Buying Property in Greece in 2025: The Complete Guide for Foreigners

Why Buy Property in Greece?

Greece’s real estate market is a proven household name for real estate investments.

Ever since the Golden Visa showed record numbers back in 2023, the momentum hasn’t slowed down, and it’s not going to in the near future if the booming tourism sector and increasing real estate demand is anything to go by.

According to the Bank of Greece, in the 1st quarter of 2025, apartment prices rose by 6.8% year-on-year, followed by nearly 7% growth in the 2nd quarter.

The latest market data, for Q2 2025, places median asking prices at €2,400 per square meter in central Athens and €2,625 in Thessaloniki.

Premium districts such as the Athenian Riviera are witnessing more asking prices of €4,000 per square meter.

With capital appreciation, attractive rental yields are inevitable, and currently, they’re ranging between 4% and 8%, ensuring that buying property in Greece not only pays for itself, but also covers any potential residency visa costs – all the while generating a solid stream of income.

In 2024 alone, apartment prices climbed 7.8%, an increase driven primarily by international buyers and strong tourism demand.

Together, these paint the full picture: real estate in Greece is flourishing sector where capital appreciation, income generation, and residency opportunities all meet, making Greece one of Europe’s most compelling real estate investments today.

Top Reasons to Buy Real Estate in Greece

The beauty of investing in Greek real estate is that it simply gives more than just the high potential to generate yields. It unlocks a brighter future for you and your family.

Get EU Residency

You can combine your real estate purchase with the Greek Golden Visa and obtain EU Residency.

You’re free to live in Greece, travel anywhere to in the European Schengen Zone and even become a Greek citizen down the line.

Tax-Friendly

By investing in the Golden Visa, you also can gain access to the Greek Non-Dom Tax regime and benefit from an exclusive tax regime where you only pay a yearly lump sum of €100,000.

Lower Cost of Living

Greece has one of the lowest costs of living in Greece among the Western European countries, with daily expenses far much more affordable than countries like the United States and Germany.

Can Foreigners buy Property in Greece?

Yes, foreigners to Greece, including Americans, can buy property in Greece without any major restrictions.

The process of buying property in Greece is simple and straightforward.

You’ll need a Greek Tax Identification Number (AFM), which is one of the first requirements when purchasing real estate in the country.

This number is indispensable for all fiscal activities in Greece, including property acquisitions, opening a bank account, and setting up utilities.

Obtaining an AFM is a straightforward procedure carried out through local tax offices, often with the support of a legal representative or your chosen real estate agency.

While Greece’s legal framework is accommodating, it’s still essential to carry out due diligence, and having a reputable company with an experienced legal advisor familiar with Greek property law ensures that any complexities are handled properly, providing a secure transaction.

Greek Real Estate Market Overview

The Greek real estate market has seen steady buyer interest from expats, digital nomads and property investors.

According to the European Commission’s latest forecast, Greece’s GDP is expected to expand by 2.3% in 2025 and 2.2% in 2026, driven by robust private consumption and accelerated investment funded by EU programs.

The broader property market is forecast to reach $1.59 trillion in 2025, with a yearly growth of 3.44% expected through 2029.

Despite global challenges, Greece’s property market remains stable, and buyers can still find a vast range of properties fitting every type of budgets.

From modern apartments in Athens and Thessaloniki to stunning villas on islands like Crete, Greece offers a truly unique combination of value, capital appreciation potential, and lifestyle

With supportive forecasts, property appreciation, and stable demand from abroad, 2025 and beyond stands out as a particularly promising window to invest in this Mediterranean frontier.

Property Prices in Greece

Key regions like Athens and Thessaloniki have seen particularly sharp growth, with foreign investors often investing in high-end properties.

This pattern highlights the intense international demand for prime urban and coastal locations, where lifestyle appeal and investment potential converge.

This momentum not only reflects the resilience of Greece’s housing sector but also highlights its position as one of Europe’s most compelling markets for international real estate investment.

Buying Property in Greece Golden Visa

The best part about buying property in Greece is that you can obtain EU Residency if you invest in a Golden Visa Greece property.

If you purchase select property worth at least €250,000, you can combine it with Greece’s Residency by Investment program and obtain a renewable residency permit for 5 years.

Buying properties for sale in Greece worth €400,000 and €800,000 also qualify you for the Greece Golden Visa.

Where to Buy Property in Greece - The Best Places to Live

There’s no shortage of stunning cities, villages and towns in Greece, so ultimately, no matter your choice, you’ll always be well-served.

The following is a list of Greece’s most popular locations, in which there’s several properties for sale in Greece.

Athens

The eternal Greek capital should always be on every expat’s radar when the topic is about Greece.

It’s the city that saw the birth of democracy, and a place of iconic sights like the Acropolis and the Parthenon.

