Real estate
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11 best places to invest in Greek real estate: for living, renting out, or long-term gain

In 2024, foreign nationals accounted for 80—85% of all real estate transactions in Greece, purchasing property worth €2.75 billion. This is not driven by chance or casual tourism, but by sound financial reasoning. 

Greece’s appeal lies in its relatively low property prices, robust rental returns, persistent demand throughout the year, and a steady climb in asset value.

In this guide, we dissect what makes Greece’s real estate market tick — and where savvy buyers should look to benefit from its momentum.

Elena Kozyreva
Author • Elena Kozyreva

Guided through the Greek real estate market

Fact checked byZlata Erlach

Reviewed byVladlena Baranova

Greece real estate for investment

11 best places to invest in Greek real estate: for living, renting out, or long-term gain

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7 reasons why Greece is a top destination for real estate purchase

1. Price for every pocket. In 2025, the average property price in Greece stands at €2,600 per m². However, Greece’s real estate market offers a remarkably wide price range.

From modest village homes under €600 per m² to cliffside villas above €7,000 per m², Greece’s real estate market spans nearly every price point. You can enter the market whether you’re investing €80,000 or €1.5 million.

2. Reliable price growth. Property values in Greece rise steadily, averaging 7—9% per year. Cities like Athens and Thessaloniki often beat the national average. 

3. Impressive rental returns. Long-term leases on average yield 4.5% gross, or 3.5—5% net, with peaks up to 10%. Short-term rentals in tourist areas can yield 7—12% with effective management.

4. Tourism-powered demand. In 2024, around 35 million tourists visited Greece — 7% more than the year before — bringing in about €22 billion in tourism spending. That visitor flow fuels year-round demand for rental accommodation — especially short-stay apartments and villas.

5. Elite appeal. Greece attracted 1,200 millionaires in 2024, placing it among Europe’s top three relocation spots for the wealthy. Their presence lifts demand — and values — in premium locations.

6. Secure ownership. Greece provides EU-level legal protection for property owners, including clear title rights and a transparent land registry system called the National Cadastre. This modern, digital system replaces the old mortgage offices. It records ownership, boundaries, and any legal claims. Once a property is registered, ownership is final.

Aligned with EU e-Justice protocols, the Cadastre follows EU standards, supports cross-border access, and offers maps and records in Greek and English — making title checks easier for international buyers.

7. Path to residency and Schengen access. By investing at least €250,000 in Greek real estate, non-EU citizens can obtain a residence permit. It grants visa-free access to the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

The investment can generate attractive returns — up to 10% annually from long-term rentals or 4—5% through property funds. While continuous ownership is required, investors are free to sell and reinvest in another qualifying property without losing their residency rights.

The permit also extends to family members, including a spouse, children under 21, and both sets of parents. 

After 7 years of legal residency, the entire family becomes eligible for Greek citizenship. Once passports are issued, the property can be sold without affecting citizenship status.

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Things to know before buying real estate in Greece

Before you sign anything, here’s what matters most — and why.

Due Diligence. Buying property in Greece is safe — if you do it right. That starts with Due Diligence: confirming that the title is clean, the seller is authorised to sell, and the land isn’t encumbered by liens or zoning issues. 

A good local lawyer is essential. They’ll check contracts, scan for legal red flags, and handle registration with the land registry or Cadastre.

If you buy property for residency through Immigrant Invest, our team will guide you every step of the way — from choosing the right property to getting your residence permit.

Taxes. When you buy property in Greece, there are a few key taxes to consider. If you’re buying a resale, you’ll pay a 3.09% transfer tax.

Elena Kozyreva

Elena Kozyreva,

Managing Director for Real Estate projects

If you’re buying a newly built property from a developer, the standard tax is 24% VAT. However, most developers now choose a temporary VAT suspension, which means you pay the lower 3.09% transfer tax instead. This reduced rate applies to most new homes until the end of 2025.

Here’s what else to expect:

  • 1.5% — legal fee;

  • 0.5% — cadastral registration fee;

  • 0.3% — engineer’s fee.

In total, expect to add about 5.5% to your purchase price. For example, for a €400,000 home, that’s roughly €22,000 in extra costs.

Mortgages. Greek residents can borrow up to 70% of a property’s appraised value. For non-resident foreigners, the cap is 65%, at least at Eurobank. The one bureaucratic prerequisite: a Greek tax number.

Loan durations stretch to 30 years at Eurobank and 25 years at Alpha Bank, provided the borrower is under 75 when the loan ends.

Interest rates fall into two broad categories:

  1. Floating: 3 to 7.5%, tethered to market fluctuations.

  2. Fixed: start at 2.9%, available for fixed terms of 3 to 20 years.

Greek housing market overview. The Greek property market showed no signs of cooling in early 2025. In the first quarter, housing prices rose by 8.8% year-on-year and 3.1% over the previous quarter. Rents followed suit, climbing 6.7% annually and 3.7% quarter-on-quarter.

