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.