Accommodation in Greece

There are plenty of options for accommodation in Greece. Whether considering a whitewashed Santorini blockhouse with blue shutters that match the sky, an Italian-style townhouse in Corfu’s rolling green hills or a luxury villa, you will have plenty of choices.

Expats can either rent or buy property in Greece, but most prefer to rent initially while still getting a feel for the area. Fortunately, property in Greece is a stable investment, with several tourist areas boasting excellent property values and returns.

Types of accommodation in Greece

Depending on where you decide to live, you will come across various housing options. In the cities, you can expect to find a mix of old and new – choices range from stunning luxury villas to humble decades-old apartment blocks. You can also find townhouses in urban centres, which are multi-storey homes that usually share walls with neighbouring properties.

Stone farmhouses are typical in the countryside. Semi-detached houses, cottages, and freestanding homes with gardens are also popular options.

Furnished vs unfurnished

In Greece, both furnished and unfurnished rental properties are available, but unfurnished apartments are more common, especially for long-term leases. Furnished rentals typically include essential furniture, kitchen appliances, and sometimes even linens and cookware, making them a convenient choice for expats or short-term renters.

On the other hand, unfurnished properties often come with only the basics, such as kitchen cabinets, a stove, and sometimes light fixtures, so tenants may need to invest in additional furnishings. While furnished homes offer immediate comfort, they tend to be pricier due to the added convenience.

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, you may find that renting an unfurnished property and furnishing it yourself can be the cheaper long-term solution.

Short lets

Short lets in Greece offer a flexible and hassle-free way to settle into the country, whether for work or if you’re scouting out a more permanent home in one of Greece’s different areas and suburbs.

With a booming tourism industry and high demand in cities like Athens and Thessaloniki, as well as on popular islands, short-term rentals provide fully furnished, move-in-ready housing without the long-term commitment of traditional leases. That said, recent regulations have tightened in some areas to balance the market, so expats should stay informed about local rules before booking.

Useful links

• Airbnb
• Vrbo
• Sublet

Finding accommodation in Greece

When looking for accommodation in Greece, hiring a local real estate agent is likely a good idea. Many Greek sellers target foreign buyers, and you can often find a better deal with the help of someone who speaks the language.

Exploring the areas you are interested in is always a good idea. You should look out for ‘for sale’ signs and ask locals if they know of any properties available. Places available for rent may also have signage up on the property, which is typically a white or yellow sticker with the word enoikiazetai (for rent) written in red.

Many people in Greece prefer posting their properties online and in local newspapers rather than using estate agents. While most ads are in Greek, there are some in English. Generally speaking, English ads are aimed at foreigners and may have higher prices than those in Greek ads.

While everybody’s real estate priorities differ, choosing a respectable area within your budget is a good start. Especially when buying, you should consider the general condition and age of the property you are considering, particularly as this affects property tax.

Useful links

• Spitogatos
• Xe.gr
• Tospitimou.gr

Renting accommodation in Greece

Making an application

Accommodation in a sought-after area in Greece’s major cities can go fast, so we recommend submitting your application as quickly as possible once you find a good fit. You’ll need a tax number (AFM) to rent accommodation and connect utilities in Greece. You must also provide proof of identity and income, usually in the form of a payslip or employment contract. Expats can also request that their employer act as a guarantor for them, which may be necessary initially.

Deposits

Deposits are typically between two and three months’ rent for long-term rentals in Greece. It should be returned when the lease has expired, as long as the property is not damaged. As a result, an inventory of any damages upon arrival might save a tenant’s deposit.

Leases

According to law, residential lease agreements must cover a minimum of three years, although a shorter period may be negotiated between the landlord and the tenant. Generally speaking, the longer the lease, the lower the monthly cost.

It is important that expats fully understand their contracts and should hire an independent translator to translate any agreements written in Greek before they sign any agreements.

Termination of the lease

There is no universally applied notice period in Greece, but usually, tenants must give at least a month’s notice before terminating a lease, while landlords must give tenants three months’ notice. For open-ended contracts, termination notices are typically shorter.

The Greek Civil Code protects tenants’ rights and ensures landlords cannot evict tenants without significant cause. Once a lease agreement has come to an end, you can either choose to sign a new contract or leave the property. It’s recommended that you thoroughly document the state of the property when moving in and out to ensure you are not unfairly charged for damages for normal wear and tear.

Utilities in Greece

For short-term rentals, utility accounts are most often billed to the landlord and are typically included in the rental cost. For long-term rentals, however, the tenant will likely be held accountable for their own utilities, which are an extra expense on top of rent.

Electricity

The electricity market in Greece is partially regulated, with several public and private companies supplying the country’s power. The Public Power Corporation (PPC) is the largest electricity supplier in Greece, and you can visit a local office to transfer an account to your name or to set up a new account. Some providers also allow you to submit a connection request online, simplifying the process for tenants.

To begin the connection process, you’ll need the latest electricity bill from your landlord, your resident permit, a copy of your AFM number, and a copy of your lease agreement. If you choose to apply with a private provider, you must also submit a photo of the meter in your apartment. You’ll also need to pay a deposit if you’re signing a contract with the PPC.

Gas

Natural gas is primarily available on the mainland in Greece, but there are efforts to expand availability to other regions. The gas market in the country is deregulated, and several companies supply gas to businesses and homes. Some main gas suppliers in Greece are Enaon EDA and EPA Attikis.

If there is a gas network in your area, you can simply select a company and contact their customer service centre to begin the application process. Generally, meters are read bi-monthly, and bills are sent once they have been read. You can make payment through an automatic debit, at a gas provider’s office, or through internet banking services.

Water

Water in Greece is supplied by public providers and is managed by the local council in each area. The Athens Water Supply and Sewage Company (EYDAP) supplies the water in the city. To transfer a water account into your name, you can either visit a local EYDAP office or submit your request online. If you are moving to Thessaloniki, you’ll need to book an appointment at one of the EYATH’s service points.

Similarly to electricity, you’ll need to have your residence permit or passport, AFM number, copy of your lease agreement, and a recent water bill. You must also pay a security deposit when you first set up your account. Water bills are set out monthly or quarterly, depending on where in Greece you live. Bills can be paid at an EYDAP or EYATH office, through a direct debit, or at an ATM.

Bins and recycling

The Ministry of Environment and Energy manages the country’s waste management function, while local municipalities collect waste. In major cities like Athens, the country has implemented separate collection systems. Blue bins are reserved for packaging materials like plastic, metal, and glass, while yellow bins are for paper and cardboard. Specific bins for collecting glass are also placed near restaurants and cafés.

Athens has also introduced submerged bins with a telematics system to monitor when they are full and an alarm system to prevent vandalism. These bins are typically placed in populous areas to improve cleanliness and reduce the visual impact of waste.

Useful links

• Electricity: PPC, Heron, and Elpedison
• Gas: Enaon EDA and EPA Attikis
• Water: EYDAP and EYATH
• Ministry of Environment and Energy