Greek real estate: 8 reasons making the sector highly attractive to foreign investment

Foreign investing in Greek real estate is highly attractive, according to Corina Saias, managing director of Premier Realty Greece, ANA reports.
As Saias notes, investing in Greek real estate provides a combination of affordable prices, high return potential, lifestyle advantages, and strategic benefits. As the Greek economy recovers and tourism continues to develop, the Greek real estate market offers promising opportunities for both personal and financial advancement, she adds.
Specifically, the eight reasons that make Greek properties attractive to investors are as follows:
1. Real estate growth potential
- Tourism boom: Greece draws millions of visitors each year, boosting demand for rental properties in popular locations like Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete. Notably, tourist arrivals increased by 20.6% from January to May 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
- Real estate recovery: The Greek real estate market has experienced consistent growth in house prices, building permits, and rental prices since 2017. In 2023, there was a 13.4% increase in prices year-over-year, up from 11.9% in 2022. However, house prices are still about 4% below the peak reached in Q3 2008, according to BNP Paribas. In contrast, Eurostat data shows a decline in prices across at least eight European countries such as Luxemburg, Germany, and Finland.
2. Competitive prices
- Affordable property prices: Despite robust growth, Greek real estate remains competitively priced, especially compared to Western Europe. In the high-end segment, areas such as Vouliagmeni, Pigadakia, Ellinikon, Voula, Kolonaki, Kavouri, Cyclades, Santorini, and Crete have the highest prices per square meter. Conversely, regions like Kastoria, Karditsa, Florina, Thessaly, and Kozani have the least expensive prices per square meter.
- High-yield potential: Lower property prices, coupled with strong rental demand, can yield attractive rental returns ranging from 4% to 8.5%, depending on location and property type.
3. Golden Visa program
- Residency benefits: Greece's Golden Visa program provides residency permits to non-EU citizens who invest at least 400,000 euros in real estate, under new regulations starting in August 2024. For the Region of Attica, the Regional Units of Thessaloniki, Mykonos, and Santorini, and the islands with a population of more than 3,100 inhabitants, the minimum value of real estate at the time of acquisition is 800,000 euros. This program offers access to the Schengen Area and can be a pathway to EU citizenship.
4. Lifestyle and climate
- Mediterranean climate: Greece's favorable Mediterranean climate makes it an appealing destination for both vacations and permanent residence.
- Quality of life: Greece offers a high quality of life with its beautiful landscapes, rich history, cultural heritage, and relaxed lifestyle. The cost of living is relatively low compared to other European countries, and despite lower salaries, the quality of life remains high.
5. Real estate market trends
- Rising demand: International investors from countries such as Cyprus, the US, and Israel are increasingly interested in Greek real estate, attracted by low property prices, government reforms, and potential capital gains. According to the Bank of Greece, the real estate sector absorbed over 40% of total foreign direct investment inflows, largely due to the activity of funds and servicers within the Greek economy. In 2023, net foreign direct investment in real estate rose by 8% year-over-year to 2.13 billion euros.
- Infrastructure development: Ongoing infrastructure projects, including improvements in transportation and urban development, are enhancing property values. According to PWC, global infrastructure needs are projected to reach around USD 77 trillion by 2040, with Greece ranking 37th globally and 18th within the EU for infrastructure quality.
6. Diverse investment opportunities
- Variety of options: Greece offers a range of investment opportunities, from luxury villas and coastal properties to urban apartments and commercial real estate. Additionally, Greece holds significant potential in key sectors such as tourism, agriculture, shipping, and renewable energy.
- Sustainability and real estate opportunities: There is an increasing availability of high-end properties, coupled with a growing interest in sustainable and eco-friendly housing developments. The Greek government has launched several initiatives to promote green real estate.
7. Tax incentives
- Favorable tax regime: Greece has introduced tax incentives for real estate investors, including reduced property transfer taxes and potential tax benefits for renovation and development projects.
8. Strategic location
- Geographical advantage: Situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, Greece offers strategic benefits for trade, travel, and investment.
RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations, Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
Photo Source: pixabay.com
- 1) Greece's Land Registry offices shutdown completed with services now online
- 2) 2025 application platform for tax discount on homes insured against catastrophes opens
- 3) Minister: AI will speed up transactions for investors on Greece's land registry
- 4) Commercial real estate continues upward course in Greece
16/02 14:34
16/02 13:49
16/02 08:45
Ski Mountaineering Race on Mount Olympus and Cycling Race in Larissa
15/02 15:27
European air transport | What changes are coming to passenger rights
15/02 13:37
Easyjet | Flights from Berlin to Crete, Corfu and Rhodes in the summer
15/02 09:41
Ski mountaineering is developing into a tourist product in Crete
14/02 19:45
Turkish tourists arrive in Greek island of Rhodes this season
14/02 19:44
Love at first sight for Lipsi - watch the Mayor's music video with rapper
14/02 18:31
The picture of short-term rental in Greece in 2024 - revenues at 874 million euros
14/02 13:36
14/02 12:26
Pieria's promotion in the Italian market - POTAP's participation in the BIT exhibition
14/02 11:23
Olga Kefalogianni honored at reception for birthday of the Japanese Emperor
14/02 11:15
Greek Meetings Alliance meets with Andreas Fiorentinos on MICE tourism
14/02 09:04
Wine Routes in the Peloponnese: Three Families, Three Stories of Passion
14/02 07:56
V. Katsaras | Optimism for the season in the Greek island of Naxos
14/02 06:51
European Airport Passenger Traffic in 2024: Recovery and New Challenges
13/02 19:13
Greek Tourism Minister meets with the Ambassadors of Algeria and Romania
13/02 17:19
13/02 15:16
13/02 12:57
FORTH's new Research and Culture Multi-Cultural Center opens in Heraklion
13/02 12:54
Sun d’Or: 5 weekly connections to Heraklion in the summer of 2025
13/02 12:51
13/02 12:10
How VW is extending the tourist season in Greece - which hotel did it open for its sake
13/02 12:03
Athenian Carnival with a multitude of activities in the seven municipal communities
13/02 12:00
This year, access to the Kourtaliotiko Gorge in Rethymno will be by ticket
13/02 09:47
Payments of subsidies for hotel investments in Zagori, Xylokastro, and Sivota
13/02 09:35
Forbes Awards to 15 Greek hotels – The three trends changing luxury travel
13/02 08:41
Amfilochia: Development of digital content for tourism promotion
13/02 07:44
Cooperation network of municipalities of Eastern Mani and Gavdos and for tourism
12/02 20:46
Patras Carnival | Prices and occupancy skyrocketing - Indicative "price list"
12/02 20:27
Alexandros Vassilikos was honored today by the North Aegean Region
12/02 20:19
Olympic Holidays | Albania is a new destination this summer - additions to Greece and Cyprus
12/02 19:15
Museum of Cycladic Art | Unknown Stories of Women of the Cyclades islands
12/02 16:10
The Israeli Ambassador to Greece visits the Heraklion Chamber
12/02 15:03
Royal Caribbean International | Cruises from Piraeus in the summer of 2025
12/02 14:59
12/02 13:05
Eurowings launches new tour operator in Germany - aiming to reach top-10
12/02 12:56
Tourism | Halkidiki among the steadily growing destinations in Greece
12/02 12:51
Thessaloniki, the main port of the Balkans - The port's Master Plan
12/02 11:37
12/02 07:31
Expansion and promotion of the Explore Ionian Islands application
12/02 07:18
12/02 07:11
Tourism: Where will Germans travel in 2025 - Greece's position
12/02 06:23
12/02 01:04
Direct connection of Chania airport to Israel to be strengthened
11/02 21:17
Attica taxi drivers' union to organize 24-hour strike on February 19
11/02 20:11
Greek Tourism Minister and S. Korean Ambassador talk sector cooperation
11/02 17:31
The Athens Hoteliers Association celebrates its 80th anniversary
11/02 17:07
Barclays and Wyndham renew co-branded credit card partnership
11/02 16:28
The flagship project "Urban Regeneration of parts of Eastern Kalamaria" underway
11/02 16:15
Commission: European Water Resilience Strategy in public consultation
11/02 15:37
Greek Tourism: Heading for new records in 2025 from 5 major markets
11/02 12:50
11/02 12:47
Etihad: With the new Airbus A321neo LR, the Abu Dhabi - Athens connection in 2026
11/02 12:47
11/02 08:59
