The Greek Real Estate Market: Prices, Locations, Types of Real Estate Suitable for Investment

The Greek real estate market is on a strong recovery path after many years of recession. High demand from both domestic and international buyers, coupled with limited supply, has pushed property prices upwards. This article will analyze the Greek real estate market based on price and location, with the latest figures as of 2024.

Price

Average Property Price

According to data from the Athens University of Economics and Business, the average property price in Greece in Q4 2023 was €1,450/m2, an increase of 8.5% compared to the same period of the previous year. The urban areas saw the highest increase, with property prices rising by more than 14% year-on-year in Q2 2023 (according to Global Property Guide).

Trends in investment property types

• Residential: The ever-increasing demand for housing in Greece, combined with the Golden Visa program that grants residency to foreign investors purchasing properties above a certain value, has boosted the demand for residential properties. This makes residential properties a good investment choice, with the potential for capital appreciation and rental income.
• Tourism: Greece’s booming tourism industry creates high demand for holiday rental properties. Apartments, villas, or luxury hotels in popular tourist destinations or near emerging tourist attractions can be lucrative investments. However, competition in these areas can be higher.
• Industrial: The rise of e-commerce and the overall development of the Greek economy are leading to increased investment in the industrial sector. Warehouses and logistics centers can be promising options, especially near major transportation hubs.

Price differences

Property prices can vary significantly across different areas of Greece. For example, property prices in Athens and Thessaloniki are considerably higher than in smaller cities and islands.

• Average property prices: The average property price in Greece increased by 10.2% in 2023 compared to 2022.
• Athens: The most expensive city in Greece, with an average property price of 2,200 euros/m².
• Thessaloniki: The second largest city in Greece, with an average property price of 1,500 euros/m².
• Mykonos: The most popular tourist island in Greece, with an average property price of 4,000 euros/m².
• Crete: The largest island in Greece, with an average property price of 2,000 euros/m².

Price trends

Greek property prices are projected to continue increasing in 2024, however, the growth rate may slow down compared to 2023.

Location

Athens

The capital of Greece is the most active real estate market with high demand from both domestic and international buyers. The city center of Athens is home to the highest property prices, with the neighborhoods of Kolonaki, Filothei, and Psychiko being the most expensive areas.

Thessaloniki

The second largest city in Greece is also an attractive market with cheaper property prices than Athens. The city center of Thessaloniki also has high property prices, with the neighborhoods of Kalamaria and Nea Krini being popular areas.

The Islands

Greek islands such as Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete are popular tourist destinations that attract many real estate investors.

• Mykonos: The coastal areas on the island of Mykonos have the highest property prices, with the towns of Chora and Ano Mera being the most expensive areas.
• Crete: The northern coast of the island of Crete has the highest property prices, with the towns of Chania and Rethymno being popular areas.

Trend

The demand for housing in areas close to the city center, with good transportation links, and close to high-end amenities is increasing.

• High demand: The demand for buying a house in Greece is increasing, due to the recovery of the Greek economy, the Golden Visa program that allows foreign investors to obtain Greek residency when buying a house, and low mortgage interest rates.
• Limited supply: The supply of housing in Greece is limited, as many investors bought houses during the economic crisis and are not willing to sell.
• Rising property prices: Property prices in Greece are expected to continue to rise in the coming years, due to high demand and limited supply.

Although large cities like Athens and popular tourist destinations tend to have higher prices, emerging areas also have investment potential. These areas can offer a better entry point and have the potential for higher growth in the future. Consider researching areas with good infrastructure development plans or areas that are undergoing renovation.

Factors affecting the Greek real estate market:

The Greek economy is recovering from the crisis, which will boost demand for housing.

• Tourism: The Greek tourism industry is booming, attracting more international visitors, leading to high demand for holiday homes.
• Low bank interest rates: Low bank interest rates make it easier to get a mortgage.
• Golden Visa program: The Greek Golden Visa program allows foreign investors to obtain permanent residency by purchasing real estate worth 250,000 euros or more.

Opportunities and challenges for the Greek real estate market:

Investment opportunities:

• Rental market: The rental market in Greece is growing strongly, due to increased tourism and labor migration.
• Golden Visa program: The Golden Visa program allows foreign investors to obtain Greek permanent residency by purchasing a property worth 250,000 euros or more.
• Affordable property prices: Property prices in Greece are still relatively affordable compared to many other European countries.

Challenges: The market could be affected by factors such as global political and economic instability.

Types of real estate suitable for investment by foreign investors

Choosing the right type of real estate for investment is an important decision for foreign investors. The right choice can bring high profits and help investors achieve their settlement goals.

Here are some types of real estate suitable for investment for foreign investors:

Condominium

Pros:

• Convenient location, close to amenities such as schools, hospitals, and shopping malls.
• Reasonable price, suitable for many investors.
• Easy to manage and rent.

Cons:

• Small area, limited space.
• High population density, not much private space.

Townhouse

Pros:

• Large area, with lots of living space.
• High privacy, suitable for families with many members.
• High added value over time.

Cons:

• The price is higher than that of a condominium.
• The location may not be as convenient as a condominium.
• More difficult to manage and rent than a condominium.

Villa

Pros:

• Spacious and luxurious area.
• Beautiful location, with private space.
• High value appreciation over time.

Cons:

• Very high price.
• Difficult to manage and rent out.
• High maintenance costs.

Commercial real estate

Pros:

• High rental income.
• High value appreciation over time.

Cons:

• Requires knowledge and experience in management.
• Higher risk compared to other types of real estate.

Choosing the right type of real estate:

• Investment goal: Choose the type of real estate that suits your investment goals. For example, if you want to invest for rental income, you should choose a type of real estate with high rental demand, such as apartments or townhouses.
• Budget: Choose a type of real estate that fits your budget.
• Location: Choose a type of real estate that is in a convenient location, close to amenities and has potential for future development.
• Management ability: Choose a type of real estate that you are able to manage and rent out.

Advice:

• Consult a real estate expert before making an investment decision.
• Research the real estate market thoroughly before buying real estate.
• Choose to buy real estate from reputable developers.

Conclusion:

The Greek real estate market is recovering strongly and is a potential investment market for domestic and international investors. However, investors should note that house prices in Greece are expected to continue to rise in the coming years.