Foreign buyers in Greece stayed focused on practical resale homes in 2025, with most purchases sized at 657–1,076 sq ft. Credit: Greek Reporter
Foreign buyers in Greece continued to show resilient demand throughout 2025, but the market focus was not on luxury. Most targeted practical, affordable homes that are easy to maintain, designed for everyday use rather than prestige.
This trend is reflected in a new RE/MAX Greece survey of completed transactions across its nationwide network, based on sales handled through 88 offices and supported by more than 1,200 real estate advisers. The findings point to a stable market shaped by measured, lifestyle-driven decisions.
What most foreign buyers purchased in Greece
The data shows a consistent buyer profile. Most foreign purchasers selected homes between 60 and 100 square meters (about 646–1,076 sq ft), a size range well suited for short stays, seasonal living, or rental use without high upkeep.
Budgets were similarly concentrated. The most common completed transactions fell between €100,000 and €200,000 ($115,978–$231,917), confirming that foreign demand continues to align with the mid-market rather than premium price brackets.
Lifestyle remained the leading reason to buy
While investment demand remained active, lifestyle needs led the market. In 2025, foreign buyers reported the following primary motivations:
- 52% bought a second home or holiday home
- 30% purchased for investment purposes, such as renting or reselling
- 10% were seeking a primary residence
Residency-linked incentives appear to be playing a smaller role than in previous years. Only 8% of buyers said the Golden Visa was their main reason for purchasing, indicating that foreign interest is increasingly independent of visa benefits.
Apartments ranked first followed by houses and maisonettes
Most foreign purchases were concentrated in three residential property categories:
- Apartments: 38%
- Detached houses: 27%
- Maisonettes: 20%
Together, these accounted for the majority of foreign demand. Other property types represented a smaller share. Commercial units made up only 3% of transactions, while plots and agricultural land combined accounted for 12%.
Resale homes dominated the market
Foreign buyers overwhelmingly opted for existing properties instead of new developments. According to RE/MAX Greece:
- 78% bought resale properties
- 20% bought new-build homes
- 2% purchased renovated properties
The results suggest that availability and pricing mattered more than buying brand-new inventory, particularly in markets where modern supply is limited or priced above mid-range budgets.
Size preferences stayed tightly defined
Foreign buyers largely stayed within a manageable footprint. Home size distribution was as follows:
- 61–100 sqm (about 657–1,076 sq ft): 75%
- Under 60 sqm (under about 646 sq ft): 10%
- 101–150 sqm (about 1,087–1,615 sq ft): 10%
- Over 151 sqm (over about 1,625 sq ft): 5%
The preference for moderately sized homes indicates that most buyers were prioritizing comfort while limiting maintenance and long-term running costs.
Most transactions remained within the middle price bands
Pricing followed a similarly concentrated pattern. The survey recorded:
- €100,001–€200,000 ($115,978–$231,917): almost 50% of sales
- €200,001–€300,000 ($231,917–$347,851): 27%
- €50,001–€100,000 ($57,978–$115,978): 17%
- Below €50,000 (below $57,978): 3%
- Above €300,000 (above $347,851): 3%
Overall, high-end purchases were rare, and very low-cost transactions were equally uncommon, suggesting supply and budgets most frequently meet in the mid-price segment.
Limited supply and rising prices shaped foreign buyers decisions
While demand remained steady, many buyers encountered challenges during the search process. When plans changed, the reasons were clear:
- 48% reconsidered their approach if they could not quickly find a suitable property
- 15% cited limited availability in their preferred area
- 13% pointed to rising prices
- 12% referenced personal circumstances
- 8% said bureaucracy influenced their decision-making
Financing issues and changing priorities were mentioned far less often, suggesting most buyers entered the market with defined budgets and preparation.
Purchasing timelines varied widely
Time-to-purchase differed significantly depending on location, inventory, and decision confidence:
- About one-third completed a purchase within four to six months
- Nearly one-quarter decided within two to three months
- Roughly 20% either moved very quickly or took more than seven months to finalize a deal
The timeline range shows that while the right listing can close fast, buyers with stricter criteria may face longer searches, especially in high-demand locations with limited supply.
Greece continues to attract foreign buyers for stability and value
The RE/MAX Greece survey points to a market supported more by consistency than hype. In 2025, Greece remained one of the Mediterranean’s most appealing destinations for foreign residential buyers, particularly those seeking a second home lifestyle combined with long-term value and rental potential.
Rather than chasing prestige properties, many international buyers focused on what felt sustainable: the right location, a practical home size, and a price point that continues to fit within a realistic European budget.