“Greece is moving up a league. It is no longer a market of opportunities; it is a market of trust and stability.” With these words, Mr Giorgos Gavriilidis, CEO of Elxis – At Home in Greece, summed up the trends and prospects of the Greek holiday home market for foreign buyers during his speech at the recent Oikodomi Expo.
According to the head of Elxis, a leading company in the sale of holiday homes in Greece, the country now offers an investment characterised by trust, low risk, and steady prospects. Today, the holiday home is considered a solid investment option, as net returns from short-term rentals reach 4–6%, while annual capital appreciation stands at 8–10%, offering investors a dual return on their investment in Greece’s vacation home market.
Moreover, Mr Gavriilidis pointed out that the demand profile is changing, as quality projects are now driving the market.
“Buyers no longer start by saying ‘I want only Crete’ or ‘only Paros’. They start by saying, ‘I want a home that’s right – legally, technically, and functionally”, he noted.
He added that the company selects and designs new developments together with construction partners, based on specific criteria: view, privacy, accessibility from abroad, and proximity to the sea. “With these standards, we seek reliable developers in locations that meet our requirements and create new projects tailored to what our clients are truly looking for”, he said.
According to the CEO of Elxis, properties that combine personal use, solid rental return, and resale appreciation are now shaping demand – and gradually influencing supply. This trend is already visible in regions such as Preveza and Messinia, which are developing rapidly.
“The market is no longer driven by trends, but by the quality and reliability of what is offered”, emphasised Mr Gavriilidis. “That’s where real value is created, for the market, and for the country.”
Regions Leading the Market
As for the areas that continue to lead Greece’s holiday home market, the CEO of Elxis listed five key regions, each with its own distinct strengths:
– Crete: The most mature market, with full infrastructure and an international audience.
– Rhodes: Rapidly evolving, with high-quality projects and year-round tourism.
– Ionian Islands: Especially Lefkada and Preveza, where demand from Northern Europe is rising sharply.
– Peloponnese: From Mani to Pylos, offering low-density developments and international recognition.
– Cyclades: Maintaining their premium character and steady capital appreciation.
Looking Ahead: The Next Three Years
Regarding the outlook for Greece’s holiday home market, Mr Gavriilidis expressed optimism:
“The next period will be one of qualitative stability. The Golden Visa thresholds of €400,000 and €800,000 are pushing away short-term speculative capital and encouraging institutional, long-term investment. We’ll see more projects with architectural identity – and fewer random developments. Greece is evolving into a European-standard market – with legal safety, professionalism, and longevity.”
