Buying property in Greece: Guide for UK Buyers

Want to own a piece of the Mediterranean? Greece, a sun-kissed country with a history as rich as its culture, is a top choice for UK tourists, travellers, and expats looking for a new home. From the bustling city life of Athens and Thessaloniki to the tranquil beauty of the Greek islands, finding your ideal property in Greece requires a clear plan.

If you’re ready to take the plunge on Hellenic property, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to buy property in Greece as a foreigner. This includes steps to purchase a home, info on fees and costs, and the pitfalls to avoid.

And if you’re looking for ways to save money on currency exchange when buying property in Greece, check out the money services provider Wise. You can send large transfers with Wise for low fees* and mid-market exchange rates - making it ideal if you’re sending a secure international transfer.

Jump to

What’s the property market like in Greece? Can foreigners buy a house in Greece? Buying property in Greece after Brexit Can I buy a house in Greece and get residency? How much does it cost to buy property in Greece? How can I find a property in Greece? Property agencies and agents Property websites in Greece Best places to buy property in Greece Pitfalls to avoid when buying property in Greece Avoiding scams Is it safe to buy property in Greece? How do I choose the right property? Property types – flats, houses, lands, villas, holiday homes in Greece Condition of the property How to buy property in Greece from the UK - a step-by-step guide How do deposits, down payments, mortgages and bank loans work in Greece? Choosing a bank Deposits and down payments What kind of taxes and fees will I need to pay?

What’s the property market like in Greece?

Property prices in Greece have been steadily rising over the last few years, with average prices shooting up by 7-12% in urban areas of the country.¹

While this means you may have to spend a little more to buy a home there, it’s useful to know that Greek property remains much more affordable than some European countries. And with some major infrastructure projects underway in the country, value appreciation is expected.

It’s currently a seller’s market in Greece, so you may have to compete with other buyers and act fast to secure your dream home.

Can foreigners buy a house in Greece?

Yes, foreign citizens can buy property in Greece - but it’s easier for some than others.

While EU residents will run into almost no restrictions on purchasing property in Greece, non-EU residents (including UK nationals) may find the process a little more complicated.

For example, you’ll need to register for tax and open a Greek bank account, and you may also face restrictions on how much you can lend from a Greek bank or mortgage provider.

Buying property in Greece after Brexit

Once the UK officially left the EU, buying property in Greece became a little more difficult for UK citizens.

You will still have the right to buy and own property, and rent it out if you want to. But you may also face restrictions and a few more administrative processes, as mentioned above.

But the good news is that as a non-EU citizen, British buyers are now eligible for the Golden Visa scheme, which we’ll look at next.

Can I buy a house in Greece and get residency?

Yes, you can buy a property in Greece and get residency, as long as you meet certain conditions. This is one of the main attractions of buying property in Greece - its Golden Visa scheme.

This grants a five-year residency permit to foreigners investing in property in the country. You’ll need to spend at least €400,000 EUR (this rises to €800,000 for popular parts of Greece such as Thessaloniki, Mykonos and Santorini)² and meet other criteria such as having health insurance and no criminal record.

Once granted, the holder of a Golden Visa and their immediate family members can legally live and work in Greece for 5 years.² However, you aren’t actually required to live there and you can choose to rent out your purchased property if you like - but only on a long-term basis, as short-term rentals (such as on Airbnb and other platforms) are not permitted.

If you do settle in Greece, you can apply for citizenship once you’ve lived there for 7 years.² Or, you can simply renew your residency permit.

How much does it cost to buy property in Greece?

The cost of property in Greece is largely dependent on the type of property and where you’re looking to buy.

Let’s take a look at average prices for apartments and homes in a few of the most popular parts of the country:³

Area	Cost of a home (€/sqm) Q2 2025
Athens Centre	2,400
Athens North	3,296
Athens South	4,052
Athens West	2,135
Thessaloniki	2,625
Chalkidiki	2,600
Heraklion	1,778
Corfu	2,240
Zante	2,292

And, if you’re arranging your property purchase in Greece while still in the UK, you’ll need a safe, reliable and preferably low-cost way to send over fees, deposits and other payments.

The Wise account could be a convenient solution, with transparent, low fees*, and multiple layers of security, so you can safely transfer large amounts overseas.

---

---

How can I find a property in Greece?

If it’s nearly time to start your property search, here’s how to get started.

