29.10.2026
Living in Corfu Year-Round: The Basics Before Buying a House
Corfu is a well-known island in Greece, particularly popular as a vacation destination, but it’s much more than that.
Regional Guides
Greece is one of the more English-friendly countries in southern Europe, and Athens is its most international city. With tourists, students, and foreign residents passing through every day, English has become a natural part of daily life across much of the city. There's really only one place where the language carries serious weight, and that's buying property. We'll come back to that.
Where English Is Spoken Most
English is strong in the areas where most visitors and buyers spend their time. The centre, around Syntagma Square and Plaka, deals with tourists all day. You'll hear English everywhere. The northern suburbs, such as Kifisia and Psychiko, have long attracted international residents and host several international schools. The southern coast, including Glyfada and Vouliagmeni, is used to foreign buyers looking at seaside homes. Real estate agents there usually speak fluent English. Quieter residential neighbourhoods can be more Greek-only. Even then, younger people generally speak some English. In practice, you'll rarely be stuck.
A Few Greek Words Worth Knowing
You don't need Greek to get around Athens. But a little goes a long way, and locals notice the effort.
A short list to start with:
Kaliméra (good morning)
Kalispéra (good evening)
Efcharistó (thank you)
Parakaló (please, and you're welcome)
Nai / Óchi (yes/no)
Póso káni? (how much is it?)
If you're viewing properties, a few more help: spíti (house), diamérisma (apartment), kípos (garden), and thálassa (sea).
Apps That Make Daily Life Easier
Technology covers most of the gaps.
Google Translate: point your camera at a sign, menu, or document for an instant English version. The conversation mode handles simple back-and-forth.
Google Maps: reliable for walking, driving, and public transport directions in English.
OASA Telematics: the official Athens transport app, with metro, bus, and tram routes in English.
Wolt and efood: food delivery apps with photo menus and English interfaces.
Where Language Matters Most: Buying Property
This is the one place where English alone isn't enough. Property in Greece runs on Greek-language contracts, official paperwork, and tax procedures. A small misunderstanding in a contract, or a missed document, can turn into an expensive problem later. You'll come across steps like the Greek tax number (AFM), due diligence on the title, and the notarial deed. The wording is precise, and it matters. This is where you want people working in both your language and Greek.
How We Help
At Elxis, this is the gap we bridge. We've guided international buyers through Greek property since 1991. Our team speaks Dutch, English, German, French, and Greek. You deal with someone in your own language from the first conversation. Our legal team works in-house. They handle the due diligence, contracts, and paperwork, and explain each step in plain terms. The aim is simple: You should understand a property before you ever travel to see it. The visit becomes a confirmation, not a surprise.
The Short Answer
For daily life in Athens, English gets you a long way. For buying a home, you want the right people beside you. With both in place, the language barrier mostly disappears.
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.
