Set in a beautiful corner of the Aegean, the Sporades are a great choice for buyers looking for an uncomplicated island lifestyle. In this guide, we outline the areas to consider, the types of homes available and the practical steps to make the buying process smooth and easy to understand.
If you’ve holidayed in the Sporades before, you’ll already know why people return year after year. Skiathos suits anyone who wants regular flights and lively tavernas within easy reach, while Skopelos and Alonissos appeal to those who prefer hillside villages, slower evenings and a stronger sense of everyday island life. Together, they offer classic Aegean character and laid-back harbours that make this archipelago an appealing choice for a home overseas.
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Contents
What makes the Sporades so appealing?
The Sporades sit off Greece’s east coast and feel noticeably different from the country’s better-known island groups. Daily life here is relaxed and friendly, with a strong focus on local routine rather than heavy tourism. You get wooded hillsides, beaches that stay peaceful outside the peak summer weeks and welcoming towns where it’s easy to feel settled. Alongside this slower pace, the islands attract steady rental demand, driven by both traditional tourism and the growing interest in eco-focused travel.
What types of homes can you buy?
Properties across the Sporades fall into three broad categories. First, you have traditional stone houses in the hilltop villages, many with sea views and classic wooden balconies. These may need some renovation, but their charm draws buyers who enjoy character and are happy to take the time to understand local building rules.
Seafront apartments and townhouses are the second main type. These work well for anyone who wants a home they can lock up and leave, particularly if you’re planning to come and go throughout the year. They’re also popular with buyers who hope to rent out occasionally, as they’re close to amenities and beaches.
Third, you’ll find modern villas and newly constructed homes, usually outside the main towns. These tend to offer more space, terraces and pools.
Finding your perfect Sporades island
While they share a similar geography and the same crystal-clear waters, each of the main Sporades islands has a distinct personality, allowing you to match your lifestyle needs precisely to the location.
Skiathos
Skiathos is the most convenient option for many overseas buyers, thanks to its airport and regular summer flights. If you’re after a balance of easy access, social life and beaches, this is the island for you. The town stays lively for much of the year, making day-to-day errands easy to complete.
Property prices are generally higher here than on the neighbouring islands, but the trade-off is convenience, good amenities and solid rental potential.
Skopelos
Famously the setting for the movie Mamma Mia!, Skopelos is known for its lush green hillsides, traditional white-walled villages and long, sweeping coastline.
Buying here often means choosing between a village house with character or a countryside home with land. The villages are friendly, the harbour is relaxed and the scenery is a big draw for walkers.
It offers a slightly quieter pace than Skiathos, making it a great option if you want to balance accessibility with a sense of local charm and community integration.
Alonissos
Home to the National Marine Park, Alonissos is known for its focus on nature and eco-tourism, which helps preserve its calm, unhurried atmosphere. It’s an appealing choice if you prefer quieter surroundings and an easy pace of life.
Property here tends to offer better value than on Skiathos, making it attractive to first-time overseas buyers who want more space for their budget. Ferries run regularly through most of the year, although winter crossings can be less frequent, so it’s worth keeping that in mind when planning longer stays.
Skyros
The largest of the islands, Skyros offers varied scenery and a quieter, more remote setting than its neighbours. It tends to attract buyers who like a close-knit community and a slower rhythm of daily life. The main town has a friendly feel and the island’s steady pace is ideal if you’re looking for year-round Greek living away from the main tourist hubs. Just keep in mind that you may need a little extra time to organise viewings and surveys, as there are fewer local services here than on Skiathos or Skopelos.
Investment and market potential
Greece continues to draw overseas buyers thanks to its warm climate, easy lifestyle and comparatively straightforward buying process, and the Sporades are no exception. Interest has grown steadily in recent years as more people look for islands that offer both a relaxed way of life and the potential for occasional rental income.
The Sporades are well known for their strong summer seasons, particularly in areas such as Skiathos where tourism is long established. Many owners choose to rent their homes during part of the year, which can help offset running costs, although returns vary depending on location, property type and local demand. Skopelos and Alonissos also attract visitors looking for quieter holidays, which can create opportunities for well-presented homes close to amenities.