Athens is full of lively neighborhoods, so there’s never a wrong choice, and no matter which of them, you’ll be able to experience life as a Greek and immerse yourself in the country’s timeless culture.

Property for Golden Visa in Athens Greece

Thessaloniki

Greece’s second-largest city is no less Greek than Athens by any means whatsoever.

If anything, it also breathes history at every corner, with its rich assortment of Byzantine landmarks and Ottoman references.

It’s also no less of a city just because of its connection to the past. It has an extensive waterfront promenade and a thriving student life that create the perfect cosmopolitan setting.

On the investment side, median asking prices reach around €2,600 per square meter, making Thessaloniki a more affordable entry point than Athens.

Featured Properties for Sale in Thessaloniki

Crete

The largest of Greece’s islands, Crete is a place of legend and the home of the iconic Minoan Palace of Knossos.

Boasting also several Venetian and Ottoman influences, it’s perhaps where the Greek and Mediterranean lifestyle is lived the most.

Cities like Chania and Heraklion combine history with vibrant modern living, making them popular choices for residents and travelers alike.

From an investment perspective, property prices in Chania average around €2,750 per square meter, while Heraklion stands at €1,778.

Crete Golden Visa Properties

Piraeus

As Greece’s main port city, Piraeus is a hub of maritime commerce and urban energy.

Its lively waterfront, cultural venues, and proximity to Athens make it both a residential choice and a gateway to the Aegean islands.

For investors, Piraeus offers relatively affordable entry points, with median asking prices around €2,500 per square meter.

Rapid redevelopment of its port and surrounding districts continues to increase its growth potential and rental demand.

Piraeus Golden Visa Properties

How to Find Property in Greece

Right now, Greece proves to be the ultimate property investment in Europe.

Buying property in Greece not only nets your second home abroad, it also gives you residency status + a path to Citizenship.

However, with a booming real estate market, that’s showing no signs of slowing, the question that comes up is:

Where do I start?

There’s many online portals and real estate agencies that put up properties for sale in Greece, though not all of them will be reputable.

When you add the Golden Visa to the equation, the matter becomes even more sensitive, and we cannot stress enough the importance of finding the right advisory for you and your family.

Here’s what to keep in mind when buying property in Greece + investing in the Greece Golden Visa:

• Engage a Reputable Investment Immigration Agency: Investment Visa prides itself on being a global leader in everything related to residency & citizenship. As part of the broader Harland & Poston Group, we’ve also had a 100% successful residency application submission rate.
  
  
• You only need to contact us to access our expertise and our curated portfolio of properties that match all types of criteria.
  
  
• Property Exhibitions and Fairs: These events provide opportunities to view multiple options and meet industry professionals.
  
  
• Visit Potential Properties: Whenever possible, visit properties in person to assess their condition and surroundings.

Remember, patience and due diligence are essential. The right property is out there; it just requires finding the right partner to find it for you.

Types of Property in Greece

Greece’s property market is diverse, offering options that suit a wide range of buyers, including property investors, families and digital nomads. No matter where you choose to buy, your options include:

• Apartments: The most common property type, especially in Athens and Thessaloniki. Choices range from modern high-rises with sea views to older “polykatoikia” (apartment blocks) that combine character with affordability.
  
  
• Detached houses: Found in suburban areas and smaller towns, these homes often include private gardens, courtyards, and parking.
  
  
• Maisonettes: A popular style in Greece, maisonettes are multi-level homes often part of residential complexes, offering more space and privacy than a standard apartment.
  
  
• Villas: Particularly sought after on the islands and coastal regions such as Crete, Corfu, and the Cyclades. They typically feature private pools, gardens, and offer sea views.
  
  
• Traditional stone houses: Common in villages and on islands, these historic homes are often renovated to blend rustic charm with modern comfort.
  
  
• Off-plan developments: Especially present in urban regeneration areas and island resorts, these projects offer investors the chance to customize layouts and benefit from early pricing.
  
  
• Plots of land (oikopedo): A strong option for those wishing to build from scratch, whether a holiday villa or a commercial property. Development requires proper permits from the local authorities.

Expert Tip: In Greece, pay attention to property size terminology. Listings often include both “built area” and “net living space,” which can differ due to shared building spaces or balconies.

Buying Property in Greece: Step-by-Step Guide

Contact Investment Visa

Your surefire way to get a Golden Visa property in Greece starts with contacting Investment Visa.

We have a carefully curated portfolio of properties for sale in Greece, and we connect you with the right liaisons in Greece, and take care of your Golden Visa process.

Obtain a AFM Number

Part of the assistance that Investment Visa includes getting you the AFM number, which is the Greek tax identification number, something that’s essential to conduct any type of legal interaction in the country.