Roughly 1 in 5 foreign buyers opt for a hybrid model: a holiday home that serves as a short-term rental during the tourist season. They prefer the following types of properties:

  • villas on sun-drenched islands such as Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete;

  • seafront townhouses in established resort areas like Corfu and Rhodes;

  • chic apartments along the Athens Riviera, especially in Glyfada and Vouliagmeni.

Meanwhile, nearly half of all international purchases are driven by investment alone. These buyers target modern or newly renovated flats in Athens, Thessaloniki, and fast-growing suburbs. The draw is stable rental yields paired with long-term capital appreciation.

Real estate price growth in Greece

Golden Visa requirements. The Greek Golden Visa grants residency in exchange for real estate investment. A €250,000 minimum applies if the property is bought for renovation, including repurposing older buildings — provided the work is finished before applying. Another option is to restore preserved historic buildings. In this case, the renovation must be completed by the first permit renewal, 5 years after approval.

Property buyers can benefit from Greece’s Renovate-and-Rent program. It’s a government-backed effort to increase affordable rentals by helping owners upgrade older homes. Eligible renovation costs are capped at €13,500 per property, with 60% subsidised by the state — a maximum grant of €8,100.

For off-plan or move-in-ready properties, the bar is higher:

  • €400,000 for a single property of at least 120 m² in provincial areas;

  • €800,000 for the same in prime zones — Athens and its suburbs, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and any island with over 3,100 residents.

Short-term rentals are banned under the new Golden Visa terms. Only long-term leases are permitted. Properties bought under the old rules — before August 31st, 2024 — are still eligible for short lets.

Individual cost calculation for residence by investment in Greece

Individual cost calculation for residence by investment in Greece

Regional navigation of best places to buy property in Greece

The best place to buy property in Greece depends on what you’re after: rising property values, solid rental income, or reliable year-round demand. The geography is generous, but the logic varies by location.

Here’s a region-by-region breakdown of Greece’s top property markets — and what makes each one tick:

  1. Athens and the Athens Riviera: The epicentre of long-term rentals, with strong local demand and steady yields.

  2. Thessaloniki: The country’s fastest-growing real estate market, fuelled by development and urban renewal.

  3. Mykonos: Stars of the short-term rental scene, with sky-high seasonal returns.

  4. Santorini: The graceful runner-up — equally dreamy, with strong returns and more accessible entry prices.

  5. Crete: The favourite among international buyers, offering scale, stability, and lifestyle.

  6. Rhodes: A close second to Crete in buyer popularity, with a strong mix of tourism and heritage.

  7. Corfu: Leads in off-season tourism growth — ideal for those chasing year-round occupancy.

  8. Peloponnese: A magnet for yacht owners, thanks to its marinas and maritime charm.

  9. Western Macedonia: Delivers standout value for renovation, with low entry costs and growth potential.

  10. Secondary Cyclades and Sporades: Consistently high occupancy rates, even outside peak summer.

  11. Thassos: Greece’s most affordable island market — entry-level prices, postcard views.

Best locations for property investment in Greece

1. Athens and the Athens Riviera — highest long-term rental demand

Why invest. Athens is one of Europe’s most active rental markets. Vacancy sits at just 6% — meaning nearly every rental home is occupied. Rents rose by 8—9% in early 2025, well above the national pace. In the broader Attica region, tenants now pay around €980 per month — more than twice the national average. In central neighbourhoods like Kolonaki and Pagrati, a one-bedroom flat fetches €900—1,100. 

Investors can expect gross yields between 6 and 9%, a healthy return by European standards.

Lifestyle and location. Athens blends year-round tourism with academic and remote work appeal. Districts like Koukaki and Mets are magnets for short- and long-term tenants alike.

Just south, the Athens Riviera stretches from Palaio Faliro to Cape Sounion. It looks like a resort but lives like a suburb. Glyfada and Vouliagmeni offer marina views, beach clubs, and proximity to the city — all in one zip code.

Major upgrades are underway: a metro line extension, the Hellinikon coastal redevelopment, and local beautification projects. These aren’t just cosmetic — they’re boosting liveability and property values at the same time.

Prices. Athens is still affordable — but that’s changing. Average home prices climbed 7.6% year-on-year. On the Athens Riviera, prices rose even faster — 10.9% in Q1 2025.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • €2,500 per m² — citywide average;

  • €4,200 per m² — Glyfada;

  • €7,400 per m² — Vouliagmeni.

That means a 3-bedroom flat in central Athens might cost €220,000, while a similar home by the sea could be €360,000 or more.

Real estate in Athens

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Greece, Athens

€1,600,000+

Comfortable apartments on the coast of Athens, Greece
square icon385 m²
bed icon4
bathroom icon4
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Greece, Athens

€2,250,000 — €3,950,000

Three townhouses in the seaside area of Athens
square icon281 m² — 664 m²

2. Thessaloniki — highest property price growth

Why invest. No Greek city has seen property prices rise faster than Thessaloniki. Values jumped 12.1% in 2024, and over 83% since 2019. If your strategy includes capital gains, this can be your city.

