Whether considering a white-washed Santorini blockhouse with blue shutters that match the sky, an Italian-style townhouse in Corfu’s rolling green hills, or a luxury villa in the northern suburbs of Athens, expats have plenty of choice when it comes to accommodation in Greece.
Types of accommodation in Greece
Depending on where they decide to live, expats will come across various housing options. In the cities, expats can expect to find a mix of old and new – choices range from stunning luxury villas to humble decades-old apartment blocks. In the countryside, stone farmhouses are typical. Semi-detached houses, cottages and freestanding homes with gardens are also popular options.
Finding accommodation in Greece
In the search for accommodation in Greece, hiring a local real-estate agent will likely be a good idea. Many Greek sellers target foreign buyers and a better deal can often be found with the help of someone who speaks the language.
Exploring the areas one is interested in is always a good idea. Expats 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 often 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 as opposed to making use of 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 one would find in Greek ads.
Factors to consider for house hunting in Greece
While everybody’s real-estate priorities are different, choosing a respectable area within one’s budget is a good start. Especially when buying, expats should consider the general condition and age of the property they are considering, particularly as this affects property tax.
Expats looking to stay in Greece for a short period might want to consider renting instead. On the other hand, expats who can afford to purchase property that is of a certain value may be attracted by the prospect of getting a resident’s permit in return.
Renting accommodation in Greece
Deposits
For long-term rentals in Greece, expats should be prepared to pay a deposit of between two and three months’ rent. This should be returned when the lease has expired, as long as there is no damage to the property. As a result, doing an inventory of any damages upon arrival might save a tenant’s deposit.
Leases
According to law, residential lease agreements have to 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 someone to independently translate any agreements written in Greek before they sign.
Utilities
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.
Buying property in Greece
Greek law generally requires the purchaser of a property to hire a lawyer to oversee proceedings. Hiring a public notary is also compulsory and should therefore be included in any budget calculations when preparing to buy real estate.
Though not required, it is also a good idea to hire a real-estate agent to smooth the process of purchasing the property and a civil engineer to check for structural integrity and zoning rulings
In order to secure the purchase of a property, it is common practice to put down a deposit of about 10 percent of the property's value.
Further reading
►To get an idea of how much property in Greece will set you back, see our Cost of Living in Greece page
Expat Interviews
"The standard of housing here is directly related to how much you can afford. The only issue an owner might have with renting to an expat is the duration of stay. That's something that can be negotiated." Read more about Eleni's expat experience in Greece.
Are you an expat living in Greece?
Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Greece. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.
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