Read about the latest trends from Greek and international newspapers, realtor firms and other actors.
Golden Visa boosting sales
Greece’s Golden Visa program has played a big role in boosting the country’s real estate market, with over 10% of property transactions in 2023 and 2024 linked to foreign investors securing residency through property purchases. A major driver of this surge was the rush to buy before the minimum investment threshold increased, but demand remains strong as Greece is now one of the few remaining attractive Golden Visa options in Europe. Popular areas like Athens and Thessaloniki have seen the biggest impact, reinforcing the program’s role in attracting foreign capital and driving house sales.
Read more:
1 in 10 of all property sales linked to Golden Visa
High demand for luxury properties along the Athens Riviera
The Athenian Riviera continues to dominate Greece’s luxury real estate market, accounting for 17% of total inquiries in 2024, as reported by Greece Sotheby’s International Realty. This surge is part of a broader trend, with the greater Athens area absorbing 30% of overall interest. Although international demand is the main segment (accounting for 80%+ of demand), domestic demand has risen significantly with Greek buyers now representing 16% of total inquiries. This increase is attributed to new luxury residential projects in Athens’ southern suburbs and the return of Greek expatriates. In contrast, traditional hotspots such as Mykonos have seen a decline in interest, now ranking sixth among preferred locations.
Read more:
Demand soars for Athenian Riviera
Sotheby’s on the Greek market in 2024
Athens’ Emerging Investment Hotspots
While traditionally sought-after areas like Kolonaki and Glyfada continue to attract attention, investors are now looking beyond the usual high-end districts. Central Athens and its surrounding neighborhoods are proving to be the real goldmine for high returns, thanks to rising rental demand, infrastructure improvements, and urban revitalization projects.
According to Protio’s research, certain areas are now offering some of the highest rental yields in Athens, with returns reaching up to 7.1%. These locations benefit from affordable property prices, strong rental demand from both locals and expats, and the city’s ongoing push to modernize older districts. Many of these neighborhoods were previously overlooked but are now gaining momentum as young professionals and digital nomads seek well-connected, affordable housing options.
Three key areas standing out for high investment returns include:
- Ano Dafni & Amerikis Square – Leading with 7.1% returns, these neighborhoods are seeing rising demand due to their relatively low property prices and increasing rental interest, making them ideal for investors looking for strong yields.
- Aigaleo – With 6.9% returns, this area benefits from excellent metro connectivity, easy access to central Athens, and an increasing number of long-term renters.
- Larisis Station & Vathis Square – Offering 6.6% returns, these areas have been undergoing redevelopment, attracting investors looking to benefit from rising property values in previously underutilized locations.
It is important to note that the high investment returns reported are based on data up to 2024, before Greece introduced new restrictions on short-term rental permits. But the future is not too gloomy, as there is strong continued demand from digital nomads and young professionals choosing Athens as their base.
