16.01.2026
Buyers weighing up the Ionian often come to this question, and the short version is that yes, Lefkada usually works out more affordable than Corfu. The gap and the reasons behind it are worth understanding, though, before you let price alone decide. Corfu is one of Greece's best-known islands, with a long international following and the premium that brings. Lefkada is smaller, quieter, and less famous abroad, which tends to keep prices gentler. What you're really choosing between is an established, polished market and a lower-key one with a different feel. Here's how they compare.
The main reason comes down to how each island is reached. Corfu has its own international airport, with direct flights from many European cities through much of the year. That easy access has fed decades of international demand, and demand supports prices. Lefkada has no airport of its own. You fly into Aktion, near Preveza on the mainland, then cross the bridge that joins Lefkada to the coast, a drive of around half an hour. It's genuinely convenient, but it isn't quite the same as landing on the island itself, and that has kept Lefkada a little off the mainstream international radar. The result is gentler pricing. Corfu's long history as an upmarket destination, its Venetian old town, and its UNESCO-listed centre all add to its premium positioning. Lefkada's appeal is quieter and more local, which is part of its charm.
Across most categories, from apartments to plots of land, Lefkada tends to sit below Corfu for comparable property. The difference shows up most at the top end, where Corfu's waterfront villas command the strongest premiums. For the same budget, you can often find more space, or a better spot, on Lefkada. Mid-range homes are where the two come closest in quality, and where Lefkada's value tends to stand out. A word on growth: a less internationally developed market can have more room to rise over time, but that is never guaranteed. The sound approach is to buy for the place and the lifestyle first, and treat any appreciation as a bonus.
These are the same wherever you buy in Greece. Transfer tax on an existing home is 3.09%*, charged on the price or the property's official value, whichever is higher. Once you add legal fees, notary, and registration, budget for roughly 10% on top of the purchase price. The main annual tax is ENFIA, based on the property's official value and its location. There are reductions in certain cases, though these generally apply to primary residences in small Greek settlements rather than to holiday homes, so it's worth checking what applies to a specific property.
*Important update: The Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, has announced that the property transfer tax for purchases by non-EU citizens is set to rise to 15%, with the change expected to apply from 1 January 2027. The implementing legislation has not yet been published, so the final scope, including how it may treat plots of land and commercial property, is not yet confirmed.
It comes down to what you want from the island. Corfu suits buyers who value an established international scene, a full range of amenities, and the convenience of direct flights. It's polished, well connected, and well known. Lefkada suits buyers after better value and a quieter, more local feel, who don't mind the short hop across the bridge. Access is still easy; it's simply less in the spotlight.
The Ionian is one of our core regions, and we've been guiding international buyers across Greece for 35 years. With Elxis, you get:
An in-house team of 10 lawyers, not outsourced work
Full due diligence on every property: titles, the National Cadastre, tax, and any outstanding obligations
Contract drafting and management of the whole transaction
Everything explained in your own language: English, Dutch, German, French, or Greek
A trusted network across the Ionian and the mainland: notaries, surveyors, viewing teams, and technical specialists
Lefkada is generally the more affordable of the two, largely because Corfu's own airport and long international history command a premium. Choose Corfu for its established scene and direct access, and Lefkada for value and a gentler pace. Price is a real difference between them, but it's worth weighing alongside how each island actually feels.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. For any issues relating to specific cases, we recommend consulting a lawyer, an accountant, or a notary depending on your needs.
27.10.2026
The first thing that probably comes to your mind when you hear the words “Ionian Sea” is its islands. On the mainland side, though, there are a few regions that can be considered a practical and smart choice for international property buyers.
23.10.2026
For international property buyers and future permanent residents, Lefkada can be a very smart option.
22.10.2026
Crete, in general, has been particularly appealing when it comes to real estate, both for permanent living and for investment opportunities.
22.09.2026
The Peloponnese gets far less international attention than Santorini or Mykonos, and for buyers, that is part of the appeal. The peninsula has a long and varied coastline, mountain villages that stay lived-in through winter, and some of the country's best-known ancient sites, Mycenae, Olympia, and Epidaurus among them. Prices here have stayed closer to reality than on the popular islands, mostly because foreign demand arrived later. If you are willing to look past the obvious destinations, the Peloponnese gives you more for your money and a region that does not shut down in October.
29.07.2026
One of Greece's unparalleled advantages is the bounty of islands it offers, with countless places to explore, all set against the backdrop of the endless blue sea. However, figuring out where each of these islands is located can be tricky. The purpose of this guide, therefore, is to provide a simple and easy-to-understand overview of Greece's island groups.
04.06.2026
It's a sensible thing to check before you start house-hunting, and the answer is a qualified yes. There is a train, but it only reaches the northern edge of the Peloponnese. Athens connects by rail to Kiato, and on towards Aigio, with a bus completing the run to Patras while the line is being finished. Beyond that, the peninsula has very little passenger rail, so the popular spots like Nafplio, Kalamata, and the Mani are reached by road. For most buyers, that makes the bus or the car the practical choice. Here's the full picture, and what it means if you're thinking of a home here.
24.05.2026
Crete is referred to with the nickname “island of the gods.” The famous Greek island is known for its history, its welcoming people, its picturesque landscapes, and its high quality of life. It seems like everyone is always in a good mood, even when there is a disagreement. What's not to like? In this article, we break down why Crete is the ideal place to buy a second home.
22.05.2026
If you're weighing up where to buy in Crete, Rethymno makes a strong case, and for many international buyers the answer is a clear yes. Sitting between Chania and Heraklion, it offers easy access to two major cities while keeping its own relaxed rhythm, historic charm, and a close connection to the sea. From restored village homes to modern villas near the coast, it draws buyers who want more than a summer base: a balanced life with beaches, mountain villages, restaurants, shops, and year-round services all within reach. It's often seen as Crete's smart middle ground, less busy than Chania, more intimate than Heraklion, and still well connected. Here's why it appeals, what makes it stand out, and who it suits best.