Property agencies and agents

Because of the nature of finding homes across islands, most property-seekers choose to use a real estate agent in their search. You can go for a Greek agent, or choose one in your home country - although they’ll usually work in cooperation with an agent in Greece.

An estate agent should be able to help you with everything from getting legal advice to taking out insurance, along with finding decorators, contractors and other “next-steps” after the sale. It may also be possible to find an agent who will deal with construction services on your behalf, including supervising the work.

All in all, if you’re looking for support as you make your purchase and get ready to move, contracting an agent is a good idea.

Property websites in Greece

If you’re hoping to skip the real estate agent fees, your first stop will probably be online listings. Some good places to find houses and flats for sale in Greece are:

• spitogatos
• Hellenic Realty
• Tospitimou
• XE.gr
• Your Home on Crete

Best places to buy property in Greece

In Greece, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to location. There’s something for everyone, from vibrant cities and countryside boltholes to sleepy fishing villages and picturesque seaside resorts.

Here are just a few of the best places to start your property search:

• Corfu: A mega popular destination for UK expats, the island of Corfu has a UNESCO heritage old town, beautiful sandy bays and lively tourist areas.
• Kefalonia: A little quieter than Corfu, this pretty island boasts charming fishing villages, fantastic walking trails and sparkling turquoise waters. It’s a great destination for retirees, or anyone in search of the quiet life.
• Zakynthos/Zante: One of the Ionian islands, Zakynthos has it all - stunning beaches, historic castles, hilltop villages, family-friendly resorts and party hotspots. It’s all about finding the right place for you.
• Crete: Chania on the island of Crete is a popular spot for UK buyers, thanks to its reputation for safety, a sun-soaked climate and a choice of bustling cities, coastal communities and pretty mountain villages.
• Rhodes: This holiday hotspot has a wonderfully preserved medieval old town, along with lively seaside villages and great connections to the UK and Europe. Rhodes is also a good place to buy property, particularly a holiday home - although it can be more expensive than other islands.
• Peloponnese: This large central region is bursting with history, and is a great spot for food lovers too thanks to exceptional local produce - including the famous Kalamata olives.
• Athens: With year-round entertainment and facilities, the historic capital of Greece is ideal for those who love bustling city life. It’s well-connected too, with frequent direct flights to the UK. But it doesn’t come cheap, and you may find that an apartment is the most readily available and affordable option.

Pitfalls to avoid when buying property in Greece

Buying a home in another country - especially when you live in another country - will always come with its risks and challenges. Let’s take a look at some of the potential pitfalls of buying property in Greece.

Avoiding scams

As is the case anywhere, you may run into real estate scammers in your Greek property search. While the exact scams change every day, there are a few things to keep in mind to help ensure you’re not taken for a ride:

• Never send money or a deposit before you have met the seller, seen the property or have a working set of keys.
• Ask for an up-to-date property inspection. The seller should provide this.
• Do a thorough walk through with your real estate agent with your inspection document in hand.
• Ensure that the seller has the legal right to sell the property, i.e. that they’re the real property owner.
• Double check on your rights to the property - if it’s designated a historic home by the Greek Government, you may have little to no ability to make updates or changes.

Is it safe to buy property in Greece?

Greece’s turbulent economic history - even stretching back to the financial crash in 2009 - has understandably made some people nervous about investing in property in the country.

But the good news is that in 2025, the Greek economy is doing well, and is expected to maintain its robust GDP growth in the years to come.⁴

So provided you follow the advice above to avoid scams, and seek expert advice to buy your home - it should be as safe to buy property in Greece as it is anywhere else.

Sensible buyers will do their homework, avoid overstretching themselves financially, and take steps to keep their money safe.

How do I choose the right property?

Property types – flats, houses, lands, villas, holiday homes in Greece

Villas are among the most sought-after types of property in Greece. However, it’s a good idea to remember there are other options that may serve you better or cost less in the long run.

Apartments, for instance, may come with sweeping ocean views and beach access, while being significantly cheaper to buy and maintain.

That being said, there’s no type of property you can’t find in Greece. Modern homes, historic villas, townhouses, flats, and plots of land are all available, depending on where you look.

Condition of the property

Realistically, buying a home in Greece should be approached with some caution. Because many properties are historic, they may require modernisation or rigorous upkeep - essential work which may not necessarily have been done (or done to the correct standard) by previous owners.

