Israelis, Turks and Lebanese Biggest Buyers of Greek Property

Greece’s real estate market continued to attract strong foreign investment throughout 2025, particularly in residential properties, hospitality assets, and high-specification office spaces, according to data from the Bank of Greece. Israelis emerged as the leading foreign buyers, followed by Turkish and Lebanese investors, amid sustained demand driven by tourism growth, a stable economic environment, and limited housing supply.

Market analysts note that rising tourist activity, combined with strong domestic and international investment interest, has supported upward pressure on property prices. This trend is expected to persist into 2026, despite already elevated price levels.

Figures from the Bank of Greece show that during 2025, demand remained particularly strong for residential properties and bioclimatic, high-quality office developments. Reduced supply, alongside continued foreign interest, contributed to rising prices in both residential and commercial real estate. Apartment prices increased by 7.5% during the first nine months of 2025, with older properties recording slightly higher gains (7.7%) than newly built homes (7.3%). Despite these increases, foreign investor interest remained resilient.

According to market data, seven out of ten residential property investors in Greece are aged between 41 and 60. Buyers originate from a wide range of countries and often view Greece not only as an investment destination but also as a potential place for relocation. One in two foreign buyers considers possible or permanent relocation, highlighting the country’s growing appeal as a long-term living destination.

Research by RE/MAX Ελλάς indicates that foreign demand for Greek property remained strong in 2025, even as changes to the “Golden Visa” programme led to some moderation in investment flows. Foreign investments in Greek real estate reached €938.3 million in the first half of the year, according to the Bank of Greece.

Israeli buyers ranked first among foreign purchasers in both Attica and Thessaloniki. In Attica, they were followed by buyers from Turkey and Lebanon, while interest was also recorded from China and Ukraine. In Thessaloniki, Israelis again led the market, followed by buyers from Bulgaria, Germany, Turkey, and Albania. In the rest of Greece, German buyers accounted for the largest share of foreign purchases, with Bulgarians and French investors also playing a significant role.

The majority of property purchases were financed through buyers’ own funds, with around 90% of transactions completed without bank lending. This contributed to faster transaction times, while only 10% of buyers relied on borrowing.

There is also a strong intention among foreign buyers to settle permanently in Greece. Around 57% leave open the possibility of permanent relocation, 18% express a clear intention to move, and only one in four does not plan to relocate.

In the commercial property sector, prices also rose steadily between 2019 and 2025, particularly for offices and retail spaces, where demand remains strong and is expected to continue into 2026. Data from Spitogatos shows that asking prices for commercial properties in Attica recorded significant increases, with the largest gains seen in Piraeus (+62.1%), the suburbs of Piraeus (+57.9%), and the northern suburbs (+51.8%).

Rental prices followed a similar upward trend, with the steepest increases recorded in the suburbs of Piraeus (+61.2%), western suburbs (+59.5%), and Piraeus (+59.2%). Market estimates suggest that demand and high prices are likely to persist, supported by rising construction material costs and reduced building activity over the past year.