a sandy beach, with easy access to the motorway of Crete, yet to the bus station by the beach road and all facilities and amenities of Platanias tourist area.
The villa is set in a picturesque...
Mercury Group
128 000 €
Flat in Thessaloniki, Greece
53 sq.m211
Remote Transaction
For sale a fully renovated corner apartment of 53 m² located on the first floor.
It consists of 1 bedroom, living room with open plan kitchen, 1 bathroom and 2 balconies.
Also, there is: elevator, gas heating, A/C unit, electric appliances, safety door.
The distance till the Metro Station is 350 meters, till the Universities - 1,6 km.
El Greko
255 000 €
Apartment in Athens, Greece
85 sq.m11
An apartment is available for sale, ground floor, in Agios Dimitrios. The area of the property is 85 sq.m. It consists of: 1 bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living room. It was built in 1969 and renovated in 2019. The heating of the property is individual with pellets, while air conditioning is also available, solar, it has aluminum frames with...
GREEN Estate
520 000 €
Maisonette in Saronida, Greece
200 sq.m431
Residence
Townhouse for sale with an area of 200 sq.m in Attica. The townhouse is located on 2 levels. The third floor consists of a living room with a kitchen, one bathroom, the fourth floor consists of 3 bedrooms, one shower room With a magnificent view of the sea. The facility has solar panels for heating water, fireplace, air conditioning, heating....
GREKODOM DEVELOPMENT A.E
280 000 €
Maisonette in Pireas, Greece
65 sq.m321
Residence
An apartment of 65 sq.m is for sale in Athens. The apartment is located on the third floor and consists of 2 bedrooms, a living room with a kitchen, one shower room. The object has solar panels for heating water, air conditioning, awnings, heating. There is an elevator in the building. The property includes a garage. The apartment is located in...
GREKODOM DEVELOPMENT A.E
325 000 €
Townhouse in Thessaloniki, Greece
132 sq.m43
ResidenceOnline ViewingRemote Transaction
Presenting a Stunning Two-Story Maisonette with Serene Garden Oasis
Nestled in a tranquil and secure compound, this exquisite two-story maisonette offers a harmonious blend of comfort and elegance. Boasting abundant natural light, this residence exudes a warm and inviting ambiance, promising a lifestyle of utmost relaxation and convenience....
In Angelochori, in an excellent location, a 250 sq m villa is for sale on an area of 6,000 sq m. The villa is located on a prominent high point, in front of the sea and has an unobstructed view of Thermaikos gulf and Mount Olympus. The area is fenced around, full of fruit-bearing olive trees and decorative trees. The house is divided into two...
GREECE INVEST
350 000 €
Townhouse in Chalkidiki, Greece
100 sq.m43
ResidenceOnline ViewingRemote Transaction
The house is located in a complex surrounded by a beautiful pine forest in the resort town of Siviri. The area of the house is 100 square meters, and it has 2 levels. Inside, there is a spacious living room, a cozy kitchen, as well as 3 comfortable bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
The house features a fireplace, which creates a special atmosphere of...
GREECE INVEST
325 000 €
Townhouse in Thessaloniki, Greece
240 sq.m43
ResidenceOnline ViewingRemote Transaction
Panoramafor sale 240sqm. maisonette with garden in good location with open space.
This corner maisonette has on the ground floor a playroom living room with kitchenette and bathroom, storage rooms with direct access to the garden. On the first floor a spacious living room with energy fireplace, separate kitchen with built-in appliances & wc ,...
When looking for a new home in Greece, the most important thing to do is to obtain a local TIN. An individual tax number is required for all calculations on the transaction. The local tax authority issues it. You can handle it via a lawyer, who can also help you with making an offer. Previously, the participation of a lawyer was mandatory by law, but now they work only at the buyer's request.
Greece is one of the best options for investors due to its geographical location and attractive conditions of the Golden Visa program. You can get a five-year residence permit by spending at least €250,000 on Greek property.
The standard tax rate for the purchase of new buildings in Greece is 24% (VAT). Since 2014, a preferential rate (3.09%) has been applied only for facilities whose construction permit was issued before January 1, 2006.
However, since 2020, the Greek government has announced a VAT freeze for all new buildings, including unsold real estate built after 2006. The new rules will be in effect for three years – until the end of 2022.
For the lawyer's fee, you need to pay about 1.5% of the cost of the object. Additional services (for example, legal analysis of the transaction in non-standard situations) are agreed upon and paid separately. This amount already includes the preparation of all documents and transfers.
Notary expenses usually amount to 1.5% of the contract value of the property.
The commission of the real estate agency is up to 2% of the transaction amount. In rare cases, companies do not charge a commission if a seller is a developer.
In conclusion
As a foreigner, you can buy Greek properties on the same terms as residents, except for border regions.
You have the right to obtain a Greek Golden Visa by buying property for €250,000 or more.
You don’t have to use a lawyer’s help by law, but they are very helpful if you don’t speak Greek.
Greece is a relatively cheap destination for investors.