Because of this, it’s a smart idea to bring your own inspector and walk through the house with them, so you can get a real idea of any problems or necessary maintenance. It’s possible to find well-kept, up-to-date homes in Greece, but it’s still a good idea to do your research.

How to buy property in Greece from the UK - a step-by-step guide

Buying property in Greece is a pretty straightforward process, even for a foreigner. These are the steps to keep in mind as you get started:

1. Choose where to buy. While shopping online can give you a good idea of the property itself, it can be difficult to get a real feel for the area without being there. As such, it’s a good idea to take a trip to Greece to scout where you’d like to buy beforehand, if possible.
2. Get your Greek tax number (AFM). You’ll need this to buy and sell property in Greece. You can apply for your AFM at the local tax office with your passport and a completed application form. You’ll also need to open a Greek bank account.
3. Find a real estate agent. Make sure the agent is registered with the Hellenic Association of Realtors (HAR). If you’d rather search yourself, begin looking online.
4. Visit the property for a viewing. It can also be a good idea to take a builder or other professional with you to check for any structural or other issues.
5. Get your paperwork in order. You’re likely to need proof of ID and residence/visa (if applicable), along with copies of tax returns, bank statements and other documentation.
6. Pick your property and make an offer. After choosing a property and doing your due diligence, make an offer to the seller.
7. Get a lawyer. Your lawyer will do the required legal searches and manage all the necessary paperwork for the purchase, including checking whether there are any restrictions or prohibitions on the property.
8. Get a technical survey of the property carried out. This isn’t mandatory, but it could help to flag up any serious issues early on.
9. Sign the preliminary contract and pay the deposit.
10. Finalise your mortgage arrangements
11. Get a notary and sign the deed of sale. The notary is an essential part of property transactions in Greece, handling the completion of the final contract. So, make sure all your documents are in order so you can breeze through this process.
12. Pay the final balance and pay your taxes. The buyer pays for the property tax transfer in Greece - we’ll look at how much you can expect to pay later in this guide.
13. Get the keys and enjoy your new property!

How do deposits, down payments, mortgages and bank loans work in Greece?

Choosing a bank

A number of Greek banks offer mortgages to foreign applicants. The National Bank of Greece, Eurobank and Alpha Bank are a few to try.

If you’re non-resident in Greece, you might find that you can only borrow up to 70% of the property’s value - which means a higher deposit. You may also be limited to mortgages with higher interest rates, unlike for Greek residents.⁵

To apply for a mortgage, you’ll typically need the following:⁵

• A valid passport
• Proof of income, such as recent payslips or tax returns
• Recent bank statements
• A credit report from the UK
• Proof of address
• Proof of deposit.

Deposits and down payments

When signing the preliminary agreement to buy a property, you’ll be required to pay 10% of the property’s total value as a deposit.⁵

A cost-effective way to do this is with your Wise account, with which you can send money between the UK and Greece for low fees* and mid-market exchange rates.

What kind of taxes and fees will I need to pay?

As you’re setting your total budget, it’s a good idea to factor in the fees and taxes as well as considering property prices.

While it’s important to do your own research, these fees are some standard ones to look out for:⁵

Type	Fee
Notary fees	0.5% to 1%
Legal fees	Around 1%
Land Registry fees	0.5% to 1%
VAT (new properties)	24%
Stamp Duty (new properties)	3%
Transfer tax (resale properties)	3% to 24% (depending on property value)

---

And that’s it - our comprehensive guide to buying property in Greece for UK buyers.

We’ve covered all the important stuff, from property prices, fees and taxes through to mortgages, how to start your search and how the buying process works.

And, if you want to save money while buying your new property in Greece, make sure to use the Wise account to send your international transfer. It’s not a bank account and offers customers an alternative option to a conventional bank account, but has similar features.

Here are the main benefits for using Wise:
Fast and easy setup with no physical paperwork Low, upfront, transparent fees* Fully trackable transfers Fast transfer times Two-factor authentication and real-time notifications Dedicated support for large transfers

Sign up with Wise today 💰

---

Sources used for this article:

1. Investropa - Is 2025 a good time to buy real estate in Greece?
2. Immigrant Invest - Greece Golden Visa for UK Citizens
3. Spitagatos - SPI - Spitogatos Property Index
4. European Commission - Economy and Finance - Economic forecast for Greece
5. Properstar - Buying property in Greece as a Brit: 2025 guide

Sources checked on 08-Sep-2025.