Invest in Greek Real Estate

Why investors are looking at Greece

Greece combines things that are rarely found together in Europe: a world-famous summer destination, a capital city in the middle of a long regeneration, island markets with very limited supply, and residency rights for non-EU buyers through the Golden Visa. For many of our clients the investment is also personal: a home for the family summers that holds its value and can earn income when they are not using it.

Every market in Greece is different, though. A seafront apartment in Glyfada, a villa above Psarou in Mykonos and a stone house in Antiparos follow different rules, attract different tenants and suit different goals. Choosing well starts with being clear about what the property is for.

Three ways to invest

A home that earns when you are away

The classic island strategy: a villa you use for a few weeks a year and rent as a holiday home for the rest of the season. Location, views, a pool and the quality of management decide the income. In Mykonos, Paros and Antiparos, well-managed luxury villas are booked months ahead for July and August.

A long-term base in Athens

The Athens Riviera, from Glyfada and Voula to Vouliagmeni, attracts families relocating to Greece, executives and diplomats. Homes here are lived in all year, close to international schools, marinas and the airport, and long-term leases bring steady income.

Residency through property

Non-EU buyers can qualify for a five-year, renewable residence permit by buying property above the Golden Visa thresholds. Read our full guide to the Golden Visa in Greece before you choose an area, because the threshold and the rental rules depend on where you buy.

Where to buy

• Athens Riviera: year-round living, schools, marinas and the large waterfront regeneration of the former Hellinikon airport.

• Mykonos: the most international island market in Greece, with very limited supply of high-end villas.

• Paros and Antiparos: a calmer, family-friendly alternative in the Cyclades, with strong growth in the luxury segment.

• Other islands and the mainland: Crete, Corfu, the Peloponnese and the smaller islands offer more space for the money and lower Golden Visa thresholds.

Browse all our properties for sale in Greece.

How buying works in Greece

1. Tax number and bank account. Every buyer needs a Greek tax number (AFM) and, in practice, a Greek bank account. Both can be arranged through a lawyer with power of attorney.

2. Legal due diligence. An independent Greek lawyer checks the title at the land registry or cadastre, building permits, any unauthorised construction, encumbrances and, on the islands, planning and coastal rules.

3. Technical checks. An engineer confirms that the building matches its permits and issues the certificates needed for the sale.

4. Contract and notary. The purchase contract is signed before a notary, and the deed is registered.

Taxes and running costs

On resale properties buyers pay property transfer tax, normally 3.09% of the taxable value, plus notary, registry and legal fees. New builds may be subject to VAT instead. Owners then pay the annual property tax (ENFIA), and rental income is taxed in Greece. The exact figures depend on the property and on your tax residence, so we always recommend a tax adviser before signing.

Rental rules to know

Holiday rentals in Greece must be registered and follow the short-term rental rules, which have become stricter in recent years, especially in central Athens. Properties bought through the Golden Visa cannot be let as short-term rentals. Checking what a property may legally be used for is part of our shortlist, not an afterthought.

After the purchase

An investment property is only as good as its management. Our property management team takes care of maintenance, housekeeping, guests and bookings, and our villa rental business brings the guests. When the time comes to sell, we can do that too: see sell with us.

What makes a good investment property

After many years of renting and selling homes across Greece, we see the same qualities in the properties that perform best. The view comes first: sea views and sunsets are what guests and future buyers pay for. Then privacy, a good pool and outdoor space, and a location that is quiet but close enough to the beaches, the restaurants and the port or airport. Inside, generous bedrooms with their own bathrooms matter more than one more living room.

Just as important is what you cannot see in the photos: clean paperwork, building permits that match the property, reliable water and power, and access roads that work in August. These are the points our team checks first, because they decide whether a property is easy to own, to rent and later to sell.

Start with a conversation

Tell us your budget, the way you want to use the property and your timing. We will come back with a short, honest selection and arrange viewings, in person or by video, together with the lawyers and engineers you will need.