04.07.2024
Greece is one of the most naturally beautiful countries in the world. Pristine beaches, Medterranean air, an endless rows of olive trees are just a few of the highlights. If you have a home in Greece, how can you make sure Greece's beaches stay some of the cleanest in the world? How can you keep the Mediterranean air fresh, and make sure future generations in your family can enjoy the same endless, beautiful sunsets?
There are many things you can do to make your home in Greece more eco-friendly. If you’re already a Greek resident or are looking to buy a Greek holiday home, here are a few ideas for making your property more eco-friendly.
With thousands of hours of sunshine per year, Greece is a great place to install solar panels. Even though they also work on cloudy days, the large amount of bright sunshine in Greece allows your panels to reach maximum capacity, giving renewable energy to your home.
While the initial setup has a cost, the panels will soon become a smart investment, especially when paired with a solar battery.
Saving water is one of the most best ways to make your Greek home more sustainable. Even small things like thinking about how long you run your taps and turning them off while brushing your teeth or shaving can save a lot of water over time.
You can install tap aerators to lower your water consumption while at the same time enjoying the same water pressure. Plus, you can invest in technology to reuse rainwater for your garden during dry months.
If you live near the seaside and want to cool off, you could choose to take a swim in the pristine waters of the Mediterranean Sea instead of showering at home. The crystal-clear waters are known for their healing properties, both for the skin and the soul. Just be sure to rinse off briefly after your swim.
If you’re looking to make sustainable changes without any new installations, then your garden can be a good place to make a change. We recommend creating an outdoor space that embraces the natural beauty of native plants, such as fruit trees, violets, herbs, anemones, poppies, and olive trees. It’s best to choose native Greek plants that are already found locally.
Since these plants are native to the area, they can help restore biodiversity and help local fauna to come into your garden. Plus, they can help reduce air pollution, and in some places, can even prevent erosion. You’ll also need to water these plants less, since they have specifically evolved to live in Greece, reducing your water use.
We're not the only ones who have thought of this. Some of Greece's most innovative architects and designers plant native species around their new projects, so that the house blends better with the surrounding area.
In some areas of Greece, especially in the north, central, and western coast of Greece, the weather is mild in the winter. So, it may make sense to have a heating and cooling system in your home. Some models also offer a cooling system too – ideal for sunny Greek summers.
Some heat pumps work best when the property is well insulated, so you should also makes sure your home in Greece has good insulation. If your home in Greece is “yposkafo” - in other words, it is a cave home or partial cave home – you will already likely have good insulation.
Heat pumps can also help boost the energy rating of your home in Greece. If you choose to rent out or sell your home in Greece in the future, an effective heat pump increases the rental price or sale price of your home.
When it comes to making your Greek home more eco-friendly, you can also choose to buy everyday items in your home that help the environment in Greece. For example, you can buy eco-friendly versions of cleaning products, or choose local foods from local grocers or bakers, instead of processed foods that need to be shipped to Greece.
All together, these efforts will help preserve Greece's natural environment and make sure the next generations in your family can enjoy the same beautiful sunset over the Mediterranean Sea.
18.05.2026
You've dreamed for years about your home in Greece: where it will be, the taverna meals you will have, and the summer sun. Now comes one of the logistics of buying a home in Greece: what kind of ownership you want.
17.05.2026
If you’re searching for your dream home in Greece, you’ve probably already run into the question: should I buy an existing home in Greece, or a new, off-plan home? Many buyers are specifically looking for off-plan houses in Greece in the best locations in Greece to maximize their investment and lifestyle benefits, with off-plan apartments and villas also being popular choices among buyers. Off-plan property investment refers to purchasing real estate before construction is completed, allowing buyers to secure a unit at lower pre-construction prices and benefit from potential capital appreciation. Many investors choose to invest in off-plan properties in Greece for both lifestyle and financial benefits, such as flexible payment plans and the potential for rental income.
First things first, let’s define off-plan homes and discover the unique opportunities they offer in Greece. The Greek property market continues to attract international investors seeking geographic diversification, with a growing number of off-plan developments available. Recent data from market reports shows a steady increase in off-plan property purchases among overseas buyers, with data analysis highlighting this upward trend. Off-plan developments in Greece typically offer modern specifications and warranties, making them especially attractive to international investors looking for both quality and security in their property investments.