Kos as a pioneering center for sustainable island development
11/02 08:44
Psara: Tourism development with an emphasis on the rich historical heritage
11/02 07:55
11/02 07:52
Croatia | 9 international airports support tourism development - connectivity with Greece
11/02 01:39
10/02 16:58
Saudia: New seasonal connection Jeddah – Heraklion in summer 2025
10/02 14:54
10/02 14:40
1 in 4 fall in love while traveling - Valentine's Day survey
10/02 09:34
10/02 07:49
Decisions for 6 hotels in Rhodes, Spetses, Crete, Kalamata, and Agia Marina Fthiotidas
10/02 07:44
09/02 19:36
Rethymno Carnival 2025 | The event of the theme “Come to the Light” is fantastic
09/02 07:32
How can tourism contribute to the growth of Greek cosmetic products in Britain
09/02 07:29
Castle scholars from all over the world promote Frogakastello in Crete
08/02 18:02
Landing of Kantanos-Selinou Municipality in Reisen Hamburg 2025 exhibition
08/02 08:24
Chris Nassetta, Hilton: Optimistic about 2025 despite market challenges
08/02 07:19
07/02 23:09
Grant payments for 4 hotel investments in Paxos, Lefkada, Zakynthos and Chania
07/02 18:40
Olga Kefalogianni in HORECA | Greece has experience in managing natural phenomena
07/02 15:06
FedHATTA: “Opening up” of Greek travel agencies to the Iranian market
07/02 14:35
07/02 13:49
07/02 13:26
Applications for the Best Tourism Villages 2025 are now open
07/02 13:02
Springer Reisen: 20 connections to Greek islands this summer
07/02 12:26
Greece: Nearly 30 million international air arrivals in 2024 - Who traveled where
07/02 11:19
Europe as a single tourist destination - A. Fiorentinos at the Destination Europe Summit 2025
07/02 06:55
Positive prospects for tourism in 2025 but major “thorns” remain
07/02 06:41
British travel agents “discover” Naxos - Record arrivals in 2024
07/02 06:14
Donation from HEDNO for the restoration of the Ottoman Bath of Kalloni in Lesvos
06/02 18:58
Work on the Thessaloniki Flyover is progressing at a rapid pace
06/02 18:54
Sports Tourism | Ministerial meeting for the Euroleague Coaches Conference 2025
06/02 18:25
29.3 million international air arrivals in 2024, with clear signs of an extended season
06/02 16:43
06/02 15:49
06/02 14:42
Sotheby’s: The Athenian Riviera is first in demand for luxury properties
06/02 13:48
06/02 12:05
Travelers are paying attention to cost and quality, few to sustainability
06/02 11:57
Wyndham and HR Group expand into Germany, Austria and the Netherlands
06/02 07:37
How will Naxos deal with the risk of water shortages ahead of the tourist season
06/02 07:28
Attica Region: There is no overtourism in Athens - a warning for infrastructure
06/02 07:16
Grant payments for 4 hotel investments in Rhodes, Chania, Itilo and Sivota
06/02 07:05
06/02 06:11
Municipality of Folegandros: Prohibition of roaming or grazing animals in tourist areas
05/02 19:57
Milos Municipality attempts to block second investment for 5-star hotel
05/02 19:03
National Action Plan for Cycling, with development in cycling tourism
Ski mountaineering is developing into a tourist product in Crete
Ski Mountaineering Race on Mount Olympus and Cycling Race in Larissa
Easyjet | Flights from Berlin to Crete, Corfu and Rhodes in the summer
European air transport | What changes are coming to passenger rights
The picture of short-term rental in Greece in 2024 - revenues at 874 million euros
Turkish tourists arrive in Greek island of Rhodes this season
Love at first sight for Lipsi - watch the Mayor's music video with rapper
European Airport Passenger Traffic in 2024: Recovery and New Challenges
Wine Routes in the Peloponnese: Three Families, Three Stories of Passion
Greek Meetings Alliance meets with Andreas Fiorentinos on MICE tourism
Olga Kefalogianni honored at reception for birthday of the Japanese Emperor
V. Katsaras | Optimism for the season in the Greek island of Naxos
Pieria's promotion in the Italian market - POTAP's participation in the BIT exhibition
Greek Tourism Minister meets with the Ambassadors of Algeria and Romania
FORTH's new Research and Culture Multi-Cultural Center opens in Heraklion
Castle scholars from all over the world promote Frogakastello in Crete
Applications for the Best Tourism Villages 2025 are now open
British travel agents “discover” Naxos - Record arrivals in 2024