Rental yields are equally compelling. Like Athens, Thessaloniki offers gross returns of up to 9% — driven by steady demand from students, digital nomads, and tourists. However, rental prices remain accessible. One can rent a 50 m² flat for as little as €220 in the suburbs, or pay up to €990 for a central luxury unit.

Lifestyle and location. Greece’s second-largest city is more than a rising market — it’s a hub. With 150,000+ students, a busy seaport, international airport, and a new metro system, Thessaloniki is positioned for long-term growth.

Investors prefer:

  • Ano Poli, for its heritage charm and tourist traffic;

  • Kalamaria, a suburb ideal for families;

  • Nea Paralia, where premium seafront homes attract global buyers.

Prices. In May 2025, average asking prices across the Thessaloniki region hit €2,215 per m². That puts:

  • a 2-bedroom flat at €150,000—160,000;

  • a 3-bedroom unit in the centre at €280,000—300,000.

Thessaloniki connects the dots between affordability, culture, and mobility — and that’s a rare trio in real estate.

Real estate in Thessaloniki

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Greece, Thessaloniki

€979,000+

Comfortable apartments with 4 bedrooms, Ntepo, Thessaloniki
square icon208 m²
bed icon4
bathroom icon3
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Greece, Thessaloniki

€845,000+

Elegant maisonette with 4 bedrooms, Kalamaria, Thessaloniki
square icon206 m²
bed icon4
bathroom icon2
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Greece, Thessaloniki

€824,000+

Large Maisonette with 4 bedrooms, Thermi, Thessaloniki
square icon198 m²
bed icon4
bathroom icon3

3. Mykonos — highest rental yields

Why invest. If you’re after short-term rental income, few places in Europe deliver like Mykonos. Occupancy rates in season are 75—80%.

Prime properties earn 7—12% gross, with luxury villas peaking at 15—18% during high season.

Daily rental rates speak for themselves — €300 per night.

Lifestyle and location. Mykonos is the playground of the jet set: helipads, marinas, and villas with infinity pools. Over 60% of villa sales now go to foreign buyers, many of whom run boutique hotels or rent luxury homes to partygoers and yachters.

Prices. Per m² prices range from modest to eye-watering, depending on location and view:

  • €2,000 to 4,000 — in quieter inland areas;

  • €5,900 to 8,000 — on the Mykonos waterfront;

  • €11,000 — at the top end of the Mykonos market.

In Mykonos, the arithmetic of exclusivity becomes clear. A 50 m² one-bedroom flat averages €379,000, while a mid-range 150 m² villa comes in around €975,000. This is the premium paid for brand-name glamour and limited coastline.

Real estate in Mykonos

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Greece, Mykonos

€1,400,000+

Hotel on the picturesque island
square icon180 m²
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Greece, Mykonos

€1,200,000+

House in traditional style, Kalafati, Mykonos
square icon177 m²
bed icon5
bathroom icon4
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Greece, Mykonos

€700,000+

Traditional Maisonette, Korfos, Mykonos
square icon117 m²
bed icon3
bathroom icon2

4. Santorini — second highest rental yields

Why invest. Santorini remains one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations for short-term rental investors — and for good reason. With seasonal occupancy rates that rival Mykonos, often hitting 75—80%, the island delivers both charm and consistent returns.

Boutique stays in postcard-perfect villages like Imerovigli and Oia can bring in impressive net yields of up to 10%. On average, hosts earn around €160 per night, with gross returns ranging from 5—9%.

Lifestyle and location. Santorini draws a quieter crowd than Mykonos: honeymooners, photographers, and history lovers. Its famous cave houses and whitewashed villas sell out all summer, and demand for premium rentals never really disappears.

If you want an asset that doubles as a business — and a view that sells itself — Santorini delivers.

Prices. Per m² prices show little variation across areas:

  • €2,000 to 4,000 — in quieter inland areas;

  • €4,600 to 5,500 — along the Santorini coast.

Santorini, though still pricey, offers gentler numbers than Mykonos. A 1-bedroom flat costs about €232,000. A 120 m² luxury villa with a caldera view — that is, a front-row seat to Santorini’s ancient volcanic crater — runs close to €660,000.

Real estate in Santorini

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Greece, Santorini

€450,000 — €550,000

Mediterranean style villa next to the sea in Santorini with guaranteed rent
square icon83 m² — 94 m²
bed icon3
bathroom icon1
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Greece, Santorini

€1,350,000+

Detached house in modern style, Thira, Santorini
square icon186 m²
bed icon4
bathroom icon5
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Greece, Santorini

€990,000+

Detached house in traditional style, Oia, Santorini
square icon152 m²
bed icon6
bathroom icon3

Why invest. Crete isn’t just Greece’s largest island — it’s also its most popular among foreign buyers. In 2024, it ranked #1 in overseas demand, with German, Dutch, and French investors leading the charge. French purchases alone rose 79% year-on-year.