15.05.2026
Buying a house in Greece comes with many things people already expect: sunshine, sea views, olive trees, village squares, and terraces that seem specifically designed for “just one more coffee.” But the buying process itself may also include a few details that feel different if you are used to purchasing property elsewhere. The Greek real estate process has its own rhythm, local habits, and practical steps. Some are legal. Some are technical. Some are simply part of life in Greece.
Here are 10 things you may find a bit strange when buying a house in Greece.
13.05.2026
“I need to be a Greek citizen to buy a home in Greece, right?” “Don't I need a Greek bank account to buy a home in Greece?” “I signed a Private Purchase Agreement... does that mean I own the house now?” In this article, we present the most common misconceptions we hear from clients. Keep in mind, this is perfectly normal if you're buying a home in Greece for the first time!
12.05.2026
I want to buy a home in Greece, but I don’t know anything about the process. Who will I work with when buying a home in Greece? If I don’t speak Greek, will someone help me with the documents? Do I need a lawyer, a real estate agent, or an engineer? Which of these contacts do I need to have in Greece before I start the process of buying a home?
When buying property in Greece, you will typically work with a real estate agent, a buyer’s lawyer, who is a key participant in drawing up and signing the purchase deed in collaboration with the notary, and a notary. The notary office is the expert entity for notarial acts and legal services related to property transactions, including property conveyancing, document formalization, and legal consultancy, as well as notarial acts and legal services for documents intended for use abroad, addressing cross-border requirements such as translations and legalization. The office serves as the professional space where legal and notarial services are conducted, such as signing, verification, and consultations. Understanding all the costs involved, such as notary fees, transfer taxes, and legal fees, is crucial to avoid surprises and ensure a smooth transaction. These professionals are essential for both individuals and businesses looking to invest in Greek real estate.
Buyers, whether private individuals or commercial entities, often require guidance to navigate the Greek notary system, understand the legal framework, and ensure all necessary documents and legal requirements are met. Greece is a popular destination for international clients, including those seeking a golden visa through real estate investment. This is especially important for international clients who may not be familiar with the local language or the digital systems now supporting notarial acts in Greece. The contract for property transactions is always drafted in Greek, so a translator is required for non-Greek speakers. The process and role of notaries can differ from those in other countries, so expert guidance is highly recommended. Notaries in Greece also provide services related to wills, which are important for estate planning and succession.
11.05.2026
In recent years, buying a second home in Greece has become especially popular, driven by the steady growth of the real estate market and increased interest from investors. This growth is supported by Greece's economic recovery and government incentives, making it an attractive investment opportunity. The rise of home rental websites like Airbnb and VRBO has further fueled demand. Greece offers something for every lifestyle, with a diverse range of property types including modern apartments in vibrant city centers, luxury villas on the islands, and family-friendly homes in the mainland regions. As a popular tourist destination, Greece attracts both buyers and investors seeking lifestyle benefits, strong rental income potential, and long-term appreciation. The country's warm hospitality and high quality of life further enhance the experience of owning a second home here.
16.04.2026
In this comprehensive guide to buying a home in Greece, we will cover the entire process of buying a home in Greece, including where to buy a home in Greece, what types of homes you can buy in Greece, the documents needed, the legal process of buying a Greek home, and also frequently asked questions.
- Trustworthy: Elxis has over 30 years of experience buying, selling, and performing all legal procedures for the purchase and sale of properties in Greece. The information in this guide comes directly from our team of lawyers and real estate consultants, so you don’t need to think twice about the credibility of the information.
- Up to Date: Most similar guides you will find on the internet have old information about tax rates, documentation, and legal processes. This buyer’s guide is continually updated as the rules and regulations in Greece change, so you don’t have to wonder if anything is out of date by the time you start your home search.
- Optimized for English Speakers: Many similar guides are translated from Greek to English, and as a result, some of the meaning is lost in translation. This guide is written 100% by native English speakers and proofed by native Dutch and German speakers, so the information is clear and understandable, no matter where you’re reading from.
29.12.2025
You have bought your home in Greece and are wondering how to add utilities such as electricity, water and internet to your property? In this article we explain exactly how to add utilities to your home in Greece.
