All about buying a house in Greece

Every year, Greece attracts nearly 25 million tourists who come to discover the breathtaking beauty of this country. Known for its beautiful beaches and its rich history as one of the great European civilizations of antiquity, Greece offers a wealth of historical sights. The architecture and art from that time are still visible, leaving much to explore.

The property market is also a source of interesting opportunities. For those considering buying a home in Greece, there is a wide choice of properties in different sizes, locations and price ranges. Check out Real Estate Greece for their selection of holiday homes.

Key facts about Greece and its real estate market: Greece covers an area of ​​​​131,975 square kilometers and has a population of about eleven million. The capital, Athens, is home to almost 800,000 people, and a total of about 4 million people live in the region around the capital. Other important cities are Thessaloniki, Patras and Heraklion. This country is located in southeastern Europe on the eastern Mediterranean Sea.

The coastal climate is Mediterranean, with mild winters and hot, dry summers. About three quarters of the country is made up of mountains, where winters are cold and snowfall is common. The property market in Greece is currently quite relaxed; after years of devaluation, the market has stabilized. There are many properties for sale in different sizes, locations and price ranges, but demand from locals is low. Many people cannot afford to buy property and choose to rent, which often results in selling their homes.

For foreign investors this means that there is a good selection of affordable properties available. Especially on the peninsula of Halkidiki, also called Halkidiki, there are various properties to be found, and also on Corfu and the Peloponnese there are many houses for sale.

Which regions are the best for buying a house in Greece? Popular locations for holiday homes include the Mediterranean islands of Crete, Santorini, Corfu, Kos, Rhodes and Mykonos. With their hot, dry summers, sandy beaches, historic towns, tourist attractions, low prices and famous Greek cuisine, these destinations are the perfect combination to enjoy the nature and culture of Greece.

The mainland is also very attractive. The peninsulas of Peloponnese and Chalkidiki are ideal places for a house by the sea, with long sandy beaches and unspoilt coasts, full of flowers and picturesque towns such as Nafplio.

For those looking for a mansion in Greece, cities such as Athens, Thessaloniki and Heraklion are recommended. Here you will find an abundance of shops, bars and cafes, as well as testimonies of the rich Greek history. Everything you would expect from a city, without losing the typical Greek charm of the old town.

What types of houses are there in Greece? Villas are typical of the Greek property market, characterized by beautiful locations and spacious plots. They often have an airy style with rounded arches, large terraces, private pools and natural stone features. Popular locations for villas are Corfu and Crete, with living areas starting at 200 square meters and going up to over 1,000 square meters.

In addition, there are also cottages, usually one-storey high, with less than 100 square meters of living space, and simply furnished. Detached houses and terraced houses are also common; detached houses often have large plots of more than 1,000 square meters, and the offer ranges from coastal locations to idyllic inland villages. Both new and partially renovated buildings are available.

A special feature of the Greek real estate market is the semi-finished houses, which are often for sale at reasonable prices. Both single-family homes and villas can be purchased and built to your own ideas of a dream home.

As for the purchase prices for houses in Greece, they are generally well below the European average. A modern, well-maintained 60 square meter holiday home in Thessaloniki, close to the sea, can be purchased for as little as 65,000 euros. For an average of 250,000 euros, buyers in Chalkidiki get a detached house with a living area of ​​150 square meters in a prime location. Corfu is a bit more expensive, but still relatively cheap for Europe, where prices for small holiday homes start at around 200,000 euros, and on average a 150 square meter house costs around 300,000 euros.

Athens is the most expensive region in Greece, with house prices starting at 400,000 euros for a 200 square meter home, but these homes are well worth the price.