The Greek real estate market is entering a phase of maturity in 2026, characterized by sustained international interest, rising prices, and significant challenges related to housing affordability and supply. While the market remains attractive for investors and homebuyers, its long-term stability will depend on navigating a complex landscape of economic pressures and strategic policy decisions. This report synthesizes recent data and expert analysis to provide a comprehensive overview of the key trends, challenges, and outlook for the Greek property market.
Market Navigates Dual Trends and Shifting Buyer Profiles
The market is currently defined by a dual trend. On one hand, there is a growing demand for smaller, more affordable newly built holiday homes, typically between 35 and 70 square meters. On the other hand, the premium market is experiencing a significant boom, with one in four properties now selling for over €600,000—a threefold increase compared to previous years . The average value of new-build holiday homes has surged to €450,000, marking a 37% annual increase .
Recent data from the second half of 2025 reveals that foreign buyers continue to play a crucial role, though their preferences are evolving. According to a RE/MAX Hellas survey, the typical foreign buyer in 2025 sought pre-owned properties (over five years old) between 60 and 100 square meters, with a budget of €100,000 to €200,000 . The primary motivation for these purchases was for use as a second or holiday home (52%), followed by investment (30%). Notably, the Golden Visa program is no longer the main driver of foreign investment, accounting for only 8% of transactions .
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Foreign Buyer Profile (H2 2025)
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Property Type
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Apartments & Single-Family Homes (5+ years old)
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Property Size
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60-100 sq.m.
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Price Range
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€100,000 - €200,000
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Primary Motivation
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Second/Holiday Home (52%)
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Investment Purpose
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30%
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Golden Visa Transactions
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8%
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Affordability and Supply Emerge as Central Challenges
Despite the positive momentum, the market faces significant structural pressures. The American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) has highlighted that residential shortages and rising prices are making housing increasingly unaffordable for many Greeks . The AmCham’s “Property Market Outlook for Greece” report identifies high construction costs, regulatory uncertainty, and a persistent shortage of residential real estate as key obstacles .
Lefteris Sikalidis, head of the AmCham Real Estate & Development Committee, emphasizes that “the issue of affordable housing” has become a central challenge that requires “targeted investments, institutional stability and strengthening the supply of quality and affordable real estate” . The report underscores the need to attract institutional international investors capable of delivering large-scale residential projects to increase housing supply and support long-term market stability.
Revived Mortgage Lending and Future Outlook
A positive development supporting the market is the revival of mortgage lending. For the first time since 2010, mortgage credit expansion turned positive in November 2025 (0.4%), and interest rates have become more competitive, falling below the Eurozone average . This improved access to financing is expected to sustain domestic demand.
Looking ahead, the outlook for the first half of 2026 remains positive for the hotel, short-term rental, and holiday home sectors. However, the overall health of the market will depend on its ability to increase the supply of quality housing, integrate sustainability requirements, and maintain a delicate social balance. The coming year will be a critical test of the Greek real estate market’s resilience as it navigates the complexities of a mature, and increasingly selective, landscape.











