World’s Bargain Dream Homes: HGTV Show Visits Crete with Dion Gavriilidis

What $150,000 Really Gets You

Rather than focusing on high-end properties or dramatic renovations, the show keeps its attention on practical choices. Buyers tour move-in-ready homes and weigh familiar trade-offs: space versus location, character versus convenience, budget versus long-term plans. In many cases, the properties featured offer more than viewers might expect at this price point, particularly when compared to major U.S. markets. Larger interiors, outdoor spaces, and scenic surroundings appear regularly, though always within the context of local realities and constraints.

A Closer Look at Crete

The two-episode premiere opens in Crete, Greece, where a buyer from Tennessee searches for a long-term home on the island. Joined by a friend, she explores several options while also getting a feel for the local pace of life, from quieter residential areas to more vibrant village settings. Guiding the search is Dion Gavriilidis, Managing Partner of Elxis - At Home in Greece. His role in the episode reflects the show’s broader approach: connecting international buyers with people who understand the local market beyond just listings. Through the process, viewers get a clearer sense of what buying property in Greece actually involves, from practical considerations to location-specific insights. What makes the Crete segment stand out is the balance between property and place. Homes are presented alongside their surroundings — views, proximity to the sea, and neighborhood character — offering a more grounded perspective on what living there might look like over time.

The Current Property Prices in Crete

While the show highlights what buyers can achieve with a $150,000 budget, the reality on the ground in Crete depends on location, condition, and proximity to the sea. In today’s market, this budget can still secure traditional village homes, renovation projects, or smaller apartments in less tourist-driven areas. In some cases, buyers may also find well-maintained properties with outdoor space or sea views, particularly when working with local expertise. For those actively considering a purchase, the currently available listings in Crete can be found here.

The Additional Costs

Beyond the purchase price, buyers should account for additional costs when acquiring property in Greece. A common rule of thumb is to budget approximately 8–10% on top of the agreed price. This typically includes transfer tax, notary fees, legal costs, and registration expenses. International buyers will also need a Greek tax number (AFM) and often grant power of attorney (POA) to complete the process remotely. While these steps may seem complex at first, working with a structured, legal-first team helps ensure that the transaction progresses smoothly and without unnecessary delays.

FAQ: Buying Property in Crete

1. Can foreigners buy property in Crete?

Yes, non-Greek buyers—including Americans and EU nationals—can purchase property in Crete without major restrictions.

2. What budget do buyers typically need?

Budgets vary, but €100,000–€200,000 remains a common range for entry-level properties, depending on location and condition.

3. Do I need a Greek bank account?

In most cases, yes. A local bank account is typically required to complete the transaction and manage ongoing expenses.

4. What is an AFM?

An AFM is a Greek tax identification number required for any property purchase.

5. Can I buy remotely?

Yes, many transactions are completed remotely using power of attorney, allowing the legal process to proceed without the buyer being physically present in Greece.

Where to Watch World’s Bargain Dream Homes

World’s Bargain Dream Homes airs on HGTV and is also available on major streaming platforms, including Discovery+ and HBO Max. Viewers in the United States can access episodes through HGTV’s network schedule or on-demand via Discovery+. As HBO Max continues its expansion across Europe, including markets such as the Netherlands, Germany, France, Italy, and Greece, the show is expected to reach a broader international audience. This accessibility reflects the growing global interest in property investment abroad, particularly in destinations like Greece, where lifestyle and affordability continue to attract buyers.

A Common Vision

Working with international buyers often involves more than simply presenting properties. In many cases, it begins with understanding expectations shaped by a very different market. Buyers are not only comparing homes, but also evaluating lifestyle, legal frameworks, and long-term plans. Clear communication becomes essential, particularly when navigating unfamiliar processes or documentation.


In many ways, World’s Bargain Dream Homes reflects a vision that closely aligns with Elxis’ own approach to international property buying. The show is built around the idea that purchasing a home abroad can be both attainable and rewarding when buyers have the right guidance, local insight, and realistic expectations. That is also central to how Elxis operates. Since 1991, the company has spent more than 35 years helping international buyers navigate the Greek property market with greater clarity and confidence, combining local knowledge with a legal-first structure designed to reduce uncertainty.


With offices in Thessaloniki and Utrecht, a strong presence in Crete, and an in-house team of 10 lawyers, Elxis is set up to support clients through the practical and legal complexities that often come with cross-border transactions. In that sense, the connection between the show and the company feels natural: both are grounded in the belief that buying abroad is not just about finding an appealing property, but about understanding the process, the place, and the people helping guide you through it.


Featured image source: Parade.com