Greece is an economically developed European country located on the Balkan Peninsula and thousands of islands in the Aegean and Ionian Seas.
The country is a member of the European Union, the UN, and several other international organizations.
The Hellenic Republic is known for its rich cultural heritage and the vast number of historical, cultural, architectural, and natural attractions located within its borders.
Greece has a permanent population of 10.5 million, with over 3,500,000 people residing in the Athens metropolitan area.
Greece enjoys a wonderful Mediterranean climate in its coastal resort towns, making year-round tourism possible.
Greece, Athens
Greece, Thessaloniki
Greece, Athens
Greece, Thessaloniki
Greece, Thessaloniki
Greece, Crete
Greece, Athens
Greece, Crete
Greece, Thessaloniki
Greece, Athens, Crete
Greece, Corinth
Greece, Crete
Greece, Athens
Greece, Thessaloniki
Greece, Athens
Greece, Athens, Thessaloniki, Crete
Greece, Corinth
Greece, Crete
Greece, Athens, Crete
Greece, Athens, Thessaloniki
Greece, Crete
Greece, Corinth
Greece, Thessaloniki
Greece, Crete
Greece, Athens
Greece, Athens, Thessaloniki
Greece, Athens
Greece, Corinth
Greece, Corinth
Greece, Thessaloniki
Greece, Corinth
The main tourist cities and locations in Greece include Athens, Thessaloniki, Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, the Peloponnese, Rhodes, and many other destinations. The country attracts over 30,000,000 tourists annually, making it one of the most visited countries in the world.
There are attractions for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts, as well as tourists interested in historical and cultural attractions.
A large number of foreign citizens are interested in real estate in Greece as summer homes, short-term and long-term rentals, and permanent residences. Greek real estate offers a number of advantages, including a relatively low price per square meter compared to many other developed European countries.
At the same time, Greek real estate prices have been growing at an average annual rate of 8% in recent years, offering the potential for high returns on acquisitions, especially in the early stages of construction.
Purchasing real estate in Greece can serve as grounds for obtaining a residence permit not only for the buyer but also for their spouse, parents, and minor children. Local real estate experts estimate that the proportion of foreign buyers of Greek real estate seeking a residence permit is approximately 10%.
Several hundred construction companies of varying sizes and thousands of real estate agencies and individual real estate agents operate in the Hellenic Republic, helping buyers select and purchase properties, saving time and money.
Foreign real estate investors choose Greek real estate for several reasons. Despite a price increase of approximately 25% over the past five years, it remains one of the most affordable in Europe. The average price per square meter in Greece in 2025 is approximately $2,500, which is lower than in Italy, France, or Germany. Greek real estate is quite affordable in terms of monthly maintenance.
In addition to utility bills, Greek property owners are required to pay a government fee of up to €13 per square meter and a municipal tax of 0.025-0.035% of the property value per year. Unlike other Western European countries, the government does not impose restrictions on property rentals, allowing for short-term and long-term rental businesses.
The yield on Greek real estate averages 6% to 8% per annum, depending on the region. If the owner uses a management company, they pay an additional 10-12% of their annual profits for the service. It is important to note that the tax rate for rental businesses ranges from 15% to 45%. Purchasing real estate in Greece for at least €250,000 qualifies for a residence permit, after which seven years of residence in the country is sufficient to obtain a Greek passport. The investor's spouse, children under 18, and parents are also eligible for a residence permit. Leading Greek real estate agencies estimate that approximately 10% of all real estate purchases by foreigners are made for the purpose of obtaining a Greek residence permit.
International investors choose the Greek capital, Athens, and coastal Greek cities for their investments. Real estate on the resort islands of Santorini and Crete is also in demand. A Greek Golden Visa in these locations is issued by the government only for the purchase of real estate valued at least €800,000. The average price per square meter of real estate in Athens is approximately €3,200. In Santorini, the average price per square meter ranges from €3,000 to €4,500, depending on the neighborhood. In various locations on Crete, real estate can be purchased for between €2,700 and €3,500 per square meter. Thessaloniki offers the most affordable real estate options of all listed, ranging from €2,300 in outlying areas of the city to €3,200 in central locations.
In recent years, real estate prices in Greece have shown a steady increase of approximately 8-10% per year. The largest increases have been observed in Thessaloniki and Athens. Foreign investment in Greek real estate alone amounts to a record €2 billion per year.
Greece has been a member of the European Union since 1981, so the process of acquiring real estate and registering property rights is subject to both Greek and European law. Moreover, this process is simple and transparent, which should increase mutual trust among real estate market participants and attract foreign investors. The process of purchasing real estate and registering ownership can now take no more than two weeks.
Developer characteristics to consider:
One of the first steps recommended for a foreign real estate buyer who doesn't want to go through the entire process themselves is to obtain a notarized power of attorney for a Greek lawyer. This power of attorney is issued by a Greek notary and authorizes the lawyer to perform all necessary actions to successfully conclude the real estate purchase and sale agreement. The next important steps are obtaining a tax identification number (A.F.M.) and opening a bank account in a Greek bank. This tax identification number can be obtained from the Greek Tax Office. To open a bank account, the buyer will need the following documents: a passport, a Greek visa, proof of residence in the country of residence, a certificate of employment, and a tax return.
After selecting a potential property, the lawyer checks the documents in the State Real Estate Registry for any encumbrances, tax deductions, and the legal status of the property. The lawyer then provides the buyer with the original signed verification report. The seller's legal status is also verified, ensuring they are the registered owner of the property. If the buyer is satisfied with the property, they sign the main sales contract with the seller in the presence of a notary and a translator, which must later be registered by a lawyer with the Real Estate Registry. The registration fee is between 1% and 2%. After signing the documents, the buyer receives the original main sales contract, a building permit, an energy certificate, a property plan, and a topographic plan. The real estate transfer tax in Greece is 3.09% of the property value. Lawyer and notary fees are each 1.5% of the property value plus 24% VAT. It is important to note that Greece does not impose a capital gains tax, but this exemption only applies to the sale of two apartments.
Average real estate prices in different regions of Greece:
There are hundreds of real estate developers of varying sizes in the Hellenic Republic, constructing both residential and commercial properties. Among them, several are large and sought-after.
V2 Developments is a construction company in Greece, developing a wide range of properties, including residential, retail, and warehouse properties, as well as hotels. Popular projects include the MONTANA Residences residential complex in the picturesque Acharnes area, CITY Residences in the family-friendly Egaleo neighborhood, and BERKELEY Residences, located in the center of Petropolis.
Prodea Investments is a developer in Greece with a wide portfolio of real estate. In addition to its own projects, the developer participates in the government's urban renewal program. Notable projects include the Athens Tower office building in the center of the Greek capital, the premium Golden Hall shopping center, and the Green Plaza office complex in Maroussi.
Piraeus Real, a real estate developer, develops a wide range of residential and commercial properties. The developer is renowned for the quality of its construction and finishing. Popular projects built by the company include the Marina Zeas yacht club complex in Piraeus and the Piraeus Tower commercial property.
Dimand S.A. is a Greek residential and commercial real estate developer with a strong focus on creating urban public spaces. The company strives to meet high European standards in its construction and places particular emphasis on innovative and energy-efficient materials. Among the company's projects are the Maroussi Plaza office complex and the Kosmopolis Park multifunctional complex with retail, office, and entertainment spaces.
To make the right choice when buying real estate, and the investment process is safe and effective, check out the rating of real estate developers in Greece and reviews of Greek real estate agencies. This will help you get a complete picture of the market and choose a reliable partner.
