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A home by the sea is not just a purchase, it is an investment in quality of life. Greece with its warm climate, clean beaches and stunning views attracts those who dream of tranquillity, comfort and beauty. Where to buy a flat in Greece by the sea and how to organise the whole process? In this article we will go through each step, from choosing a region to organising all the necessary documents.

Attica – proximity to the capital and the sea

Attica is a great place for those who want to live on the coast but not lose access to metropolitan life. There are prestigious coastal neighbourhoods such as Glyfada, Vouliagmeni and Varkitsa, where clean beaches are combined with first-class infrastructure. The average cost per square metre is around 3500-5000 euros.

Attica has an international airport “Eleftherios Venizelos”, which makes frequent travelling comfortable and fast. Buy a flat in Greece by the sea here – not just prestigious, but also convenient in terms of infrastructure. There are top restaurants, shopping centres and elite schools nearby. Living in Attica is comfortable both for families with children, thanks to the many private kindergartens and schools, and for business people who want to be in the centre of events.

Crete is an island of opportunity and vibrant culture

Crete is a place with a unique flavour, where life is relaxed and vibrant. It is the largest island in Greece and offers accommodation to suit all tastes, from small flats on the coast to spacious villas. The average price per square metre ranges from 1500 to 3000 euros depending on location. Buying a house by the sea in Crete is also an opportunity for a stable income.

Tourism is actively developing here, the island attracts many tourists every year, and renting out accommodation can be a great source of profit. Developed infrastructure, abundance of historical sights – Knossos Palace, Arkadi Monastery – and picturesque landscapes make this island not only attractive for living, but also favourable for investment.

Santorini – luxury accommodation with unique views

Santorini is an island that captivates at first sight with its views. Snow-white houses with blue domes against the azure sea create a unique image. Here you can buy a flat in Greece by the sea and get access to the most beautiful sunsets in the world, which can be seen from the caldera.

Property in Santorini is more expensive than the national average – from 4000 to 7000 euros per square metre, but this investment brings not only status, but also joy every day. The island offers many restaurants, designer boutiques and cosy cafes. Santorini is the choice of those who appreciate luxury, are not afraid to spend on real emotions and want to be in one of the most photogenic places on the planet.

Features:

1. Spectacular views of the caldera and the Aegean Sea.
2. An exclusive property that has remained in demand for many years.
3. The opportunity to enjoy the best restaurants with traditional Greek cuisine and the best wines of the region.

The procedure: How to buy a flat in Greece by the sea

Buying a home involves several key steps, each of which is important for the successful completion of the transaction. It starts with choosing a property and a reliable agency. It is important to find a trustworthy agency to avoid hassles and hidden fees. After choosing the object, a preliminary agreement is signed, which fixes the price and terms of the deal. The agreement protects the interests of the parties and guarantees that the property will be secured while the legal due diligence takes place.

It is necessary to collect documents to buy a property in Greece, among them:

1. Passport and Tax Identification Number (TIN).
2. Bank statements proving the financial solvency of the buyer.
3. Certificate of absence of debts and legality of income.

It is impossible to buy a flat in Greece by the sea without these documents. Each document must be prepared in advance to avoid delays in the process of registration of the transaction. All originals must be translated into Greek and notarised. After the preparation of the package follows the registration of ownership rights in the Land Registry, where all changes and legal rights to the property are recorded. This is the final stage after which the person becomes the full owner.

Prices of flats in Greece by the sea: what to expect?

The cost varies depending on the region chosen. For example, in the prestigious areas of Attica the price per square metre can reach 4000-5000 euros, while in Crete or in remote parts of the country – from 1500 to 3000 euros per square metre. The possibility to take out a mortgage on property in Greece makes the purchase more affordable. Greek banks offer mortgages to foreigners and the rates vary from 3 to 5%, depending on the terms of the bank and the financial history of the buyer:

1. Down payment – typically 20-30% of the home’s value.
2. Mortgage rate – can vary depending on the term and bank, starting at 3%.
3. The repayment period is up to 30 years.

Taxes and additional costs when buying a property in Greece

You need to consider not only the cost of the property, but also the additional costs:

1. Property purchase tax – is 3-5% of the value of the property depending on its category.
2. Notary services – the cost of which is about 1-1.5% of the total amount of the transaction.
3. Legal services – lawyer’s fee for checking the legal cleanliness of the object (about 1%).
4. Registration fees – at the Land Registry, which are approximately 0.5% of the value.

All of these costs can add up to 10% of the total cost of the property, so it’s important to consider them when planning your budget.

Why it is favourable to buy a flat by the sea in Greece: How to get a residence permit

Residence permits in Greece for the purchase of real estate are available to those who purchase a property with a value of 250,000 euros or more. The residence permit entitles the holder to travel freely within the Schengen area, to use the services of the local health care system and educational institutions.

Advantages of a residence permit:

1. Freedom of movement – the possibility of visa-free entry to Schengen countries.
2. Health and education – access to public and private facilities.
3. Five-year term – renewable if the property remains in the owner’s possession.

