Rhodes

Rhodes is the largest island and the capital of the Dodecanese island group. It is a similar size to Lesbos, roughly 80 kilometres tip to toe, but more densely populated with 125,000 people.

Rhodes is one of the sunniest spots in Greece, with well over 3,000 hours of sunshine per year (twice as much as the UK).

The centre of the island is mountainous, with Mount Attavyros stretching to over 1,200 metres. Below it are forests of pine and cypress, plus vineyards, orchards and olive groves. There is no shortage of bucolic beauty in its inland villages and the Old Town is a wonderful, exciting place to be.

As a larger island, Rhodes is suited to year-round living and its growing popularity with holidaymakers makes it an excellent choice for those keen to own a short-term rental. Property is typically more affordable than other islands popular with expats, like Crete and Corfu.

Why buy property in Rhodes

Rhodes is both beautiful and historically significant, it has an incredible Old Town, declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. With city walls that date back to the Hellenistic period, inside you will find narrow lanes, towers, fornications, as well as Byzantine churches and fountains from the Renaissance.

As well as being architecturally beautiful, Rhodes is a natural beauty too. Tsmambika Beach is known for its golden sands and crystal-clear waters. While Prasonini, where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean Sea, is known for windsurfing. Plus, it is home to Rodini Park, the oldest landscaped park in the world (like, thousands of years old…) , and the Valley of the Butterflies.

The island is perfect for enjoying a range of outdoor activities, from hiking to cycling to snorkelling.

As one of the largest Greek islands, Rhodes also has fantastic, modern facilities, including healthcare, supermarkets and international schools.

The weather in Rhodes

Rhodes has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The peak sunny season lasts from June to September, with highs of 30°C and very little rain. Even October sees highs of 25°C and the sea is still warm enough for swimming. From November, it gets cooler and rainier. January is the coldest month with highs of just 12°C and a 56% chance of a sunny day.

What can I get for my budget in Rhodes

With a budget of €150,000, you could buy a village home or a small apartment. For those with a slighter budget, there are land plots and properties in need of renovation for sale.

For around €250,000 you can get a family villa located inland or an apartment close to the sea. The more you have to spend, the closer to the water you can be, or you could invest in a villa with stand-out features like a gym, landscaped garden and private pool.

If you are interested in a new build, there are limited number of projects available, and you may find more options in Crete or the Athens Riviera.

Is property in Rhodes a good investment?

Other than the smaller islands where property is very affordable, Rhodes has a very budget-friendly property market. According to indomio, in August 2024, the average price for a residential property for sale was €1,898 per square metre. This compares favourably with Crete (€2,136 per square metre), Corfu (€2, 427 per square metre) and Santorini and Mykonos, where prices per square metre are more than twice that of Rhodes.

Rhodes is a popular holiday destination, and a short-term rental can prove lucrative. In 2023, the island saw 2.6 million international air arrivals.

How to get to Rhodes

Rhodes has an international airport, Diagoras Airport, with direct flights to cities in the UK, Germany, Italy and France. While these flights are seasonal, the season has been expanded so that there are international flights from March. There are also daily flights to Athens.

Rhodes is also well-connected by ferry to the mainland, the Dodecanese and Cyclades islands, and Turkey.

Where to buy in Rhodes

• Rhodes Town: The capital city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its medieval architecture and brilliant atmosphere. It’s ideal for those who want to be close to cultural attractions, restaurants, and shops.
• Lindos: This picturesque village is famous for its whitewashed houses, narrow streets, and stunning Acropolis. Properties here often come with breathtaking views of the sea and the ancient ruins. Fashion designer Jasper Conran has a house in Lindos.
• Ialyssos and Ixia: Located on the northwest coast, these areas are popular for their beautiful beaches and proximity to Rhodes Town.
• Faliraki: Known for its lively nightlife and long sandy beach, Faliraki is a great option for those looking for a more vibrant and tourist-friendly area.
• Kallithea: This area is famous for its thermal springs and beautiful coastline. It’s a quieter option compared to Faliraki but still offers plenty of amenities and stunning views.
• Afandou: This village is known for its long beach and golf course. It’s less touristy than some other areas.

11 steps to buying property in Rhodes

Buying a property in Rhodes is not difficult, if you have a plan and some help from professionals. Follow our step-by-step guide to make your dream a reality.

1. Research and planning: Download guides, read articles, sign up for events and exhibitions to gather all the information you may need about buying a property in Rhodes. Do you know anyone who has already bought in Greece, or lives there? Maybe give them a call. Try to narrow down the location you want to buy a property in.
2. Define what you’re looking for: Determine what you want in terms of property type, size, location, accessibility and budget. Separate your must-have features from your nice-to-haves. Allow for buying costs of up to 10% on top of the sales price.
3. Speak to a currency expert: Firstly, you need to know your budget. Secondly, moving exchange rates are a risk in international property purchases, so discuss managing that risk with a forward contract that fixes your exchange rate.
4. Get your AFM number The ‘Arithmos Forologikou Mitroou’ number is a tax identification number necessary for financial transactions, including purchasing property. Head to the local tax office with your passport and birth certificate to obtain it.
5. Make essential connections: Connect with a local estate agent. The easiest way to do that is to make an enquiry on a property in Rhodes. Also contact an independent property lawyer and maybe a tax specialist too. Your Overseas Home can help you, so give them a call.
6. Viewing trip: Speak to your estate agent about your requirements, then book a viewing trip to visit potential properties. The agent will advise on the best time for that.
7. Make an offer: When you find a property you like, you can make an offer via your estate agent. Your lawyer will begin the legal and due diligence processes.
8. Sign the reservation and sales contract: You may have to pay a reservation fee to take the property off the market. Once approved, and due diligence completed, you’ll sign the contract and pay a deposit (usually around 10%).
9. Plan for utility connections: The wait begins, this can often take several weeks. Look into getting your utilities connecting during this time.
10. Sign the final contract: When ready, you’ll be asked to sign the final contract in front of the notary and pay the outstanding amount on the property, along with the relevant taxes, stamp duty, notary fees, and legal fees. Then, you’ll get the keys to your very own home.
11. Register the property: Finally, once you’ve signed the final contract, your lawyer will register the property with the Land Registry to ensure the property is in your name.