Properties in Greece

Yes, Greek banks issue mortgages to non-residents — typically up to 65% of the property's value and for a term of up to 20 years. Rates depend on the bank and generally range between 3–6% per annum. A confirmed income, a Greek tax number (AFM) and a package of banking documents are required. You can calculate an approximate payment in the mortgage calculator above — we help select a bank and prepare the documents.

Foreign citizens buy property in Greece in full ownership on the same terms as local residents. A special procedure applies only to a few border areas — part of the islands off the coast of Turkey (Rhodes, Kos, Samos, Chios, Lesbos) and certain areas in the north of the country: there, a buyer from a non-EU country needs permission from the Greek Ministry of Defence. None of the regions in our catalogue — Attica, the Peloponnese, Halkidiki, Crete, the Ionian Islands — fall under this restriction.

The yield depends on the rental format: holiday rentals in the high season in Halkidiki and Crete are more profitable, but are tied to the tourist period (April–October), while long-term rentals in Athens and Thessaloniki offer a more modest but stable income throughout the year. An important point: if the property was used to obtain a Golden Visa residence permit, it can only be rented out long-term for a period of at least 12 months — short-term rentals (Airbnb and similar) are prohibited by law for such properties.

Yes, this is standard practice for any type of property — apartments, houses, villas or commercial real estate. The transaction is completed via a notarised power of attorney issued to a lawyer: he checks the property, signs the contract and registers the title deed on your behalf. As a rule, you only need to come to Greece in person once — to provide biometrics when applying for the residence permit, if you are applying for the Golden Visa.

Yes: naturalisation in Greece becomes available after seven years of legal residence under a residence permit. In addition to the length of stay, the candidate must demonstrate proficiency in the Greek language and pass a test on the country's history and state structure. An intermediate step — permanent residence: it is granted earlier, provided there is continuous residence and proof of a stable source of income or owned housing.

This tax is currently not levied — an exemption is in effect, which the Greek authorities regularly extend; as of today, the period is valid until the end of 2026. If the exemption is not extended again, the calculation will be at a rate of 15% on the difference between the purchase price and the sale price. If the property has been held for more than five years, the tax is not payable in any case, regardless of the moratorium. Please check the exact status at the time of the transaction with our specialist.

Yes — especially properties with several bedrooms by the sea and with a pool in tourist zones: Halkidiki, Loutraki, Crete. Compared to Cyprus and Turkey, Greece offers a more affordable entry point and growing tourist demand — the country is visited by tens of millions of tourists annually during the season from April to October.

Yes, such an option is indeed possible: if you view Golden Visa as an investment, you do not need to move to Greece — it is enough to keep the property in your ownership and renew the residence permit every five years. This format is convenient for those who buy property for access to the Schengen Area, rather than for changing their country of residence. For those who plan to move to Greece for permanent residence in the future, the same property will work without any restrictions.