Why buy property in Greece?

For anyone looking for a new life abroad, Greece is an excellent option. The country has many advantages and can bring you financial and health benefits. Of course, the Greek lifestyle also attracts many people to buy a house in Greece.

With over 6,000 sun-drenched islands, ancient architecture and a culture steeped in a long and fascinating history, it’s no wonder why tourists flock to Greece every year. But visiting a country is one thing and living there is another. To help you decide whether Greece is a good choice for you to live in, we explore five reasons to move to Greece.

Irresistible culture and language

English speakers will have little trouble settling in, as English is widely spoken in Greece. Although many people, especially young people, speak English, it is important to learn basic phrases and use them to start a conversation.

The simplest phrases, she says, such as “Hello, goodbye, please, and thank you,” are useful to know in any language. To truly integrate into the culture and feel more at home in Greece, it’s always good to learn the local language. You don’t have to be fluent right away, but you can learn many phrases to communicate with the locals. Plus, the Greek language is simply beautiful and is an integral part of the country’s literary culture.

However, language is just one aspect of Greek culture. If you move to Greece, you will certainly enjoy the rich and immersive culture that the country has to offer. With its ancient architecture, religious festivals and cultural events, food, wine and music that are unique to the country, it is no wonder that Greek culture is so beloved by locals, tourists and expats.

Greeks are known for their friendly and hospitable nature, so making friends won’t be too difficult. Wim from Crete says: “Greeks are generally very friendly and outgoing”. She notes that “it’s especially important to make eye contact and say ‘good morning’ when you pass someone when you’re living in a neighbourhood or village”. You can even try it in the big cities if you’ve bought property in Greece here.

Another thing to keep in mind is that: “People can sometimes ask you very pointed questions – ‘are you married’, ‘how much do you earn’, etc. This is normal for Greeks, but sometimes intrusive for other cultures. Answer what you feel comfortable with.

Buying Property in Greece: Affordable Cost of Living

The cost of living varies depending on where you choose to settle in Greece. However, even the major cities in Greece are very affordable, especially compared to other European cities. For example, the overall cost of living in Athens is significantly lower than in Rome or Paris, especially when it comes to rent. And if you are looking to buy a property, Greek property prices are only just starting to recover from a decade of decline, so you could easily make a significant profit in the coming years.

While the general cost of living in Greece is much lower than in other parts of Europe, average local salaries are also lower. The public healthcare system also suffers from a lack of funding and long waiting times, which is why many expats and locals choose to use the country’s private medical facilities instead.

That said, you can still have a high standard of living in Greece. The food is affordable and of course fresh and tasty. Visiting local markets is definitely recommended. Here you can buy fresh produce cheaply.

Excellent cuisine

Greeks do not eat to live, they live to eat. Food is therefore an important part of Greek culture. Every meal is seen as a social event, which means that a lunch or dinner can last for hours, and the more people at the table, the better. Above all, authentic Greek cuisine is extremely tasty. It consists of fresh local ingredients, including Mediterranean vegetables, olive oil, lemon juice, fish, meat and grains.

It’s never hard to find cheap fresh fruit and vegetables in the local supermarkets, and eating out is just as enjoyable, with a wealth of authentic local and international eateries to choose from. Particularly large cities like Athens have a great selection of international restaurants, serving Thai, Vietnamese, Korean and Indian dishes.

Moussaka, fasolatha, koulouri, loukoumades and souvlaki are some of the most popular Greek dishes, but it doesn’t stop there. Make sure to try the local wines and cheeses which are delicious.

Lovely Greek weather

Another reason to buy property in Greece: the weather in Greece is wonderful. With long days and warm evenings, there is no doubt that Greece has a climate that is attractive to expats. Although the weather can vary from place to place, you will always enjoy hot summers and relatively warm winters. Athens is even known as the hottest city in Europe, with average temperatures of 30°C.

Relaxed lifestyle

Greece is known for its laid-back lifestyle, which can be a blessing for those looking for a more relaxed approach to life. “Greeks are not so rushed,” says Patricia. “You can still spontaneously call a friend and meet up. I have a group of friends that I usually meet for ‘coffee’ and it often turns into a six-hour visit! When I lived in the Netherlands, you had to make an appointment weeks in advance for a quick coffee because everyone is so busy,” says Patricia from Corfu.

Greeks place a high value on taking time to enjoy life, but also with their family. So if you’re moving to Greece with children, you’ll be pleased to know that family time is a core part of the Greek way of life.
With a laid-back lifestyle, low cost of living and great weather all year round, it’s easy to see why Greece is a great place to move to.