Finding a property in Greece
The Greek property market is incredibly diverse. From characterful retreats to island villas, fixer-uppers in the countryside to luxury penthouses in the city, there are properties to suit all budgets and tastes. They are in a variety of locations stretching for a thousand kilometres across the Mediterranean. There’s something for everyone in Greece.
To understand what’s right for you, start by taking a look at what’s out there. Property portals are a great start, and you can compare different regions, property types and prices easily across thousands of listings. If you see something you like, you can make that first connection with an estate agent in Greece.
Some property portals to consider are:
- youroverseashome.com/property-for-sale/greece/
- zoopla.com/overseas/
- rightmove.com/greece/
Searching for a Greek property online
Finding a property in Greece often begins with an online search. If you’re unsure where to buy in Greece, you can read up on the different areas to get a better understanding here. Greece Property Guides regularly publishes articles that dive deep into areas all over the country, from expat favourites like Crete to lesser-known spots like the Eastern Aegean islands.
The Your Overseas Home property portal has thousands of listings in Greece. If you know where you want to buy, simply enter that area into the search bar to view available properties.
You can filter your search by budget, number of bedrooms, and property type (apartment, house, villa). Additionally, you can search for specific features such as rural, golf, new build and more.
One of the great benefits of searching these days is the ability to do so much online. From checking out the local area on Google Earth, exploring the social scene on Meetup, Facebook, or various online forums, to reading reviews of local cafes and bars, the internet offers a wealth of resources to help you make an informed decision.
Booking a viewing trip in Greece
A key step in finding your ideal property in Greece is to visit and view properties in person. While floor plans, photographs, and virtual tours can be helpful, it is strongly advised to book a trip to see your chosen properties firsthand.
Timing your viewing trip to Greece is key. If you plan to rent out the property, consider visiting during the peak season to gauge how busy the area is. This can provide valuable insights into potential rental income. However, many buyers prefer to schedule their trips when it is less busy, in spring or autumn.
Bear in mind that many Greek islands have seasonal international flight schedules. To ensure an easy journey but that the area is not too crowded, you may want to book at the start or end of the flight season. However, even the remotest island is available by ferry, so don’t be too put off.
The length and itinerary of your viewing trip will depend on the number of agents and properties you wish to see and their locations. Make sure to allocate a few days for your own area research in addition to the days spent with your estate agent visiting shortlisted properties.
Give your estate agent a few weeks to prepare for your trip, as resale properties may still be occupied or require permission from the seller for viewings. This preparation time is essential for a smooth and productive trip.
Types of viewing trips for home hunting in Greece
Viewing trip with an estate agent
Before heading out on your viewing trip, you and your estate agent will likely have communicated via phone, email, or video calls. Ensure your estate agent understands what you are looking for in a Greek property and will show you properties you liked online, as well as new ones that fit your criteria. Many estate agents are local to the area, and some might be expats, so they can provide valuable insights into the local amenities, such as the nearest international school or the quietest beach.
On the final day of your viewing trip, you will hopefully have found your ideal Greek home and be ready to sort out your reservation contract.
It’s not unusual for property buyers to make more than one visit or take time after the trip (often when back home) to consider their next steps. You can proceed with the property purchase once you are back home.
For new developments, a developer may subside the flight and accommodation costs of a trip to Greece for keen buyers. The downside is that you must struggle to find time to view alternative properties or do much solo exploring.
Organising a viewing trip alone
While organising your own viewing trip requires more research, it also means that you can take things completely at your own pace.
Things to consider when looking for a property in Greece
From your online property search to virtual property walkthroughs, there are many important things to consider to narrow down what the perfect property for you will look like:
- What type of property would you like? (Villa/apartment/village house)
- How many bedrooms will you need?
- Do you need a view?
- How far is the nearest airport?
- What are the nearest towns like?
- Is there an international school nearby?
- How far is the nearest beach?
- What other local amenities exist and how far are they?
In summary, working with an estate agent or developer in advance of your trip is strongly advisable as they can help you visit as many properties as you wish. It is also helpful to have your list of property features divided into a “must have” list and a “nice to have” list. This will allow you and your estate agent to focus on the properties that really fit your requirements.
If you wish to arrange a viewing trip and don’t know where to start, simply reach out to our property consultants.
Talking to a property consultant can save you time
If you can’t find what you are looking for on property portals, or you don’t want to spend hours browsing online, researching estate agents and their reputation, we have done some of the homework for you. Our team of consultants can help you navigate the property market in Greece and offer a helpful guiding hand and a range of must-have experts through personal introductions.
Over the last 15 years, they have helped thousands of international property buyers start and progress their Greece property plans. A consultation can save you time browsing, answer burning questions you might have, and often results in a personal introduction tailored to your needs to local or subject matter experts that can help you with the entire property purchase.
Learn how our experts can help find your perfect property, and how to buy it! Book a free consultation today.
How does it work?
By detailing your property plans, such as where you would like to buy, the type of property, and your budget, our property consultants will be able to connect you with overseas partners best suited to help you. For example, this could be connecting you with an estate agent located in Crete who is experienced at assisting British buyers with finding a holiday home there.
Your property consultant will also be able to connect you with a Greek-based lawyer, a currency specialist and other services to make buying stress-free.
Even if your property plans are less concrete – you might be torn between Kefalonia and Corfu, or unsure if you want to rent out your property or just use it as a personal holiday home – it is still worth giving our property consultants a call. They can answer questions and offer guidance based on their expertise.