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
Zakynthos tends to win people over the moment they see it, all turquoise water, white cliffs, and the famous Shipwreck Beach, so it's natural to wonder whether it's a smart place to buy as well as to visit. The short answer is that it can be a rewarding choice. The island offers genuine Ionian beauty and a strong tourism season at prices well below the prestige islands, with a good range of homes from beachfront to traditional villages. As with anywhere, the details matter: the season is concentrated, prime coastal stock is limited, and parts of the island are protected. Here's an honest look at what to weigh up.
The Appeal
Zakynthos has the natural draw that keeps visitors coming back. Navagio (Shipwreck Beach) and the Blue Caves are among the most photographed sights in Greece, and they anchor a tourism season that fills the island through the summer. It's also easy to reach, with direct seasonal flights from many European cities and year-round access through Athens, plus ferries from the Peloponnese. That accessibility makes a holiday home here practical to use and to maintain. There's a quieter side too. The National Marine Park, set up partly to protect the loggerhead turtles that nest in Laganas Bay, limits development in protected areas. That keeps much of the island's character intact, which is good for both visitors and long-term owners, though it does mean stricter rules in those zones.
The Market And Value
Zakynthos is considerably more affordable than the prestige islands like Mykonos and Santorini, while still offering proper Ionian coastline. That gentler pricing is a large part of its appeal. Among the Ionian islands, it sits broadly alongside Kefalonia, with Corfu a little higher thanks to its larger airport and longer-established international community. Interest comes mainly from Northern European and North American buyers, and price growth has been steadier and more moderate than in the headline markets, which can mean a more sensible entry point.
What to Weigh Up
A few honest caveats. The season is concentrated. Summer is busy and lively, but the island is much quieter in winter, when some services wind down. That affects both rental income and the practicalities of viewing and buying out of season. Prime coastal stock is limited. Well-placed beachfront and sea-view homes don't come up often, so they can attract competition. It pays to be clear on what you want and ready to move. Infrastructure varies. Some traditional villages have older utilities or patchier internet, which matters if you plan to let to visitors or work from home. It's worth checking for any specific property. And the protected zones carry rules. Near the marine park and nesting beaches, what you can build or change may be restricted, which is something to confirm before you commit.
The Areas
Each part of the island has its own character. Laganas is the lively, nightlife-driven resort, popular with younger visitors and busy in season. Tsilivi strikes a gentler balance, with good beaches and a more family-friendly, refined feel. Zakynthos Town, the capital, offers year-round life, ferry connections, and traditional properties with renovation potential. Quieter spots like Keri and the northeast around Agios Nikolaos appeal to those after a calmer setting and striking scenery.
Buying and the Legal Side
The framework is the same throughout Greece. You'll need a Greek tax number (AFM), and transfer tax on an existing home is 3.09%*, charged on the price or the property's official value, whichever is higher. With real estate agent, legal, notary, and registration fees, budget for roughly 10% on top. Due diligence matters here, particularly around the protected areas and any village property with an older title or unclear boundaries. Proper title and planning checks protect you from surprises. If residency is part of your plan, Greece's Golden Visa programme may apply. Popular islands like Zakynthos tend to sit at the higher end of the location-based thresholds, and the rules changed in recent years, so it's worth confirming the current position for any 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.
Why Elxis?
The Ionian is one of our core regions, and we've been guiding international property buyers to find their ideal house in Greece since 1991. With Elxis, you get:
An in-house team of 10 lawyers, not outsourced work
Full due diligence on every property: titles, the National Cadastre, protected-area and planning restrictions, 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 Greece: notaries, surveyors, viewing teams, and technical specialists
Conclusion
Zakynthos can be a good place to buy: beautiful, well connected, and better value than the famous islands, with a strong summer season. The things to keep in mind are the concentrated season, the limited prime coastal stock, and the protected zones with their building rules. Go in with clear eyes and the right checks, and it's a genuinely appealing place to own a home.
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.
