Buying Property in Greece

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).

How much does it cost to buy property in Greece?

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:

359 000 €

Cottage in Heraklion Prefecture, Greece

247 m²

Residence

Greece. 247 m² cottage in Crete. Heraklion Prefecture. Gorgolaini. Agios Myronas. €359,000 €1,453/m² • Area 247 m² • Plot size 1,460 m² • Location: Agios Myronas (Gorgolaini) | Heraklion Prefecture (Crete) • Number of rooms: 6 • Number of storeys in the building: 4 •...

Europe Gmbh

275 000 €

Cottage in Kavala, Greece

138 m²

Residence

Greece. Kavala suburb. Nea Karvali. Newly built cottage For sale - 138 m² cottage in the Kavala suburb €275,000 €1,993/m² • Property ID 63543 • Area 138 m² • Plot size 360 ​​m² • Region: Kavala suburb • Location: Nea Karvali (Kavala) | Kavala Prefecture (Macedonia) •...

Europe Gmbh

280 000 €

Flat in Thessaloniki, Greece

72 m²

Residence

Greece. 72 m² apartment in the city center of Thessaloniki. Greece, Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki Municipality, City Center, Ladadika €280,000 €3,889/m² • Property ID: 66612 • Area: 72 m² • Region: Thessaloniki • Location: Ladadika (Thessaloniki City Center) | Thessaloniki Municipality...

Europe Gmbh

280 000 €

Apartment in Chania Prefecture, Greece

88 m² 2 2 1

Residence Rental property

The project is consisted two bedroom apartments and 3 bedroom junior villas. Many units enjoy unobstructed magnificent sea view, yet are just few meters away from the sandy beach of Maleme, built with the Mediterranean style. AII amenities and facilities are next door, including 5* hotels, restaurants and local taverns, bars and cafes,...

GLYFADA GOLF PROPERTIES IKE

220 000 €

Apartment in Thessaloniki, Greece

90 m²

Greece. For sale - Apartment of 90 m2 in Thessaloniki 220 000 € Agia Triada (Faliro - Hippocratio) Object code 59307 Area 90 m2 Number of floors in the building 5th Floor 4 Year of renovation 2024 Distance from the sea 250 m Distance to the airport 10 km Number of rooms 4 Type of heating gas Elevator Double glazing Apartment for sale with an...

Europe Gmbh

340 000 €

Cottage in Thessaloniki, Greece

100 m²

Greece. 100 m² cottage in the suburbs of Thessaloniki. Thessaloniki Suburbs. Epanomi. Mesimeri. €340,000 €3,400/m² • Property ID: 66996 • Area: 100 m² • Plot size: 4,000 m² • Region: Thessaloniki suburbs • Location: Mesimeri (Epanomi) | Thessaloniki Suburbs • Number of...

Europe Gmbh

865 000 €

Flat in Greece

146 m² 4 3 3

Residence

ID 4718. An exclusive 2-storey, 3-bedroom villa located within the premium coastal residential development Maleme Beach Villas on the island of Crete, Greece. This off-plan property is an ideal choice for permanent residency, luxury vacations, or high-yield rental investments, fully qualifying for the Greek Golden Visa program. Key Highlights:...

OXE CAPITAL

580 000 €

Flat in Thessaloniki, Greece

113 m²

Greece. New duplex apartment of 155 m2 in the city of Thessaloniki. 580 000 € Nea Krini (Kalamaria) Object code 59985 Area 155 m2 Number of floors in the building 6 Floor 5 Year of construction 2025 Distance from the sea 700 m Distance to the airport 10 km Number of rooms 5 Heating Parking Elevator Storage room Underfloor heating Double glazing...

Europe Gmbh

137 000 €

Flat in Thessaloniki, Greece

38 m²

Residence

Greece. 37 m² Apartment in Thessaloniki €138,000 • Property ID: 65429 • Area: 37 m² • Region: Thessaloniki • Location: Agia Triada (Faliro - Ippokratio) | Municipality of Thessaloniki • Number of rooms: 2 • Number of floors in the building: 7 • Year of construction: 1960 •...

Europe Gmbh

120 000 €

Apartment in Thessaloniki, Greece

76 m²

Rental property

Greece. For Sale - 76 m2 Apartment in Thessaloniki / 120,000 € Eptalofos (Ampelokipoi) Object code 46219 About 6.00% Area 76 m2 Floor 3 Year of construction 2008 Year of renovation 2020 Distance from the sea 1500 m Distance to the airport 20 km Number of rooms 3 Type of heating gas Storage Double glazing Apartment for sale with an area of 76...