In 2024, regions like Chania saw property prices rise by 9.6%, a signal of growing demand and solid prospects — for both rental income and long-term capital gain. The appeal is a mix of affordability, variety, and earning potential. Crete welcomed over 5 million visitors in 2025, ensuring high occupancy for both holiday rentals and long-term lets.

Rental returns are solid:

  • Short-term yields: 5—8% in summer, with nightly rates from €60—150.

  • Long-term yields: 3—5%, rising to 5.2—6.8% in coastal and university areas.

Lifestyle and location. Crete is big — but not overwhelming. You can drive from snowy mountains to palm-lined beaches in two hours. The north hosts lively cities like Heraklion and Chania, while the south offers vineyards, caves, and secluded bays.

There are two international airports, strong ferry links, and well-kept roads. Year-round access makes it ideal not just for vacations, but for relocation or retirement too.

The real estate mix is as diverse as the island itself: from seafront villas in Elounda to cave houses in Rethymno and rural plots for custom homes.

If you want lifestyle plus income — and the freedom to choose between a mountain view and a sunset over the sea — Crete offers both.

Prices. By the second quarter of 2025, the average asking price across Crete stood at €1,900 per m². Premium villas, however, fetch more than double that — around €4,200 per m² — reflecting their size, views, and appeal to international buyers.

As for concrete numbers:

  • typical 50 m² one-bedroom flat costs about €93,000;

  • 120 m² detached house averages €201,000.

Real estate in Crete

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Greece, Heraklion

€1,000,000+

Villa in luxury style, Iraklion
square icon432 m²
bed icon5
bathroom icon5
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Greece, Heraklion

€550,000+

Modern apartments on Crete
square icon100 m²
bed icon3
bathroom icon1
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Greece, Heraklion

€300,000+

Villa with unique architecture on Crete
square icon78 m²
bed icon2
bathroom icon2

Why invest. Rhodes ranks just behind Crete in both tourist arrivals and foreign buyer interest, firmly placing it among the best islands for property investment in Greece. In 2024, Rhodes welcomed approximately 3.5 million visitors, making it the second-most visited destination in Greece.

Long-term rental yields in Rhodes range from 4.4 to 5.8%, while in popular tourist hotspots like Lindos and Faliraki, investors often see gross returns of 5—8% during the peak season.

Lifestyle and location. From the sandy coves of Anthony Quinn Bay to pine forests, olive groves, and winding mountain trails, Rhodes offers a four-season lifestyle that extends well beyond summer.

The island is also well connected. Year-round flights link Rhodes to major European cities, while one of the eastern Mediterranean’s busiest ferry ports provides routes to the Dodecanese and mainland Greece. Its compact geography is another asset: beaches, villages, and the airport all lie within a 60-kilometre coastal ring, keeping most drives under 90 minutes.

The island appeals to multiple buyer types:

  • retirees and lifestyle buyers favour coastal flats and townhouses;

  • boutique hoteliers target central homes for guesthouse conversions;

  • HNWIs pick Faliraki and Lindos for high-end seaside living;

  • mid-market buyers from Greece and the Balkans focus on family homes near Kalavarda, Kiotari, and Kremasti.

Prices. The island-wide average asking price in Rhodes stands at €2,370 per m². 

Inland homes in villages like Archangelos can cost €1,700—2,100 per m². Prices rise to €3,000—5,000 per m² in Rhodes Old Town and seaside resorts, while luxury waterfront villas in marina areas can reach up to €10,000 per m².

In Rhodes, foreign investors can buy property at the following price points:

  • €90,000—140,000 for a 1-bedroom flat in central area;

  • €260,000—320,000 for a 2-bedroom apartment in the town centre;

  • €350,000—1.2 million for detached villas in sought-after locations like Faliraki and Lindos.

Real estate in Rhodes

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Greece, Rhodes

€470,000+

Large house with 3 bedrooms, Afandou, Afantou, Rhodes
square icon200 m²
bed icon3
bathroom icon3
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Greece, Rhodes

€300,000+

Comfortable house with 3 bedrooms, Afantou, Rhodes
square icon400 m²
bed icon3
bathroom icon2

7. Corfu — strongest off-peak travel growth

Why invest. Corfu stands out for one reason few islands can claim: year-round demand. In 2024, it posted the strongest off-season growth in Europe, with flight volumes up 23.7% versus pre-pandemic levels. 

Occupancy averages 62—72% annually, and hits 85—90% in summer. That kind of stability makes it ideal for both short- and long-term lets.

Typical rental income and yields in Corfu

Rental type

Long-term rental

Average yield

3.3—3.7%

Typical rent

€420—860 per month

Rental type

Short-term rental

Average yield

5—8%

Typical rent

€60—150 per night

Rental type

Average yield

Typical rent

Long-term rental

3.3—3.7%

€420—860 per month

Short-term rental

5—8%

€60—150 per night

Lifestyle and location. Green hills, blue water, and more than 300 days of sunshine. Corfu offers year-round ferry routes, two international airports, and scenery straight out of a travel ad. 