Conclusion

Prestigious Attica, vibrant Crete or romantic Santorini, each location offers unique opportunities for those looking to invest in their future. Buying a flat in Greece by the sea is not just about buying a property, it is about making the dream of living by the azure coast a reality.

Against the backdrop of instability in global politics, currency fluctuations, and unpredictable local crises, more and more investors are asking themselves: why buy real estate abroad and what advantages does such a strategy offer?

In recent years, interest in foreign real estate has grown not only as a way to increase capital, but also as a tool for obtaining residency permits, generating rental income, asset preservation, and expanding personal freedom. Investors are particularly focused on Southern Europe, especially on Greece, where affordable prices, favorable legislation, and a comfortable climate come together.

Reasons to Consider Foreign Real Estate as an Asset

The modern capital market requires diversification. Alongside stocks, bonds, funds, and businesses, buying square meters abroad has become a stable format for protecting against inflation. In times of uncertainty, many choose to purchase real estate abroad, preferring the stability and convertibility of assets.

In addition to the financial aspect, an important argument is the opportunity to obtain residency permits through real estate investments, providing access to European educational and medical institutions, simplified migration, and expanded mobility rights. This is particularly noticeable in countries with “golden visa” programs such as Greece, Portugal, and Spain.

Why Buy Real Estate Abroad: Access to Residency, Capital, and Rental Income

One of the key answers to why buy real estate abroad lies in the right to long-term residence. In many countries, acquiring a property of a certain value automatically grants access to resident status. Greece currently offers the most attractive conditions, with an entry threshold of 250,000 euros — one of the lowest in the European market.

Property can be used as an investment instrument. Long-term or short-term rentals in popular tourist areas bring stable income. Such assets maintain liquidity, especially when located in Athens, Thessaloniki, or on resort islands. It is important to consider the prospects for resale, especially in the context of increasing demand for profitable real estate investments in Southern Europe.

Main Reasons Investors Choose Greece

Amid high competition among countries with investment residency programs, Greece offers a combination of key advantages:

• Low entry threshold compared to other EU countries;
• Ability to rent out the property from day one without restrictions;
• Renewal of residency permit without the obligation of permanent residence;
• Visa-free access to the Schengen area for the whole family;
• High price growth potential due to economic recovery.

Thanks to these factors, Greece is increasingly mentioned in analytical summaries as the answer to where to invest in real estate abroad in 2025. These locations vividly demonstrate why buying real estate abroad is not just an opportunity for a comfortable life or vacation, but also a capital diversification tool with growth potential.

Current Property Categories: From Apartments to Commercial Spaces

Investments in property can take various forms. In Greece, there are options ranging from apartments for personal use to properties for rent or business operations. Purchasing commercial real estate, including spaces for shops, cafes, and tourist agencies, is particularly in demand.

There is a growing interest in studios and small apartments in cities and on the coast, especially in the segment up to 300,000 euros. Lofts and penthouses with terraces are also popular. Investors focusing on a long-term strategy increasingly choose projects under construction, where additional profit can be gained from the value appreciation upon project completion.

Considerations Before Buying Property Abroad

Before entering into a transaction, it is important to assess a number of factors:

• Price growth dynamics and income potential of properties in the chosen country;
• Economic stability and tax burden;
• Legal aspects of property purchase by foreigners — property ownership legislation;
• Prospects of obtaining citizenship through property investments (if a program exists);
• Possibility of transferring the property through inheritance or trust.

Analyzing these parameters helps understand why buying real estate abroad is not only about current profitability but also about considering inheritance prospects, asset protection, and family strategy.

Benefits of Foreign Real Estate Beyond Rental Income

Purchasing foreign property has long-term implications for the entire family. Obtaining residency through real estate investments provides access to education in European universities, quality medical care, preferential loan programs, and participation in developed banking systems. Additionally, owning property allows for expanding business geography and transferring part of the capital to a stable jurisdiction.

One cannot ignore the factor of security. In times of geopolitical turbulence, owning property in an economically stable country is not just a comfort but a strategic necessity. This is also relevant for families with children who seek to provide themselves and their heirs with a peaceful legal and economic environment.

Arguments for Investing in Real Estate Abroad in 2025

Amid high inflation and decreasing returns on traditional instruments, property remains one of the few secure ways to increase capital. Purchasing real estate abroad in countries with growing economies, low corruption levels, and transparent rules is considered particularly advantageous. The main benefits currently include:

• Protection against currency risks when investing in stable markets;
• Opportunity to generate income through short-term rentals;
• Tax benefits and preferences available to foreign investors;
• Prospects for expanding family or business operations in a new territory;
• Flexibility — the property can be used both as an asset and as a second home.

Thus, more and more investors, contemplating why buy real estate abroad, come to the conclusion that such an investment has a comprehensive potential — from personal mobility to financial stability.

Conclusion

The answer to why buy real estate abroad lies in strategic thinking: asset protection, ensuring security, obtaining additional rights such as residency permits or citizenship, and stable income from rentals or resale.

Greece, as one of the most open and attractive markets, offers investors optimal conditions in 2025.