With the AFM number, you’ll be able to open a bank account. When you do, expect to be requested for proof of funds and explanations for large transfers.

Hire Greek Legal Representation

Another step that’s also included with Investment Visa’s provided services is connecting you to trustworthy law firms in Greece that can take care of the legal side of the transaction, as well as reviewing contracts, and ensuring due diligence and compliance.

Offer and Reservation

We’ll help you draw up a written offer, and direct it toward the seller.

If they accept, a small reservation payment, as a deposit, typically takes the listing off the market while your lawyer begins checks.

Always make payments to an escrow or notary account, never to a private individual.

Legal Due Diligence and Title Checks

Your lawyer should access the land registry or cadastral records to confirm ownership, mortgages or liens, planning permissions, and whether the property footprint matches approved plans.

Ask for any energy performance certificate and building compliance documents.

Promissory Agreement and Deposit

A promissory or preliminary agreement sets out the final conditions, timing, what is included, and the deposit amount.

Final Deed and Registration

You complete at a notary, who reads the deed, confirms taxes are paid, and records the transfer.

After signing, the ownership change is filed with the land registry.

What do you need to buy a House in Greece? - Documents & Requirements

Buying property in Greece will require for you to supply several documents.

The following list is not exhaustive, so always keep in mind to retain everything at hand should it prove necessary.

• A valid passport
  
  
• Your Greek tax ID number – the AFM;
  
  
• Financial documentation: Proof of income and funds;
  
  
• Greek Bank Account: Essential to handle the property transaction;
  
  
• Legal Assistance: A lawyer to oversee the process and protect your interests;
  
  
• Property documentation: Access to the property’s legal records, ensuring it’s free from debts, liens or legal issues.

Taxes and Property Purchase Costs

Besides the property purchase, you should expect a number of additional expenses related to taxes or legal fees.

These costs vary slightly depending on whether the property is new or for sale. You should keep this in mind when buying property in Greece.

• Property Transfer Tax: for resale properties, buyers pay a property transfer tax on the official assessed value of the property;
  
  
• VAT: applicable to newly built properties, this is a 24% VAT charge on the sale price;
  
  
• Notary fees: dependent on the notary, the fees typically range from 0.65% to 1%;
  
  
• Annual property tax (ENFIA – the Uniform Real Estate Property Tax): it’s calculated upon multiple factors, including location, area, use, age, floor and number of façades of the building.
  
  
• Local municipality taxes: levy small annual taxes (often linked to electricity bills) that go toward local services such as waste collection, street lighting, and infrastructure.

Pitfalls of Buying Property in Greece

• Don’t underestimate taxes and fees: always keep them in mind when accounting for the full investment;
  
  
• Never wire any money or a deposit before you’ve obtained several documents from the seller, including, but not limited: a property inspection report, an in-person visit to the property;
  
  
• Make sure the seller is the verified owner of the property;
  
  
• Don’t leave bank compliance until the last minute. Move your documents early;
  
  
• Use your own legal advisor when perusing real estate listings.

You can rely on Investment Visa – all the featured properties on our website are legitimate and sourced from actual Greek development companies.

We provide all the existing documentation and encourage you to get a Greek laywer to ensure everything is in order and up to date.

Browse Real Properties in Greece

Ready to move from research to action?

Start with properties that already qualify for the Golden Visa, then ask our team for a curated list matching your budget and goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can foreigners buy property in Greece?

Yes. There are rules for border or military zones, but standard purchases are common for expats. Use a lawyer to verify any local constraints.

2. What is the total cost to buy beyond the price?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. It'll depend on the property, its location and multiple other factors. On resales, buyers often budget roughly 7 to 10 percent for taxes, notary and registry, legal, and agency fees.

New builds can trigger VAT where applicable.

3. How long does a purchase take from offer to deed?

Typically a few weeks to a few months, driven by due diligence findings, bank KYC, and notary scheduling.

4. Do I need to be in Greece to complete?

Not necessarily.

Many buyers use a power of attorney for parts of the process.

You will still need to appear for biometrics if you pursue a residency card.

5. What taxes apply when I buy?

Resales typically carry a transfer tax. Notary and registry fees apply.

VAT can apply to new builds where relevant.

Ask your lawyer to itemise for the target property.

6. Can I rent the property out?

Long-term rental is common. Short-term rental rules depend on local regulations and, Golden Visa properties are not eligible for short-termal rental.

Check eligibility and licensing before you underwrite yield.

7. What does the Golden Visa give me?

A residency card for you and eligible family, the right to live in Greece, access local services, and travel across Schengen for short stays.

It does not grant salaried work rights by itself.

8. Can I buy through a company?

Structure depends on eligibility rules and tax advice. Many buyers purchase in personal name for clarity, but speak with your advisor before you decide.