Whether you’re after sea views, a rustic renovation or a modern base in town, the Greek property market is full of possibility. But how do you narrow down your search? With the right guidance and a clear plan, you can focus your search and take the next steps with confidence.
With its sunny islands, relaxed lifestyle, rich culture and variety of property types, Greece has something to offer buyers at almost every price point. From one-bedroom apartments in quaint villages to seafront villas and luxury new builds, the choice is broad – and the potential high.
If you’re ready to start your property search in Greece, here’s how to do it with purpose, clarity and expert help.
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Contents
- Start your search online
- Book a viewing trip
- Types of viewing trips
- Key questions to ask yourself
- How our property consultants can help
Start your search online
As mentioned, the Greek property market is incredibly diverse. You’ll find village houses needing renovation, turnkey sea-view apartments, traditional stone homes in the mountains and gleaming penthouses in Athens. Locations span the length of the mainland and across hundreds of islands, from quiet enclaves to tourist hotspots. With so much on offer, the first step is to get a feel for what’s available.
Property portals are a helpful starting point. Here, you can compare thousands of listings by region, price and property type. The Your Overseas Home portal includes properties listed by trusted agents who understand what overseas buyers need.
You can filter by:
- Property type (apartment, villa, house)
- Number of bedrooms
- Budget
- Features (rural, new build, sea view, etc.)
Start your journey by searching for properties online
Take advantage of online tools such as Google Earth to explore local areas and browse forums or expat groups on Facebook to get community insights. Websites like Meetup can also show what local social scenes are like.
Book a viewing trip to Greece
Once you’ve narrowed down your shortlist, it’s time to start planning a visit. A viewing trip is one of the most valuable parts of your property search – it lets you see homes up close and experience the local lifestyle.
Photos and floorplans can only tell you so much. Walking the neighbourhood, trying the local taverna and getting a feel for a property in person are all key. It also gives you the chance to build a relationship with your estate agent and ask on-the-ground questions.
When should you go?
- Spring and autumn: quieter and easier to travel around, especially if you want to explore multiple areas
- Summer: Ideal for checking out rental potential and local buzz, but busier and hotter
Keep in mind that flight schedules to Greek islands are often seasonal. If you’re travelling outside summer months, you may need to take a ferry from the mainland – which can also give you a more authentic taste of island life.
Give your agent at least two to three weeks’ notice so they can coordinate with property owners, especially for resales that may be occupied.
Types of viewing trips
There are three main ways to organise your viewing trip – each with its benefits and drawbacks.
| Type of trip | Advantages | Things to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Agent-led trip | Expertly planned, tailored to your requirements, access to off-market options | May focus on one location only, limited time for independent research |
| Developer-hosted | Often subsidised, includes transport and accommodation, great for new builds | Focused on one development, limited exposure to alternatives |
| Self-organised | Full flexibility, can explore multiple areas, independent schedule | Requires more time and planning |
If you’re planning multiple viewings across different locations, factor in driving times and ferry crossings. Travel times between regions can be longer than expected, especially when island ferries or rural roads are involved.
Key questions to ask yourself
Before your viewing trip – and even before you start browsing – it helps to define what your ideal property looks like. Make a list of your non-negotiables and nice-to-haves.
- What type of property suits you? (Villa, apartment, renovation project, etc.)
- Do you want a sea view or prefer a rural setting?
- How many bedrooms and bathrooms will you need?
- How far is the nearest airport or ferry?
- Are you looking for walking distance to amenities?
- Do you want to rent your home out when you’re not using it?
- Are international schools or healthcare facilities nearby?
This clarity helps your estate agent suggest properties that genuinely meet your brief and avoids wasting time during your trip.
How our property consultants can help
If you’re still deciding where to buy or you want to avoid hours trawling through listings and agent websites, our property consultants are here to help. They’ve worked with thousands of buyers just like you and can offer one-to-one support to fast-track your search.
When you book a free consultation, we’ll ask a few questions about your goals, budget and preferred locations. From there, we can:
- Introduce you to local estate agents who specialise in helping overseas buyers
- Recommend Greek-based solicitors and currency specialists
- Explain visa and residency options if you’re looking to stay longer-term
- Match you with new-build developers, resale specialists or renovation experts
Even if your plans are still vague – perhaps you’re torn between Kefalonia and Corfu or unsure whether you’ll rent or retire – a quick chat can help steer you in the right direction.
Speak to a Greek property expert
Final thoughts
Finding your dream property in Greece is exciting, but the process can be overwhelming without the right support. By starting your search online, planning an effective viewing trip and speaking to a trusted property consultant, you’ll be in a strong position to make informed decisions.
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