Santorini Invest: The Family Shaping Greece's Luxury Property Market

Behind the iconic landscapes of Santorini and Mykonos, one family is quietly connecting investors to some of the most exclusive properties in Europe.

Santorini has long stood as a symbol of Greek beauty - its whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches and volcanic cliffs drawing millions of visitors each year. But behind the postcard views lies one of the most competitive real estate markets in Europe, where demand for villas, boutique hotels and prime land is outstripping supply.

It is in this arena that Santorini Invest – International Realty has carved its place. A family-run brokerage with dual headquarters in Athens and Vienna, the firm represents a portfolio of more than €10 billion across Greece, Cyprus and the DACH region - Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

A Family Business

 At the centre of the company are father and son Ioannis and Nikolaos Vezakiadis, who grew up with real estate and hospitality in their blood. They speak with a shared vision, combining international experience with the values passed down through their family.

“Our mission is to build lasting relationships based on trust and excellence,” says Ioannis Vezakiadis, Operations Manager. “As a family business, we treat every client as part of our extended family, delivering personalised solutions that align with their goals.”

His son, Nikolaos Vezakiadis, Commercial Real Estate Broker, specialises in the hospitality side of the market, guiding investors through hotel and resort transactions. For him, confidentiality is central. “Many of our clients look for off-market opportunities. These are properties not advertised publicly - boutique hotels, luxury villas, institutional-grade investments. We work with approved investors and handle each transaction with absolute discretion.”

The Rise of Off-Market Opportunities

Off-market property has become one of Santorini Invest’s defining strengths. These are assets rarely, if ever, listed on public portals. Instead, they are presented privately to a select group of vetted buyers.

In practice, such opportunities can range from a €2 million clifftop villa in Santorini to an €80 million hospitality portfolio comprising multiple hotels across various Greek islands, held under single ownership. For sellers, the appeal is privacy and the avoidance of speculation. For buyers, it is exclusivity - a chance to secure high-value assets without competing in open bidding wars.

“It is about connecting the right people with the right property,” Nikolaos explains. “When someone entrusts us with an off-market listing, they know it will be handled discreetly, with serious investors who are ready to move.”

 This approach reflects a wider trend in Europe’s luxury property sector. Across the Mediterranean, confidentiality is becoming a currency in itself, especially for high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors.

Greece’s Real Estate Momentum

 The timing for this family business could not be more significant. Greece has been one of the standout performers in European tourism, recording record arrivals in both 2023 and 2024 with more than 30 million visitors. Tourism’s strength feeds directly into property demand, particularly for hotels, serviced apartments and short-term rental villas.

Santorini is one of the most restrictive markets, with strict building regulations limiting new developments. This scarcity fuels soaring values. In sought-after enclaves such as Oia and Imerovigli, property prices can exceed €10,000 per square metre, placing the island among the priciest in the Mediterranean.

Government policy has also shaped demand. Greece’s Golden Visa programme has become one of the most competitive in Europe, offering residency to non-EU nationals who purchase property above a set threshold. It recently shifted to a new three-tier system: €800,000 in high-demand areas like Santorini, Mykonos and central Athens; €400,000 in other parts of the country; and €250,000 for conversions or restoration of heritage properties. Even so, the scheme continues to attract investors from Asia, the Middle East and the United States.

“The Golden Visa has opened Greece to a new wave of international buyers,” Ioannis notes. “But beyond residency rights, what truly draws people is lifestyle. Owning a home on a Greek island or a hotel in Athens is not just an investment - it is about heritage, enjoyment and the possibility of creating something lasting.”

 

Global Reach, Local Expertise

Though its name highlights Santorini, the firm’s reach extends far beyond one island. Santorini Invest operates across Greece and Cyprus, with listings in Mykonos, Rhodes, Naxos, Corfu, Crete, Limassol and beyond.

Their strength lies in a global network of more than 80 professional partners - architects, civil engineers, lawyers, tax consultants and property managers - spanning Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and the United States. Together, they provide the legal, financial and operational framework to handle complex transactions.

This international base also allows the firm to offer a suite of value-added services. These range from arranging financing through Greek banks for foreign buyers, to managing rental properties on behalf of overseas owners. Viewing tours can be organised with the assistance of luxury service providers, including private jets and yacht charters, while Golden Visa applicants receive support throughout the process.

Their motto, “we go to the top together,” reflects this collaborative ethos. “Real estate is never just about numbers,” Ioannis explains. “It is about lifestyle, legacy and the vision our clients have for the future.”

A Competitive Landscape

Santorini Invest operates within a competitive Mediterranean landscape. Spain, Portugal and Cyprus are also attracting international capital with residency schemes and growing tourism economies. But Greece retains unique appeal - not only for its climate and cultural heritage but for its relative value compared to Western European hotspots.

Santorini Invest’s role, the family believes, is to help investors navigate this landscape with confidence. “Every country has its own regulations, its own pace, its own traditions,” Nikolaos says. “Our task is to make that journey seamless, so the investor can focus on the opportunity itself.”

Looking Ahead

The firm’s future lies in sustainable, high-value projects. Energy-efficient developments, eco-tourism resorts and properties with strong long-term rental potential are increasingly part of their portfolio. The family is clear that adaptability is essential.

“As everything is constantly changing in our world, our team is proactively preparing for change,” Ioannis says. “Our determination to plot a new path each time is not accidental - it is a choice.”

 For Santorini Invest, the story is not only about assets but about the relationships built around them. “Every client has a different story,” Nikolaos adds. “Our role is to listen, guide and make sure their investment is not only secure but also meaningful.”

Those interested in exploring Santorini Invest’s portfolio of luxury and off-market properties can find more at santorini-invest.com.

All images courtesy of Dolphin Capital – One&Only Kea Island

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