But this island isn’t just for snapshots. It attracts:

  • retirees who want low-maintenance coastal living;

  • digital nomads who need stable infrastructure;

  • short-let investors who thrive on seasonal travel trends.

You’ll find everything from luxury villas to compact city apartments — and the infrastructure to support both. Corfu sells lifestyle, but backs it up with numbers.

Prices. As of Q1 2025, the average asking price for residential property in the Corfu Prefecture stood at €2,220 per m². But location, as always, makes a difference: in Corfu Town, prices climbed to €2,990 per m².

The numbers bear this out:

  • A 1-bedroom flat in the city centre costs around €175,000.

  • The same apartment outside the centre averages €153,000.

  • For more space, a 3-bedroom flat in the heart of the city runs approximately €275,000.

Best areas to buy property in Greece: Corfu

A share in a 4-star hotel worth €250,000+ is available for purchase, just a 30-minute drive from Corfu’s famous Canal d’Amour

8. Peloponnese — the best destination for yacht enthusiasts

Why invest. If you’re drawn to the water, Porto Cheli is Greece’s yachting sweet spot. Nestled in a pine-covered bay on the Argolis coast of the Peloponenese, it’s surrounded by five islands — Spetses, Hydra, Poros, Aegina, and Methana — all within 55 km. This makes it one of the best places in Greece for a marina-side second home.

The marina itself offers 600+ berths, year-round staff, and full refit services. You can dock anything from a Riva to a 30-metre yacht — and be in Athens or Mykonos by sunset.

Lifestyle and location. Unlike the islands, the Peloponnese is a four-season destination. You can sail in summer, hike among spring wildflowers, harvest olives in autumn, and even ski in winter.

Infrastructure helps:

  • New highways cut drive time from Athens by nearly 40%.

  • Most towns are within two hours of an airport or port.

  • The Corinth Canal and E65/E75 motorways connect coast to coast.

For buyers who want marina access and mainland convenience, the Peloponnese offers both — with fewer tourists and more flexibility.

Prices. In May 2025, the regional average across the Peloponnese was €1,679 per m², up 9.2% year-on-year. But local prices vary:

  • €1,000 — Ilia;

  • €1,000 to 1,500 — Kalamata;

  • €1,560 to 2,580 — Nafplio;

  • €2,310 — Argolis;

In Porto Cheli, villas with private docks and direct sea access begin at around €1.2 million and can exceed €4 million, reflecting their scarcity and maritime appeal. Seafront apartments and smaller homes — often within steps of the marina or beach — range from €250,000 to 1 million, offering a more accessible path to the same coastal setting.

best places to buy property in greece

Across the Peloponnese, residential properties generate gross rental yields of 5 to 7%

9. Western Macedonia — highest renovation-value potential among rural properties

Why invest. If your strategy is buy low, renovate smart, sell high — Western Macedonia fits the model. Properties here sell for €500—800 per m², but post-renovation values often reach €1,800—2,500 per m². That’s a potential markup of 130—185%.

Even basic upgrades — new kitchen, bathroom, insulation — can add 50—75% in resale value. 

You can also tap into Greece’s Renovate-to-Rent programme: a state-backed subsidy of up to €8,100 per property, designed to encourage affordable housing upgrades for rental use.

Lifestyle and location. The region is 2—3 hours by car from Thessaloniki, via modern highways. Internet and mobile infrastructure is strong enough for remote work, and the area already hosts agribusinesses and cross-border traders.

What’s it like to live here:

  • Winter: ski at Vasilitsa or Seli;

  • Spring to autumn: hike the Voidomatis Gorge, sail Lake Kastoria, or go fishing and foraging.

Buyers include farming families, energy professionals, and urban escapees looking for weekend retreats or boutique rental projects.

Prices. In Q1 2025, this was the most affordable region in Greece:

  • €518 per m² in Kastoria;

  • €625 per m² in Kozani;

  • €673 per m² in Florina;

  • €769 per m² in Grevena.

In other words, you can buy a 100 m² stone house here for the price of a 1-bedroom flat in Athens.

Best locations to buy property in greece

Kastoria offers long-term rental yields of 4—6%. Mountain chalets and lakeside cottages command 5—8% gross in winter

10. Secondary Cyclades and Sporades — highest summer occupancy among emerging island clusters

Why invest. If you want to ride the tourist wave — without paying Mykonos prices — this is the place. In 2024:

  • Naxos and Ios topped 90% summer occupancy;

  • The Sporades — Skopelos, Skiathos, Alonissos, and Skyros — reached nearly 100%.

Short-term holiday rentals in these regions generated gross yields of 6—8%, with Paros averaging a robust 7.1%. Average daily rates ranged from €80 to 140, underpinned by consistent peak-season bookings.

For long-term rentals, yields are more modest but still rational — 3 to 5% across both island groups, depending on location and unit size.

Prices. Across the Secondary Cyclades, property prices cluster in a middle band — €2,100 to 2,500 per m² — making the region accessible to lifestyle buyers and investors alike.

