Ancient yet ever-evolving, Athens offers city energy, world-class culture and easy access to the coast – all without the price tag of other European cities like London and Paris. In this article, we explore where and how to buy property in Greece’s capital, and what you can expect from living there.
Athens blends the ancient with the exciting. You’ll find temples and ruins around every corner, but also rooftop bars, smart coastal resorts, pine-covered hiking trails and bustling food markets. Whether you want to be right in the thick or you prefer laidback beachside living, this iconic capital has you covered – and property here still offers excellent value compared to much of Europe.
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Contents
Why buy property in Athens?
Athens has gone through its share of transformation. Following a tough decade after the global financial crisis, the city has re-emerged as a confident, creative and increasingly sought-after capital. Its housing market has recovered steadily, boosted by investment in infrastructure, cultural tourism and an ambitious coastline development known as The Ellinikon – set to be Europe’s largest urban regeneration project.
Unlike the Greek islands, Athens enjoys year-round tourism thanks to its ancient sites and urban energy. The Acropolis, Plaka’s cobbled streets and vibrant neighbourhoods like Psiri and Exarchia draw visitors even in the quiet months.
Meanwhile, the nearby Athens Riviera – a coastal stretch from Piraeus to Cape Sounio – delivers Blue Flag beaches, marinas, designer shops and glitzy resorts.
What’s the weather like?
Athens is one of the sunniest cities in Europe, with around 2,800 hours of sunshine per year.
Summers are long and dry – expect highs of 33°C in July and August – while winters are mild. Even in January, the coldest month, average highs are around 13°C.
Spring and autumn are particularly pleasant for sightseeing and property viewings, making them ideal times to plan your trip.
What can you get for your budget?
The Athens market caters to every buyer, whether you’re after a modest city bolthole or a luxury penthouse.
| Budget | Typical Property | Location Ideas |
|---|---|---|
| Under €200,000 | Renovation projects, smaller modernised apartments | Exarchia, Kallithea, Kypseli |
| €250,000-€500,000 | Move-in ready apartments, small townhouses | Pangrati, Marousi, parts of Glyfada |
| €500,000+ | Luxury villas, penthouses, coastal homes | Kolonaki, Vouliagmeni, Kifisia |
Is Athens a smart investment?
Athens offers strong long-term potential. According to Indomio, average residential property prices reached €2,614 per square metre in June 2025 – a 5.79% annual increase.
Tourism also fuels the city’s growth. In 2023, nearly 7.1 million international passengers arrived by air, according to Statista. However, buyers looking to rent out short-term should be aware of new rules: from January 2025, new short-term rental licences in central Athens will be paused for at least a year.
If rental income is part of your plan, consider suburbs like Piraeus, Glyfada or Marousi – areas outside the ban and often still eligible for a Greek golden visa at the €400,000 level. However, if you’re buying under the golden visa program, you can only rent long-term – short-term lets (like Airbnb) are explicitly prohibited under the 2025 golden visa rules.
Getting to Athens
Athens is Greece’s main transport hub, so getting there couldn’t be easier. The international airport offers year-round direct flights to London, Manchester, Paris, Dubai and New York. Unlike many Greek islands, you won’t be limited to summer-only travel.
The port of Piraeus, meanwhile, is the country’s largest ferry terminal – connecting Athens to the Cyclades, Crete and beyond.
Where to buy in Athens
Central Athens
If you thrive on buzz, history and walkability, central Athens offers an exciting mix of neighbourhoods:
- Kolonaki: upmarket and polished, it’s home to boutiques and stylish cafes
- Plaka: the city’s oldest district with neoclassical buildings and winding streets
- Thission: a charming area with Acropolis views and popular restaurants
Suburban Athens
If you’re after greenery or a calmer pace, try:
- Kifisia: leafy and elegant, this northern suburb feels more like a countryside retreat
- Marousi: a fast-developing residential and business hub with good infrastructure
Athens Riviera
The city’s coastal suburbs offer a Mediterranean lifestyle with quick city access:
- Glyfada: lively with shopping, nightlife and a popular expat scene
- Voula: quieter and family-friendly with great beaches
- Vouliagmeni: premium property zone with natural hot springs and upscale dining
- Varkiza: relaxed, beachy and more affordable than its neighbours
How to buy property in Athens
- Do your research: read guides, sign up for virtual events and narrow down your preferred neighbourhoods.
- Clarify your priorities: decide what you need from your property. Urban apartment or sea view? Renovation or turnkey?
- Understand your budget: speak to a currency specialist to fix your exchange rate – that helps protect your budget from fluctuations.
- Get your AFM number: this is your Greek tax ID – you’ll need it to open a bank account and buy property. Visit the local tax office with ID and birth certificate.
- Build your team: connect with a lawyer, estate agent and – if relevant – a tax advisor. Your Overseas Home can recommend trusted local contacts.
- Go on a viewing trip: you can attend in person or virtually. Plan ahead with your agent so you’re seeing suitable properties.
- Make an offer: your agent will negotiate and your lawyer will begin checks.
- Sign the reservation contract and pay a deposit: this removes the property from the market while due diligence is completed.
- Prepare for completion: sign the final contract in front of a notary, pay the remaining balance and cover legal/tax costs.
- Register the property: your lawyer will register it at the Land Registry on your behalf – then the keys are all yours!
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Athens remains more affordable than other European capitals and continues to see steady price growth. Regeneration projects such as The Ellinikon, combined with year-round tourism, mean long-term prospects are strong. While short-term rental rules are tightening in central areas, suburbs and coastal districts still offer good opportunities for both lifestyle and investment buyers.
Absolutely. However, you’ll need a Greek tax number (AFM) and it’s best to have a local bank account to complete the transaction. If you’re from outside the EU – including the UK – you can also explore residency options, such as the golden visa scheme, provided you meet the investment thresholds.
The least expensive islands are generally in the north and east Aegean, away from the major tourist centres. Islands such as Lemnos, Chios and Ikaria tend to offer some of the lowest prices, often well below the levels found in Mykonos, Santorini or Corfu. These areas may involve more travel or fewer year-round services, but they can provide excellent value for buyers seeking affordability.
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