Living Costs in Greece

I bought a home in Greece (or I'm fantasizing about buying one), and I want to rent it out. What does it take to rent out a home in Greece? What taxes will I pay, and what income can I expect? Can I hire someone to assist me in renting out my home in Greece? In this comprehensive guide, we share everything you need to know about renting out a home in Greece, including legal requirements, market insights, and practical tips.

Buying a home in Greece often starts with one very simple question: what does my budget actually get me?


It is a fair question, because property prices in Greece can vary a lot depending on location, views, accessibility, construction quality, and rental potential. A budget that may secure a sea-view apartment in one region could open the door to a private villa with land in another. In more established destinations, the same amount may buy less space, but stronger location value. In this guide, we look at both existing homes and off-plan projects currently under construction. This reflects how many international buyers search in Greece today: comparing ready-to-use properties with new-build opportunities that may still be in development. In some cases, buying off-plan can offer more flexibility, newer specifications and staged payments, while existing homes may appeal to buyers who want to use or rent the property sooner.


For international buyers, understanding these differences is an important first step. Whether you are looking for a holiday home, a future relocation base, or a long-term investment, knowing what €250K, €400K and €600K can realistically offer helps you search with more clarity.

In this article, we focus primarily on the practical aspects of preparing for retirement in Greece: getting to and from Greece, planning for healthcare, and understanding the tax system for pensioners. When searching for somewhere to retire, the top goals of most retirees are usually some of the following: warm weather, stunning beaches, friendly locals, affordable real estate, delicious local cuisine, an advantageous location for travel, advanced healthcare, and beneficial tax programs.

The Greek holiday home market in 2026 is no longer defined by a single trend. What is emerging instead is a rising demand for smaller, more affordable holiday homes. This shift reflects broader changes in international buyer behavior. Foreign purchasers are no longer simply searching for a beautiful house near the sea. They are looking more strategically at value, rental potential, construction quality, lifestyle convenience, and future resale opportunities. Greece continues to attract strong overseas interest, but the profile of demand is becoming sharper and more selective.

Selling a home sounds simple enough on paper: list it, show it, sell it. In real life, it is rarely that easy. A property can be beautiful, well-located, and full of potential, yet still sit on the market for far longer than expected. Not always because the market is slow, and not always because buyers are not interested. Very often, the real issue is in the way the property is being presented, priced, or prepared for sale. In today’s property market of Greece, especially in cities like Athens and Thessaloniki, buyers are more informed and selective than ever.


The good news is that most seller mistakes are avoidable. And no, we are not talking about anything dramatic here. More often, it is a series of small decisions that quietly chip away at a property’s appeal. Here are some of the most common mistakes sellers make when trying to sell their house in Greece — and how to avoid them.

If you are considering living in Greece, understanding your residence permit options is essential. If you are a citizen of an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, you do not need a residence permit to live in Greece, although you may need to register your stay if you plan to remain long-term. For non-EU citizens, Greece offers several residence pathways, each designed for different profiles, including investors, financially independent individuals, and remote workers. This article provides an overview of the main residence permit options available, including the Golden Visa, as well as alternative routes.