Average property prices by location and type

Island

Tinos and Kimolos

70 m² flat

€84,000

150 m² villa

€180,000

Island

Regional average

70 m² flat

€147,000—210,000

150 m² villa

€315,000—450,000

Island

Paros

70 m² flat

€210,000

150 m² villa

Up to €450,000

Island

70 m² flat

150 m² villa

Tinos and Kimolos

€84,000

€180,000

Regional average

€147,000—210,000

€315,000—450,000

Paros

€210,000

Up to €450,000

Lifestyle and location. These islands are quieter than their famous cousins but not cut off. You’ll find:

  • Ferries and charter flights to Paros, Naxos, and Skiathos;

  • Well-kept roads, mobile networks, and utilities;

  • Tourism rules that favour eco-travel and low-density building — especially in Alonissos, which houses Europe’s largest marine protected area.

Expect guests who value hiking, sailing, and serenity. And a buyer pool of digital nomads, Athenian weekenders, and foreign investors who want returns without a beachfront party scene.

Best real estate locations in Greece

Alonissos, located in Europe’s largest marine reserve, is subject to strict building rules. As a result, only 80 to 100 properties are sold each year, keeping supply tightly limited

11. Thassos — the cheapest Greek island to buy property

Why invest. Thassos is Greece’s most affordable island market — and that alone makes it worth a look. Inland homes go for as little as €1,200 per m², with villas averaging around €1,900 per m². That’s 28% below the national average.

It’s not just cheap — it earns:

  • Short-term rentals generate 5—7% gross yields, with summer occupancy at 70—80%;

  • Long-term yields sit around 3.5—4.5%, with rents of €350—450 per month for 50—70 m² homes;

  • Nightly rates: €30 to 60 — modest, but dependable.

Lifestyle and location. Thassos is 30 minutes by ferry from Kavala, with paved roads linking all major villages. It’s compact, green, and calm.

This is not a party island. It’s preferred by:

  • Remote professionals who want clean air and stable Wi-Fi;

  • Families and retirees looking for long-term simplicit;

  • Athenian weekenders escaping the heat.

The local economy is rooted in fishing, olive oil, and marble — which keeps the vibe grounded and the views intact.

If you want a steady rental market, low overheads, and a real sense of place — Thassos delivers.

Prices. On Thassos, the average property price hovers around €1,867 per m² — roughly 28% below the national average. The island offers a spectrum of options, from compact coastal flats to spacious villas, all at prices that appeal to value-conscious buyers:

  • In Thassos Town, a 420 m² villa is listed at €760,000 — a sizeable footprint at a relatively modest per-metre rate.

  • In Limenaria, the market favours smaller flats and maisonettes, averaging around €1,600 per m². 

  • For even lower prices, Potos and Skala Panagia offer properties in the €1,200 to 1,400 per m² range.

cheapest property investment in greece

With its pine-covered hills, golden beaches, marble quarries, and scenic hiking trails, Thassos is often called the “Emerald Isle” of the North Aegean

Greece property market comparison by region

There is a stark but rational spread in property values across Greece. On the high end, Mykonos leads with an average price of €7,000 per m², nearly triple the national average, yet offers short-term yields of up to 18%, reflecting the island’s unmatched seasonal demand. At the opposite extreme, Western Macedonia averages just €650 per m², offering affordability and yields of 5—7%, albeit with far less tourist traffic.

For investors focused on long-term rental income, Athens, Rhodes, and the Peloponnese stand out with yields reaching or exceeding 8%, while lifestyle buyers tend to favour the Athens Riviera or Corfu, where capital appreciation and steady demand outweigh immediate returns. 

Meanwhile, Thassos and the Secondary Cyclades and Sporades offer a balance of affordability, seasonal popularity, and mid-range yields — ideal for buyers seeking value without sacrificing performance.

