Real Estate Guide Corfu

Overview: Why Choose Corfu?

Corfu (Kerkyra) is one of Greece’s most popular Ionian islands, prized for its lush landscapes, Venetian architecture, and vibrant international community. Easily accessible from mainland Greece and Italy, Corfu combines a slow-paced Mediterranean lifestyle with reliable services, good healthcare options, and year-round tourism that supports a healthy real estate market.

Who’s Corfu for?

• Retirees seeking mild climate, community and healthcare access.
• Buy-to-let investors looking for holiday rental income.
• Families and digital nomads wanting island life with modern conveniences.

Key Neighbourhoods & Areas

Corfu offers a variety of locations — from cosmopolitan Corfu Town to quiet coves and countryside villages. Main areas to consider:

• Corfu Town (Kerkyra) — historic center, Venetian squares, best for restaurants, shops and year-round services.
• Gouvia & Dassia — popular with expats, good for both rentals and permanent homes, close to international school options.
• Paleokastritsa — dramatic coastline and tourist appeal; good for holiday rentals and villas.
• Agios Gordios & Pelekas — scenic west coast with stunning sunsets and more affordable plots and houses.
• Rural villages — inland properties offer privacy, larger gardens and lower prices.

Property Types & Price Ranges

Corfu offers a mix of property types: apartments, renovated stone houses, modern villas, and plots for development. Typical price ranges (indicative):

Property Type	Price Range (EUR)
One-bedroom apartment (Corfu Town)	€80,000 – €180,000
Two/three-bedroom apartment / townhouse	€150,000 – €320,000
Renovated stone house / village home	€180,000 – €450,000
Seafront / premium villas	€450,000 – €2,500,000+
Building plots (near coast)	€60 – €250 / m² depending on location

Note: Prices change with market conditions and seasonality — use this table as a starting point and request up-to-date listings for accurate valuations.

Buying Process for Foreigners

1. Find a property &  make an offer — work with a licensed Greek real estate agent.
2. Preliminary agreement — usually a short contract with a deposit (5–10%).
3. Due diligence — legal checks: title deeds, building permits, debts, town planning, energy certificate.
4. Notary transfer — the Greek notary prepares the final contract; buyer pays the balance and transfer taxes; property is registered.
5. Utilities & registration — connect utilities, register with local municipality and tax office.

Costs, Fees & Taxes

Common transactional costs to budget for:

• Property transfer tax (or VAT depending on new-build vs resale)
• Notary fees (typically 1–2% of property price)
• Lawyer fees (1–2.5%)
• Land registry fees and administrative charges
• Real estate agent commission (commonly 2–3% + VAT)

Golden Visa & Residency Options

Corfu is fully eligible for Greece’s Golden Visa program. Real estate investments starting from €250,000 may qualify the investor and immediate family for a five-year residency permit — renewable while holding the property. For retirees who do not wish to invest at that level, other visa routes such as the income-based D-type or long-stay visas may be available.

Buy-to-Let & Rental Market

Corfu’s tourism economy supports a healthy short-term rental sector. Key considerations:

• High season: May–September (peak nightly rates in July–August)
• Occupancy depends on location and property quality — seaside and town center properties perform best.
• Regulatory compliance: register as a tourist accommodation where required and follow local tax rules.

Practical Tips for Buyers

• Engage a local Greek-speaking lawyer experienced in Corfu transactions.
• Visit in different seasons to assess year-round living conditions.
• Check infrastructure: road access, internet/mobile coverage and proximity to healthcare.
• Verify planning restrictions and olive-tree protections if buying land or renovation projects.

Relocation & Living on Corfu

Corfu has private clinics, a regional hospital with specialist services and seasonal private medical practitioners. International schools and regular ferry/flight connections to Athens and Italy make the island convenient for families and long-term residents.

FAQ

Can non-EU citizens buy property in Corfu? — Yes. Non-EU buyers can purchase property; some sensitive border areas require permission, but most of Corfu is free for acquisition.

Is buying property in Corfu a good investment? — For lifestyle buyers and many investors in the holiday rental market, Corfu remains attractive due to tourism demand. Long-term capital growth varies by location and property quality.

Find properties & local help

We list a rotating selection of vetted Corfu properties and provide full-service support: property search, legal due diligence, renovation management and residency assistance.

Email our Corfu team