Buying a home here can offer several practical benefits:
- Potential for rental income: Summer tourism supports short-term lets in many areas, especially locations close to beaches, harbour towns and transport links.
- A property you can enjoy and make work for you: Many buyers choose a hybrid approach, using the home themselves for part of the year while renting out during the peak season.
- A comparatively accessible market: While prices have risen in some locations, Greek property remains competitive compared with many other Mediterranean destinations, which appeals to first-time overseas buyers and long-term planners alike.
- Residency options for non-EU buyers: For non-EU nationals, Greece’s golden visa scheme may be worth exploring. Purchasing property above the required threshold can provide a renewable five-year residence permit as well as freedom to travel within the Schengen Zone. Your lawyer or advisor can explain the conditions in clear, practical terms and help you understand whether it fits your circumstances.
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A clear step-by-step guide to buying in Greece
Here’s how to buy a home in Greece in five practical steps:
- Work with trustworthy local professionals
Buying in another country requires patience and clear advice. A good Greek lawyer and notary will check boundaries, inheritance claims and land registry details. This takes time, but it makes the process much smoother and avoids problems later. Many overseas buyers choose English-speaking professionals based in Volos or Athens who regularly handle Sporades property purchases.
- Arrange a Greek tax number and set up a local bank account
You’ll need an AFM (tax number) to proceed with any purchase. Your lawyer can help you apply for it. A Greek bank account is helpful for paying property-related bills and is usually required for completing the sale.
- Understand building regulations and renovation rules
If you’re buying an older home, especially in Skopelos or Alonissos, it’s essential to confirm that the property complies with local planning laws. Some traditional houses were adapted without full documentation, so a survey and legal check will reassure you. Renovation can be rewarding, but understanding these rules from the start will make everything easier.
- Budget for additional costs
Alongside the purchase price, expect legal fees, notary fees, land registry costs and property transfer tax. These usually total around 7–10% of the purchase price. Your lawyer will give you a clear breakdown so you can plan accurately.
- Consider how often you’ll use the property
If you’re buying a holiday home, you’ll want easy access via Skiathos airport or the ferry network. For long stays, think about winter services, local shops and healthcare. Many buyers appreciate the quiet winters, but it’s useful to know how the island changes outside the peak months.
The buying process in Greece is clear and straightforward once you have the right team in place, helping put your mind at ease.
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What to expect from daily life in the Sporades
Living in the Sporades is simple by design. You’ll find friendly local bakeries, markets, tavernas and a slower daily rhythm that helps you settle quickly. It’s common for new residents to say they feel welcomed, especially once they’ve taken the time to learn a few Greek phrases. The community feel on each island is a big part of why people choose to buy here.
Transport is mostly by car or scooter and ferries link the islands reliably in summer. If you’re working remotely, checking internet speeds in your chosen area is important. In more rural spots, connection quality can vary, although it continues to improve each year.
The cost of living in the Sporades is generally manageable, especially if you’re used to prices in the UK or US. While island life can be slightly more expensive than the mainland due to transport costs, everyday expenses like fresh produce and eating out can still offer good value. Many expats find that planning ahead and shopping locally helps keep costs down.
Frequently asked questions
Skopelos can be slightly more expensive than mainland areas because everyday goods must be transported to the island. Even so, it isn’t considered one of Greece’s pricier islands and many buyers feel they get good value for money, especially when compared with Skiathos, which is generally the most expensive island in the Sporades.
There isn’t a single “best” island. The right choice depends on what you want from your home – lifestyle, investment potential or a balance of the two. Larger islands like Crete, Corfu and Rhodes remain popular with overseas buyers because they offer year-round services and well-established infrastructure. If you prefer quieter islands with a relaxed pace and strong summer seasons, the Sporades could be a good option.
Yes. Foreigners can buy property in Greece, including on the islands, without special restrictions. The key difference is residency: if you plan to spend more than 90 days in Greece within any 180-day period, you may need a visa or residence permit, but this does not affect your ability to purchase a home.
