Corfu offers a taste of the Greek island dream with a surprisingly practical twist. From high-end villas in “Kensington-on-the-Sea” to village houses under €100K, this is an island where you can enjoy beauty, culture, convenience and strong investment potential – all year round.

Buying property in Corfu means stepping into a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle, complete with turquoise coves, historic towns and long summer evenings. It’s one of Greece’s most accessible and livable islands, with sea views, olive groves, year-round activity and an English-speaking community.

Here’s everything you need to know about buying on the second-largest Ionian Island. Here’s how to make the move confidently, with advice on budgeting, where to buy and the buying process from start to finish.

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Contents

• Why buy property in Corfu
• Weather and year-round living
• What can you get for your budget?
• Is Corfu a good investment?
• How to get to Corfu
• Where to buy in Corfu
• 11 steps to buying property in Corfu

Why buy property in Corfu

Corfu has long been a favourite with British and European buyers thanks to its lush hillsides, Italianate architecture and deep ties to the UK. Prince Philip was born here, and Gerald Durrell’s memoirs helped romanticise its charms for generations. There’s even a cricket club on the island – a throwback to its British history.

But Corfu’s appeal goes far beyond nostalgia. You’ll find a strong infrastructure, good healthcare, reliable transport links and a welcoming expat community. English is widely spoken, which helps smooth the transition for new buyers. Unlike some islands that go quiet in winter, Corfu’s capital and key towns remain lively year-round, making it a great choice for full-time living as well as holidays.

Weather and year-round living

Corfu has a Mediterranean climate with long, dry summers and cooler, wetter winters. July and August are hot and sunny, with average highs of 31°C. September brings slightly cooler temperatures but is still warm enough for swimming and beach days.

In the off-season, you can expect rain – particularly between November and January – but temperatures stay in the mid-teens. Unlike more remote Greek islands, Corfu’s local population means that life continues throughout the year. Shops, services and cafés in places like Corfu Town and Gouvia remain open, giving the island a lived-in feel even outside the holiday season.

Corfu Town

What can you get for your budget?

Corfu offers a broad spectrum of property prices depending on location, views and renovation status. Inland villages and the south coast are more budget-friendly, while the north-east coast is known for premium villas.

You’ll also need to budget for around 8-10% in additional buying costs, including legal fees, notary fees, transfer tax and agent commission.

Is Corfu a good investment?

Corfu remains one of the more affordable Ionian islands – especially when compared to hotspots like Mykonos or Santorini – but it doesn’t come with the downside of low demand.

Thanks to its year-round population and popularity with international tourists, Corfu offers excellent rental potential. You’ll also find a relatively liquid market, which is important if you ever plan to resell.

According to property platform Indomio, average asking prices in Corfu reached €2,619/m² in June 2025 – a 10.88% increase year-on-year. With the Greek economy recovering and tourism booming, that upward trend is expected to continue.

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How to get to Corfu

Corfu International Airport has direct flights to London and Athens all year round. During the holiday season (April-October), there are direct flights to most major European cities, including Frankfurt, Munich, Rome and Vienna. The island is also reachable by ferry from the Greek mainland and from Italy (e.g. Bari and Ancona).

On the island itself, there is a good bus service, taxis and car hire companies. Roads are well-maintained, and it takes just over an hour to cross the island by car.

Where to buy in Corfu

North-east coast

This is Corfu’s most luxurious area, nicknamed “Kensington-on-the-Sea” for good reason. Think hillside villas with infinity pools, panoramic sea views and private jetties.

• Kalami: famous for the White House (former home of the Durrells), this crescent-shaped bay is tranquil yet upscale.
• Agios Stephanos: a quiet fishing village with stylish villas, boutique restaurants and a calm, pebbly beach.
• Kassiopi: offers both lively nightlife and a charming harbour area, with some of the island’s best villas.

Corfu Town

Perfect if you want a year-round home with character. The UNESCO-listed Old Town is a maze of cobbled alleys, Venetian facades and shaded cafés. Properties here range from small townhouses and apartments to modern penthouses overlooking the sea.

Central and inland villages

Head inland for authentic Greek village life at lower prices. Expect stone-built houses, gardens with citrus trees and peaceful surroundings.

• Agios Mattheos: set in the hills, it offers stunning views and real value.
• Pelekas: famous for its sunset viewpoint and relaxed local vibe.
• Doukades: a traditional village just a short drive from the west coast beaches.

South coast

Here you’ll find a mix of lively resorts and sleepy fishing villages. The south offers better value for money than the north, with plenty of modern apartments and easy access to the sea.

• Benitses: a cosmopolitan hub with beaches, shops and a good choice of homes.
• Kavos: ideal for younger buyers and investors targeting short-term holiday lets.
• Boukari and Petriti: quiet villages with harbours, ideal for retirement or longer stays.

Speak to us about your plans

11 steps to buying property in Corfu

1. Do your homework

Start by downloading buying guides, speaking to current owners and narrowing down your preferred regions. Knowing what you’re looking for will save time later.

2. Define your criteria

Create a checklist: sea view or garden? Modern or character home? Year-round access or seasonal base? Prioritise must-haves versus nice-to-haves.

3. Speak to a currency specialist

Exchange rates fluctuate. A forward contract allows you to lock in your rate and avoid last-minute surprises – particularly helpful if your purchase takes several months.

4. Build your expert team

You’ll need an English-speaking estate agent, a Greek property lawyer (not tied to the seller), and ideally a financial adviser who understands Greek tax law. We can connect you with reliable local experts.

5. Plan a viewing trip

Once you’ve shortlisted some properties, your estate agent can arrange back-to-back viewings. Try to spend at least three-to-five days on the island.

6. Apply for an AFM

This Greek tax number is required for property transactions. It’s free and can be obtained from your local tax office using your passport and birth certificate.

7. Make an offer

When you find the right home, make an offer through your agent. Your lawyer will then carry out legal checks and due diligence.

8. Sign a reservation agreement

To take the property off the market, you may pay a reservation fee. After that, the sales contract is drafted and a deposit (around 10%) is usually required.

9. Organise utility connections

While your lawyer handles the legal side, start setting up electricity, water and internet so they’re ready when you move in.

10. Sign the final contract

This is done at the notary’s office. You’ll pay the remaining amount and all associated fees, after which the property is legally yours.

11. Register your ownership

Your lawyer will register the sale with the Land Registry, finalising the process and ensuring the title is in your name.

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