Europe Gmbh

192 000 €

Flat in Gouves, Greece

47 m²

Residence

Greece. Gouves. 47 m² Apartment in Crete Greece, Crete, Heraklion Prefecture, Gouves, Kato Gouves €192,000 €4,085/m² • Property ID: 67189 • Area: 47 m² • Region: Crete • Location: Kato Gouves (Gouves) | Heraklion Prefecture (Crete) • Number of floors in the building: 2 •...

Europe Gmbh

600 000 €

Apartment in Athens, Greece

123 m²

Residence Rental property

Greece. For sale - 123 m2 Apartment in Athens 600,000 € Object code 60452 Area 123 m2 Location of Varkiza (Vari - Varkiza) | Athens - South (Attica) Number of rooms 4 Year of construction: 2001 Number of rooms: 4 Type of heating: diesel fuel Bathrooms: 1 Bedrooms: 3 Toilets: 1 Distance from the sea: 150 m Distance to the airport: 20 km Elevator...

Europe Gmbh

620 000 €

Villa in Agios Nikolaos, Greece

223 m² 3 3

Residence

The villa is located near the village of Istron, famous for its picturesque coves and sandy beaches. Istron is a protected area, due to the slope of the plot, the villa is located on a hill, offering a beautiful panoramic view of the sea. The ground floor of 69 m2 includes a large living room with a fireplace, a kitchen and a guest bathroom...

NF Group

1 400 000 €

Villa in Thessaloniki, Greece

350 m²

Residence Rental property

Greece. Epanomi. Villa of 350 m2 in the suburbs of Thessaloniki. 1,400,000 € 2-storey villa with an area of 350 sq.m. for sale in the suburbs of Thessaloniki. The ground floor consists of one bedroom, a living room, 2 storerooms. The ground floor consists of 4 bedrooms, a living room with a kitchen, 2 bathrooms, 2 toilets, and one office. The...

Europe Gmbh

920 000 €

Villa in Chalkidiki, Greece

240 m² 6 4 3

Residence Online Viewing Remote Transaction

Spacious Villa with Panoramic Sea View | Nea Moudania, Chalkidiki A luxurious three-storey villa in one of the most popular regions of Chalkidiki. The house combines a spacious layout, modern comfort after a full renovation, and beautiful views of the sea and surrounding nature. This villa is ideal for permanent residence, family holidays, or...

Invest Cafe

3 400 000 €

Villa in Agios Nikolaos, Greece

600 m²

Residence

Greece. 600 m² villa in Crete €3,400,000 Katsikia (Agios Nikolaos) Property ID 51148 Area: 600 m² Plot size: 3,500 m² Distance from the sea: 2,300 m Distance to the nearest town: 4 km Main villa: 400 m², plot size: 3,500 m²: Ground floor: 1 living room with kitchen and dining area, 1 toilet. 1st...

Europe Gmbh

650 000 €

Cottage in Rethymno prefecture, Greece

178 m²

Residence

Greece. Crete. Rethymno. Pigi. Cottage. For Sale - Cottage 170 m² on Crete Greece, Crete, Rethymno Prefecture, Arkadi, Pigi €650,000 €3,824/m² • Property ID 6214 • Area 170 m² • Plot size 1,768 m² • Location: Pigi (Arkadi) | Rethymno Prefecture (Crete) • Number of rooms: 5 • Number of...

Europe Gmbh

145 000 €

Flat in Thessaloniki, Greece

90 m²

Residence

Greece. 90 m² apartment in Thessaloniki Municipality of Xirokrini - Panagia Faneromeni. €145,000 €1,611/m² • Property ID: 66633 • Area: 90 m² • Location: Xirokrini (Xirokrini - Panagia Faneromeni) • Number of rooms: 3 • Number of floors in the building: 4 • Year built: 1972...

Europe Gmbh

60 000 €

Cottage on Corfu, Greece

74 m²

Residence

Greece. 74 m² townhouse on the island of Corfu. Price: 60,000 euros. Corfu, Korission. • Property ID: 67191 • Type: Townhouse • Area: 74 m² • Region: Corfu • Location: Korission (Corfu) | Corfu Prefecture (Ionian Islands) • Number of rooms: 2 • Levels: 2 • Bathrooms: 1...

Europe Gmbh

11 500 000 €

Villa in Greece

687 m² 10 9 10

Residence

Discover an ultra-exclusive sanctuary on the sun-drenched shores of South Evia. Diamond Villas redefine Mediterranean luxury, pairing a rare 0-meter beachfront position with uncompromising architectural scale. Set within a private estate format, each residence spans 687 sq.m. of exquisite interior living, complemented by a 225 sq.m. panoramic...

Maija Software

See more 852 similar properties

About buying property in Greece

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.

Real estate taxes and fees in Greece

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.

Photo by Lydia Gulinkina on Unsplash

Quoting conditions of Prianproperty.com materials