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.
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.