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
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.
Why the Prices Differ
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.
What You Get For the Money
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.
The Costs on Top of the Price
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.
Which Island Suits You
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.
Why Elxis?
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
Conclusion
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.
