22.10.2026
Best Islands to Retire in Greece
Based on recent data of ours, almost one in three buyers (30.8%), mainly retirees, from abroad are looking for a property in Greece for a permanent residence.

03.02.2026
Corfu is one of the most established property markets in Greece, attracting buyers from across Northern Europe and beyond. Property prices vary considerably depending on location, property type, and condition, from traditional stone houses in inland villages to elegant neoclassical villas and modern seaside residences. This guide gives you a practical overview of what to expect.
Prices in Corfu sit at the higher end of the Ionian Islands, reflecting the island's strong infrastructure, international airport connectivity, and year-round community. Property prices are higher than elsewhere in the Ionian, though the island offers a broad range of options across different budgets.
Coastal properties with sea views or direct beach access command the highest prices. Traditional stone houses in inland villages offer better value, while modern developments near popular beaches occupy the premium segment. New-build properties typically carry higher costs than older properties requiring renovation, though the gap has narrowed as construction costs have risen.
According to Elxis market data, the average price per square metre for holiday homes across Greece reached €3,398 in the first four months of 2026, up 10.8% from the same period in 2025. For new-build properties, the average rose to €4,245/sqm, while existing homes averaged €2,550/sqm. Corfu, as one of the strongest-performing markets in the country, tends to sit above these national averages, particularly for coastal and new-build properties.
Beach proximity is the single biggest driver. Properties within walking distance of popular beaches carry substantial premiums, and direct sea views or private beach access push prices to their highest levels. The quality and accessibility of the beach itself also matters.
Property condition and age play a significant role. Well-maintained traditional houses often compete on price with newer constructions, and renovation opportunities can represent good value for buyers willing to invest in improvements. Modern amenities such as swimming pools, air conditioning, and updated kitchens add value across all property types.
Location relative to amenities also affects pricing. Properties near Corfu Town or popular tourist areas maintain stronger values due to convenience and rental potential. Road quality and accessibility are particularly relevant for rural properties.
Corfu sits comfortably above the Ionian average and is broadly comparable to popular parts of Crete. It is significantly more affordable than Santorini or Mykonos, where limited land availability and iconic status push prices well beyond what comparable properties would cost elsewhere.
Rhodes and other Dodecanese islands typically offer lower entry prices, particularly for traditional properties. Corfu's established tourism infrastructure, international airport, and year-round community support stronger values and rental potential than many comparable island destinations.
Inland villages and traditional settlements offer the most accessible entry points. Mountain villages such as Pelekas, Sinarades, and Doukades feature authentic stone houses at competitive prices, often with land and gardens included. These locations offer genuine village life with local tavernas and a strong sense of community.
Northern inland areas around Roda and Acharavi provide good value for properties set back from the coastline, with easy beach access and growing local infrastructure. Southern areas near Lefkimmi offer proximity to beaches and the airport while maintaining a more traditional character and lower prices than the island's more developed northern and central areas.
Beyond the purchase price, buying property in Greece involves several additional costs. Transfer tax is set at 3.09%* of the purchase price or the government-determined objective value, whichever is higher. Notary fees and land registry registration costs combined are approximately 2.5% of the property value. Lawyer's fees typically range from 1-2% plus VAT, and while hiring a lawyer is not legally required, it is strongly advisable, particularly for foreign buyers.
Certain exemptions on transfer tax may apply in specific circumstances. Your lawyer can advise whether you qualify based on your personal situation.
*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.
Additional costs to budget for include property surveys, document translations, and utility connections. Once you own the property, annual ENFIA property tax becomes an ongoing obligation, calculated on the objective value with rates varying by location and property characteristics.
Corfu has been among the strongest-performing markets in Greece in recent years, alongside Crete and the broader Ionian Islands. Demand from international buyers, particularly from Northern Europe, has driven consistent price growth and supported strong rental markets.
The wider Greek holiday home market saw prices rise by 10.8% in the first four months of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, according to Elxis data. Average buyer spending has also shifted upward, with significant demand emerging for properties above €500,000, particularly newly built villas with private pools close to the sea.
The Golden Visa programme has brought additional investment interest to the premium segment. Corfu falls outside the high-demand zones, meaning the minimum qualifying investment is €400,000 rather than the €800,000 that applies in Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and larger islands. This makes Corfu a practical option for buyers seeking both a quality holiday home and a pathway to European residency.
Tourism recovery since 2020 has strengthened rental markets, and Corfu's year-round appeal, supported by schools, hospitals, expat networks, and a vibrant cultural scene, makes it particularly attractive for buyers considering semi-permanent living or high-end rental investment.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. For matters specific to your situation, we recommend consulting a lawyer, accountant, or notary as appropriate.
22.10.2026
Based on recent data of ours, almost one in three buyers (30.8%), mainly retirees, from abroad are looking for a property in Greece for a permanent residence.
01.10.2026
After several years of rapid price increases, Greece’s housing market is showing signs of a more moderate pace in 2026. But the slowdown is not appearing in all segments in the same way. Holiday homes and newly built properties continue to attract strong demand internationally, while in the broader residential property market price growth is beginning to slow.
17.09.2026
Property transactions in Greece involve specific legal and administrative requirements, including notarial formalities, seller paperwork, and detailed documentation, which may differ from those in other European markets. For international sellers, these rules, combined with language barriers and local bureaucracy, can create delays or legal risk if not handled correctly, which is why professional legal and real estate support is often essential. The process of selling a property in Greece can be pretty straightforward once you pick a team of experts to assist you. However, as there are differences between countries and cultures, owners from abroad need to have a clear overview of what to expect. That said, with this guide, we aim to respond clearly and plainly to all the questions we often receive.
04.09.2026
Selling property in Greece starts with understanding the market, preparing the right legal documents, setting a realistic asking price, and following the country’s notarial and tax procedures. Greek property continues to attract international buyers from Europe and the USA, especially in established coastal destinations such as Crete, the Ionian Islands, and the Peloponnese. For foreign owners selling a home, villa, or holiday property in Greece, understanding who is buying can be a practical first step when preparing a sale. Many international buyers are seeking holiday homes in Greece from countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, alongside non-EU nationals exploring residency opportunities through current Greek investment migration programs. There is also a share of demand that comes from Greek expatriates returning to buy in their home country.
01.09.2026
Crete is already one of the Mediterranean’s most loved island destinations, but its future looks even brighter. As construction of the new Kastelli Airport enters its final phase, the island is preparing for one of the most important infrastructure upgrades in its history.
13.07.2026
Moving your life to Crete is entirely achievable, and it's open to anyone in principle. What changes is the process: your nationality, how long you intend to stay, and your personal circumstances all play a part. Emigrating to Crete is possible, though it means navigating visa rules, residency permits, and legal obligations that differ significantly between EU and non-EU citizens. EU nationals benefit from freedom of movement, while non-EU citizens typically face more paperwork and longer processing times.
02.07.2026
International investors have been paying closer attention to Greece for a few years now. Keeping up this pace, new survey data shows just how far that attention has grown. Greece has moved into first place among institutional investors targeting hospitality assets in Europe. More specifically, it has overtaken Italy, Spain, and France, the countries that traditionally led this ranking.
24.06.2026
Greece remains one of Europe's most rewarding places to own a property and let it out, and the latest short-term rental rules do little to change that, as the new limits are targeted. More specifically, they focus on the busiest central districts of Athens and Thessaloniki, while the islands, the coast, and the wider market stay open.
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