There are a lot of great reasons to migrate to Greece, whether it’s for work, school, or retirement. The weather is always nice, the culture is lively, and the Mediterranean lifestyle is relaxed. One of the most crucial things about settling in is finding the right area to live. Greece provides a wide range of housing alternatives to fit any lifestyle, from quaint villages with old stone houses to beach villas and city apartments. The obstacles include figuring out how to get around the local rental market, understanding the legal requirements, and matching your needs with the options that are accessible.
Types of accommodation in Greece
Greece offers a lot of different types of homes to choose from. In large cities like Athens and Thessaloniki, the most common kind of rental is an apartment. These include big family apartments on the outskirts and little studios in the centre of the city. Expatriates who are open to new ideas generally select newer buildings with features like balconies and parking garages.
You may expect to see villas, cottages, and a traditional Cycladic house style if you want to visit Greece’s famous islands like Crete, Rhodes, or Santorini. These may be more expensive, especially if they are near the beach or other major tourist spots. In smaller towns and rural areas, you may often find charming stone houses and farm-style homes. These homes are more affordable and provide a more laid-back way of life.
Renting in Greece
For most immigrants in Greece, renting is the best option. The law says that rental agreements must be signed for three years, but many landlords are willing to let tenants stay for shorter periods. This is especially in cities and areas that are sympathetic to expats. The location has a big effect on monthly rent. Areas a little further out, such Nea Smyrni or Marousi, are usually cheaper. On the other hand, areas in downtown Athens, like Kolonaki or Koukaki, might be pricey. The price of rent on islands usually depends on the season and demand, although Thessaloniki is usually cheaper than Athens.
Rent usually doesn’t include things like heating, water, and electricity. Tenants in apartment buildings also need to account for “koinochrista,” which are the expenses of maintaining the building. Usually, you need to put down a deposit equivalent to one or two months’ rent at the start of the lease.
Buying real estate as an alternative
Some foreigners, especially those who plan to retire or stay for a long time, choose to buy property in Greece. Greece’s real estate market is one of the most affordable in Europe when compared to Spain, Italy, or France. Buying may lead to the Golden Visa program, which lets people from outside the EU live in the EU if they invest at least €250,000 in real estate.
The real estate market has been recovering since the financial crisis, making it a good long-term investment choice. But it may be hard to deal with legal checks, tax rules, and red tape, so it’s best to get guidance from an expert.
Where to start looking
The best place to start is on the internet. XE, Spitogatos, and Spiti24 are all popular places to look for real estate and rentals in Greece. You may also find listings and useful word-of-mouth tips on sites like Expat.com and Facebook groups for expats living abroad. If you’re already in Greece, you could unearth hidden gems that aren’t on the internet by walking about areas and searching for “enoikiazetai” (for rent) signs.
If you don’t speak Greek well, a real estate business can also help you. They take care of the paperwork and conversations, which makes things go more smoothly, even if they charge a fee that is usually equivalent to one month’s rent.
Legal and practical considerations
Foreigners who rent in Greece must obtain a Greek tax number (AFM) even for short stays in order to sign a contract. The tax office system is used to keep track of rental agreements electronically, which protects both the landlord and the tenant. It’s better to get contracts translated if you can’t read Greek well.
Setting up utility bills may be hard for new tenants since they are generally in the name of the renter. Even though they are easy to get to, setting up internet connections might take some time, especially on the islands.
Tips for a smooth experience
These include:
Set your priorities
Proximity to work, schools, or public transport can help narrow down your search.
Check seasonal fluctuations
The cost of renting on islands typically goes up in the summer. Long-term agreements may help prevent sudden price increases from happening.
Inspect carefully
Older houses could not have enough insulation or have heating systems that are too old.
Negotiate
Greek landlords are usually open to a conversation if you’re set on a long-term rental.
You can also view these posts:
Greece through the eyes of investors
Traveling to Greece: Visa requirements
Getting Greece passport