Regional property price trends across Greece

Region

Mykonos

Average property price per m²

€7,000

Average price for a 70 m² apartment

€490,000

Average rental price for 70 m² apartment

€840

Long-term rental yields

4—6%

Short-term rental yields

7—18%

Region

Santorini

Average property price per m²

€5,000

Average price for a 70 m² apartment

€350,000

Average rental price for 70 m² apartment

€700

Long-term rental yields

4—5%

Short-term rental yields

6—8%

Region

Athens Riviera

Average property price per m²

€4,200

Average price for a 70 m² apartment

€294,000

Average rental price for 70 m² apartment

€1,400

Long-term rental yields

4—6%

Short-term rental yields

7—9%

Region

Athens

Average property price per m²

€2,500

Average price for a 70 m² apartment

€175,000

Average rental price for 70 m² apartment

€780

Long-term rental yields

3.7—8.2%

Short-term rental yields

7—11%

Region

Secondary Cyclades and Sporades

Average property price per m²

€2,400

Average price for a 70 m² apartment

€168,000

Average rental price for 70 m² apartment

€560

Long-term rental yields

4—5%

Short-term rental yields

6—8%

Region

Rhodes

Average property price per m²

€2,370

Average price for a 70 m² apartment

€166,000

Average rental price for 70 m² apartment

€560

Long-term rental yields

4.4—8%

Short-term rental yields

6—8%

Region

Thessaloniki

Average property price per m²

€2,220

Average price for a 70 m² apartment

€154,000

Average rental price for 70 m² apartment

€700

Long-term rental yields

4—5%

Short-term rental yields

7—9%

Region

Corfu

Average property price per m²

€2,220

Average price for a 70 m² apartment

€154,000

Average rental price for 70 m² apartment

€545

Long-term rental yields

3.3—3.7%

Short-term rental yields

5—8%

Region

Crete

Average property price per m²

€1,900

Average price for a 70 m² apartment

€133,000

Average rental price for 70 m² apartment

€615

Long-term rental yields

3—6.8%

Short-term rental yields

5—8%

Region

Thassos

Average property price per m²

€1,870

Average price for a 70 m² apartment

€131,000

Average rental price for 70 m² apartment

€420

Long-term rental yields

3.5—4.5%

Short-term rental yields

5—7%

Region

Peloponnese

Average property price per m²

€1,680

Average price for a 70 m² apartment

€117,600

Average rental price for 70 m² apartment

€450

Long-term rental yields

5—6%

Short-term rental yields

5—7%

Region

Western Macedonia

Average property price per m²

€650

Average price for a 70 m² apartment

€45,500

Average rental price for 70 m² apartment

€350

Long-term rental yields

4—5%

Short-term rental yields

5—7%

Region

Average property price per m²

Average price for a 70 m² apartment

Average rental price for 70 m² apartment

Long-term rental yields

Short-term rental yields

Mykonos

€7,000

€490,000

€840

4—6%

7—18%

Santorini

€5,000

€350,000

€700

4—5%

6—8%

Athens Riviera

€4,200

€294,000

€1,400

4—6%

7—9%

Athens

€2,500

€175,000

€780

3.7—8.2%

7—11%

Secondary Cyclades and Sporades

€2,400

€168,000

€560

4—5%

6—8%

Rhodes

€2,370

€166,000

€560

4.4—8%

6—8%

Thessaloniki

€2,220

€154,000

€700

4—5%

7—9%

Corfu

€2,220

€154,000

€545

3.3—3.7%

5—8%

Crete

€1,900

€133,000

€615

3—6.8%

5—8%

Thassos

€1,870

€131,000

€420

3.5—4.5%

5—7%

Peloponnese

€1,680

€117,600

€450

5—6%

5—7%

Western Macedonia

€650

€45,500

€350

4—5%

5—7%

Step-by-step purchase and registration of Greek property

The process takes at least 2 months, but in some cases up to 9 months, mostly due to legal formalities like title registration, which alone can take up to 6 months. Here’s how it works — and why each step matters.

1

Up to 1 week

Obtaining a Greek tax number

Everyone — resident or not — needs an AFM, Greek tax number, to buy property. It’s required for signing contracts, paying taxes, and transferring utilities.

Opening a Greek bank account is optional. You can pay from a non-sanctioned foreign account, or even use a close relative’s — as long as the source of funds is clean.

2

2—3 weeks

Legal & technical checks

This is due diligence, and it’s not optional. Your lawyer will check the title at the Land Registry or Cadastre and confirm no debts, liens, or zoning issues. A licensed engineer will inspect the property to verify that it’s structurally and legally compliant.

3

1 day

Signing a pre-contract

This is a binding reservation signed before a notary. It sets the price, deposit, and deadline for closing the deal. The deposit is usually 10% of the price.

4

Within 2 months

Signing the final deed

This is the moment ownership changes hands. You — or your lawyer with power of attorney — sign the public deed before a notary, who also calculates:

  • transfer tax,

  • stamp duties,

  • notarial fees.

5

Within 1 month

Paying tax

The buyer pays 3.09% transfer tax and receives official tax receipts. These will be needed for registering the property.

6

1—6 months

Registering the title with Hellenic Cadastre

Your lawyer files everything with the Hellenic Cadastre, which then issues:

  • Certificate of Encumbrances that proves clean title;

  • Cadastral Diagram that defines the property’s boundaries.

Greece residence permit through real estate investment

Investment routes. Applicants can choose from 3 real estate options to obtain Greece residence permit:

  • €250,000 for a property purchased for renovation;

  • €400,000 for a new single property of at least 120 m² in provincial areas;

  • €800,000 for a new single property of at least 120 m² in prime regions, including Athens and suburbs, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and islands with over 3,100 residents.

Requirements. The Greece Golden Visa is available to non-EU citizens over the age of 18 who have no criminal record and can prove the legal origin of their funds.

Family inclusion. The following family members can obtain residency with the investor:

  • spouse or a registered partner;

  • children under 18;

  • children aged 18 to 21 — students;

  • parents of both spouses.

Validity. The residence permit is issued for 5 years and can be renewed.

