Greece property is both a store of value and a path to residency.
- It has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, sunny winters.
- A European Union member since 1981 and part of the eurozone, Greece uses the euro (EUR).
- Greece belongs to the Schengen Area, allowing free movement across much of Europe.
After the 2010s debt crisis, the economy has recovered and returned to growth.
Property, especially in Athens, has rebounded strongly on Golden Visa demand and tourism.
House-price trends
Greece owns one of the world's largest merchant fleets by tonnage.
Tourism contributes a sizeable share of GDP, welcoming tens of millions of visitors yearly.
Farm exports include olive oil, fruit, wine and seafood.
Promising areas
Crete, the largest island, is rich in Minoan heritage and beautiful beaches.
- Meteora astonishes with monasteries perched atop towering rock pillars.
- The best time to visit is late spring and early autumn, avoiding the hot, crowded peak summer.
- Vietnamese travellers can obtain a short-stay Schengen visa to visit Greece.
- Island-hopping is mainly by ferry, so book ahead in high season.
- Street food such as souvlaki and gyros is popular and affordable.
Rental yields
As an EU and eurozone member, Greece accesses the European single market.
Labour costs are more competitive than in Western Europe, appealing to some investors.
Renewable energy and technology are emerging growth areas.
Cost of ownership
Opening a bank account requires a passport, tax number and residence documents.
Summers can be very hot, so choose a home with air-conditioning and near the sea if possible.
The cost of living in Greece is among the most comfortable in the EU.
Market risks
Greece runs a Golden Visa programme granting residence to real-estate investors.
Since August 2024 the minimum investment rose to around EUR 800,000 in prime areas such as Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos and Santorini.
In many other areas the threshold is roughly EUR 400,000, with lower tiers for certain heritage-restoration projects.
Need a tailored roadmap?
Viking Global Group walks with you from paperwork to settlement. Call +849.219.219.88 or email [email protected] for a free consultation.
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- Healthcare and insurance in Greece
- Mapping Greece: regions and major cities to know
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Frequently asked questions
Why do investors look at Greek property?
Prices have recovered since the crisis, rental demand from tourism and remote workers has grown, and property can support a Golden Visa application. Athens, Thessaloniki and popular islands attract the most interest, but each area has its own risks and potential.
Where do property returns come from?
Returns come from long-term or, where permitted, short-term rental income and from capital appreciation when selling. Both depend on location, property quality, rental rules and market cycles, so projected returns should never be treated as certain.
What risks should property investors weigh?
Risks include changes to short-term rental and Golden Visa rules, property taxes, maintenance of older buildings, legal complications if due diligence is skipped, low liquidity in some regions and broader economic swings. Independent legal checks reduce legal risk.
Which taxes and costs affect net returns?
Transfer tax on purchase, annual property tax, income tax on rent, capital gains rules on sale, management fees, maintenance and insurance all reduce returns. Calculating these in advance with an accountant gives a realistic picture of net yield.
How can investors evaluate a specific property?
Assess the location, actual rental demand, legal status, construction quality and seismic resilience, renovation needs and comparable prices, then calculate net returns after all costs. Visiting in person and using independent agents helps avoid overpaying.
Information is for reference and may change under the latest official policy. Please contact us for current regulations.
