Why Global Investors Are Turning to Greek Property

Once primarily known for its ancient history, sunny islands, and delicious cuisine, Greece is now becoming one of the most talked-about destinations for international real estate investment.

In recent years, the country has seen a growing influx of investors from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond—all looking to tap into Greece’s affordable real estate, residency-by-investment program, and booming tourism-driven rental market.

But what exactly is fueling this international interest? And why is Greek property now seen as such a smart global investment?

Let’s explore the major reasons behind the surge—and how you can benefit too, especially with expert guidance from trusted partners like Roots Realty.

1. The Greek Golden Visa: A Gateway to Europe

One of the biggest draws for foreign investors is the Greek Golden Visa Program, introduced in 2013.

By investing just €250,000 in real estate, non-EU citizens can receive:

• A 5-year renewable residency permit

• Visa-free travel within the Schengen Zone (26+ European countries)

• Residency rights for their entire family (spouse, children, and dependent parents)

• No requirement to live in Greece to retain residency

• Potential to apply for Greek citizenship after 7 years of residence

Compared to other EU Golden Visa programs (which start at €500,000 or more), Greece’s low entry threshold makes it a standout choice for international investors.

2. Affordable Property Prices with Upside Potential

Despite being in the European Union, Greece’s real estate remains far more affordable than countries like France, Italy, or Spain.

After its economic crisis, the Greek market saw prices drop significantly. But over the last few years, the country has experienced a steady recovery—yet prices are still 30–40% lower than pre-crisis levels, depending on location.

This means investors today can still buy:

• Apartments in Athens from €130,000

• Island villas in Crete or Rhodes for under €300,000

• Historic townhouses in Thessaloniki from €100,000

For global buyers, this affordability—combined with growing demand—means both rental income and capital appreciation are within reach.

3. High Rental Yields Driven by Tourism

With over 30 million tourists visiting Greece annually, it’s no surprise that short-term vacation rentals are in high demand.

Key areas like:

• Athens (urban tourism + business travelers)

• Santorini & Mykonos (luxury travelers)

• Crete & Rhodes (family holiday rentals)

• Thessaloniki (youth tourism, culture, and universities)

...are offering rental yields of 5% to 9%, especially for well-located, fully furnished properties.

Additionally, long-term rentals (for students, expats, and professionals) in cities like Athens and Thessaloniki provide consistent income with less seasonality.

With support from companies like Roots Realty, many investors choose to hire property managers to handle rentals, making it a hands-free income source.

4. Stable EU Environment and Legal Protections

As a full member of the European Union, Greece offers a secure, legally sound environment for foreign investors. Property ownership is protected by clear title registration systems, and the real estate market is open to non-EU nationals with minimal restrictions.

Key benefits include:

• 100% foreign ownership allowed

• Transparent legal process with English-speaking lawyers

• Protection through EU law

• Inheritance rights and future resale flexibility

Roots Realty ensures that all property purchases go through a secure and vetted process—including title searches, legal verification, and official notary contracts.

5. Lifestyle Appeal: More Than Just a Financial Investment

For many investors, buying property in Greece isn’t just about ROI—it’s also about quality of life.

Imagine:

• Summer days spent on the Aegean coast

• A vacation apartment in Athens just steps from the Acropolis

• Family getaways in Crete or Corfu

• Retiring in a charming coastal town with affordable living

Greece offers a Mediterranean lifestyle with excellent weather, food, safety, and healthcare. For global citizens, it’s more than just an investment—it’s a second home or a life upgrade.

6. Digital Nomads and Remote Investors Welcome

With more people working remotely, Greece is emerging as a popular destination for digital nomads and remote investors. The government has introduced:

• A Digital Nomad Visa

• Tax incentives for relocating professionals

• Infrastructure upgrades in major cities and islands

This shift means rising demand for rental properties from expats, freelancers, and families moving to Greece—offering additional income opportunities for investors.

7. Easy Buying Process with the Right Partners

Buying property overseas can be intimidating—but in Greece, the process is straightforward and buyer-friendly, especially when you work with local experts.

Roots Realty offers end-to-end assistance for international clients:

• Golden Visa-approved property listings

• Assistance with tax ID (AFM) and Greek bank account

• Bilingual legal teams to handle all paperwork

• Visa processing support

• Property management and rental setup

Whether you're investing remotely or flying in for viewings, Roots Realty simplifies every step—from finding the right home to securing your visa and maximizing your return.

Top Areas Where Global Investors Are Buying

Here’s a quick list of hotspots where international buyers are investing:

🔹 Athens

Urban, cultural, high-yield rentals, good for Airbnb

🔹 Thessaloniki

Student city, modern lifestyle, lower prices

🔹 Crete

Beautiful island homes, steady tourism, retirement-friendly

🔹 Rhodes

Luxury rentals, rising demand, historic charm

🔹 Kalamata / Peloponnese

Affordable villas, great long-term appreciation

Roots Realty provides access to exclusive listings in all these locations.

Wrap-Up

Whether you're looking for:

• A Golden Visa residency

• A profitable rental property

• A holiday home in Europe

• Or a hedge against inflation and global instability...

Greece has it all: affordability, opportunity, and accessibility.

Now is the time to invest in Greek property—before prices rise further and inventory tightens.

With the right guidance, especially from a trusted firm like Roots Realty, your Greek investment can deliver both wealth and freedom.