Applicants may apply for Greek citizenship after 7 years of continuous residency, provided they have spent at least 183 days in Greece each year. Citizenship requires passing an exam on Greek language, history, and culture.

Benefits. There is no minimum stay requirement for those not seeking citizenship.

Additionally, Greek tax residents may opt for a flat tax of €100,000 on global income instead of standard rates of up to 45%.

Conclusion: where to invest, based on your goals

  1. Rental income: Athens and Riviera — low vacancy of just 6%, yields up to 9%.

  2. Capital growth: Thessaloniki — fastest price rise at 12.1% in 2024.

  3. High-season yield: Mykonos & Santorini — villas up to 18% in summer.

  4. Year-round demand: Crete and Rhodes — most popular among foreign buyers.

  5. 100% summer occupancy: Cyclades and Sporades — strong short-let returns.

  6. Yachting & lifestyle: Peloponnese — docks, marinas, four-season access.

  7. Budget buy: Thassos — 28% below national average, stable returns.

  8. Off-season bookings: Corfu — 67% annual occupancy, growing demand.

  9. Renovation upside: Western Macedonia — value gains up to 185%.

International buyers can benefit from the Greece Golden Visa by obtaining residency through real estate investment. The minimum investment is €250,000 for properties purchased for renovation, and €400,000 for newly built homes.

Immigrant Invest is a licensed agent for citizenship and residence by investment programs in the EU, the Caribbean, Asia, and the Middle East. Take advantage of our global 15-year expertise — schedule a meeting with our investment programs experts.

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Frequently asked questions

  • What is the best place to buy property in Greece?

    Greece offers several top locations for buying property, each with its own unique appeal and investment potential. For example, Athens and the Athens Riviera lead in long-term rental demand, with one of Southern Europe’s lowest vacancy rates at just 6%. Thessaloniki saw the strongest price growth in 2024, with residential values rising by 12.11%.

    Mykonos and Santorini deliver the highest rental yields, reaching up to 18% during peak season for premium villas. Crete and Rhodes remain top choices for international buyers, while the Secondary Cyclades and Sporades boasted nearly 100% occupancy in summer 2024.

    Porto Cheli in the Peloponnese has become the premier hub for yacht enthusiasts. Thassos stands out as the most affordable island, with prices about 28% below the national average, while Western Macedonia offers exceptional renovation returns, with values increasing by up to 185% after upgrades.

  • What is the best Greek island to buy real estate?

    Secondary Cyclades and Sporades recorded the highest summer occupancy rates in 2024, reaching 100%. Short-term holiday rentals in the Secondary Cyclades deliver strong gross yields of 6—8%, with Paros averaging approximately 7.1%. Long-term rental properties across these islands generate gross yields of 3—5%.

    Crete was ranked the most popular island among foreign property buyers in 2024, thanks to its wide variety of real estate options. From beachfront homes in Chania and Elounda to boutique cave houses in Rethymno and rural plots ideal for custom-built villas, the island offers choices to suit nearly any budget or lifestyle.

  • Is buying property in Greece a good investment?

    Yes, Greece is widely regarded as a top destination for real estate investment. The market is driven by strong tourism demand, with rental yields averaging 4—7% and reaching up to 15—18% in Mykonos. Property prices grow steadily at 7—9% per year, making real estate in Greece a promising asset for both income and long-term value growth.

    Property buyers in Greece can obtain a 5-year residence permit, which is renewable. The minimum investment threshold is €250,000 for properties intended for renovation, and €400,000 for newly built properties.

  • Where is the cheapest place in Greece to buy property?

    The cheapest Greek island to buy property is Thassos. The average property price there is around €1,867 per m², which is roughly 28% lower than the national average in Greece.

    Western Macedonia region offers even lower prices, which start as low as €500—800 per m². There, buyers acquire properties for renovation, with upgraded values reaching €1,800—2,500 per m². This allows for a potential value increase of 130—185%.

  • What are the pitfalls of buying property in Greece?

    Property registration in Greece can take up to 6 months, and the entire purchase process may extend to 9 months. Additionally, sales tend to cluster in the spring and summer, while properties often remain unsold during the off-peak months, which can limit the ability to exit the investment quickly.

  • Do you pay tax on property in Greece?

    Yes, property purchases in Greece are subject to a 3.09% transfer tax. In addition, the buyer pays:

    • 1.5% lawyer fee;

    • 0.5% cadastral registration fee;

    • 0.3% engineer’s fee.

  • How long can I stay in Greece if I buy a house?

    Buying a house in Greece provides a pathway to a 5-year residency permit, which is renewable. To qualify, applicants must purchase property worth at least €250,000 for renovation, or invest €400,000 or more in newly built real estate.

  • Do you pay VAT on property in Greece?

    Usually no. Most buyers pay a 3.09% transfer tax, even on new builds — thanks to a temporary VAT suspension in place until the end of 2025. Standard 24% VAT applies only if the suspension isn’t used. Expect around 5.5% total purchase costs including legal and registration fees.

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Zlata Erlach
Zlata Erlach

Head of the Austrian office

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