An Afghan family’s $1.5 million home purchase in Sydney sparked online backlash, reflecting frustration with the city’s soaring property prices. Auctioneer Tom Panos says such reactions, often racially charged, highlight the housing crisis rather than migrant issues, as buyers struggle in a market where median prices hit $1.58 million.
Property
The Greek government is tackling its severe housing crisis with social housing and social renting initiatives, utilizing neglected public assets and inactive military sites. However, complex property ownership and slow licensing processes pose challenges, while a Prosperty study highlights supply-demand mismatches and calls for transparency and innovative policies.
Starting January 1, 2026, Greece will require all rent payments to be made via bank transfer, a move aimed at curbing tax evasion and boosting state revenue. The regulation will affect all property owners, including Bulgarian nationals, and mandates specific changes to rental contracts, penalties for non-compliance, and new electronic reporting to the Greek tax authority.
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands have reportedly purchased a €15 million mansion in Ekali, Athens, reigniting Dutch media criticism over their frequent stays in Greece.
After a banner year in 2024, Greece’s Golden Visa applications plummeted 47% in early 2025, hitting both new requests and renewals. Chinese buyers dominate, but critics warn of rising housing costs amid economic boosts.
The Greek government is extending its ban on new Airbnb permits to Thessaloniki, Santorini, Chania, Paros and Halkidiki from October, as soaring short-term rentals drive up housing costs and reduce availability for long-term tenants.
The Poulakis family, former owners of collapsed luxury retailer Harrolds, is selling the historic Customs House at 325-331 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, for over $23 million. This follows the sale of another Flinders Lane property for $24 million, amid Harrolds’ $12 million liquidation.
Greece’s Golden Visa program sees a 31% surge in 2025, with 17,254 visas issued by July, driven by investors from Turkey, Israel, and China, boosting real estate and local business.
The Municipality of Milos has revoked the building permit for a five-star hotel in Sarakiniko after the National Transparency Authority ruled it illegal due to missing documentation. The decision, prompted by local opposition, halts construction to protect the island’s environment and ensure legal compliance.
Greece is tightening restrictions on Airbnb-style rentals to ease its housing crisis, with new regulations and fines coming into effect from October 2025. Critics argue the platform plays only a minor role in driving housing shortages.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will announce at the Thessaloniki International Fair the abolition of ENFIA property tax on primary residences in border regions with populations of 3,000–5,000, as part of a wider package of tax relief measures aimed at supporting families and strengthening national cohesion.
Greece ranks among the top countries in Europe for homeownership, with nearly 40% of Greeks owning two properties. But empty homes, rising prices, and a shortage of affordable rentals are fuelling debate over stricter housing regulations.
Property prices on the Greek islands have soared in recent years, yet some destinations still offer affordable opportunities for holiday homes or investments. From Samos and Syros to Corfu and Salamina, here are the islands where buyers can still find value.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and his wife Mareva Grabowski are frequent targets of fake news and disinformation in Greece, with officials warning it poses a serious threat to democracy.
The Antetokounmpo brothers, led by Giannis, are building a diverse business empire spanning real estate, technology, healthcare, fashion, and sports. Through GFI Ltd, they acquired a 2% stake in Premia for €3.3 million and the Village
Greece Sotheby’s International Realty reports €40 million in luxury property sales over the past 40 days, driven by strong demand in Paros, Skiathos, Corfu, and Athens, despite a 20% global demand drop. Greece’s enhanced non-dom tax program, set for 2025, aims to attract global wealth.
Greece has launched an innovative social housing program to create 25,000 affordable homes using public properties through a “social exchange” mechanism. Targeting vulnerable groups, the initiative involves private contractors constructing or renovating properties, with 30% of homes allocated for social policy.
12 years ago, Stefanos Tsipas and Michele Kavanaugh stood on the summit of the tallest hill in Santorini. That moment sparked the birth of ‘Santorini Heights’.
Discover why Greece is a top retirement destination for 2025, offering retirees affordable living, a sunny Mediterranean climate, and welcoming visa policies. With a low cost of living, high-quality healthcare.
Greece has introduced a new business tax targeting legal entities managing multiple Airbnb properties, with…
A “court” in illegally occupied Trikomo extended the detention of five Greek Cypriots for eight days, citing further interrogation needs. The defense criticized the move as a human rights violation, dismissing allegations as “shameful” and questioning the suspicion around confiscated documents.
Purchasing property in Greece can be an attractive investment, but hidden legal and technical risks…
Riviera Tower, Greece’s first skyscraper and tallest building, has reached a key milestone with 25 floors completed, standing at 113 meters—halfway to its final 200-meter height. Part of The Ellinikon, a major urban regeneration project near Athens, the tower, designed by Foster + Partners, blends luxury, sustainability, and innovative urban living.
Turkish authorities detained five elderly Greek-Cypriot refugees in occupied Trikomo on Saturday, accusing them of espionage for visiting their properties. The move may be linked to legal actions against property usurpers, with a court appearance scheduled for Sunday.
The Riviera Tower, Greece’s tallest building at 200 meters, has reached its halfway construction milestone within the Ellinikon project. Designed by Foster + Partners, it features sustainable innovations like energy-efficient systems and 70% less cement in its foundation, setting a new standard for Athens’ urban growth.
Kavellaris Urban Design’s 161 Eastern project wins Gold at the 2025 Better Future Awards, celebrated for its sculptural design, public art, and 6.7-star NatHERS rating. The innovative apartment building sets a new standard for sustainable urban living.
The Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) in Greece has updated guidelines for short-term rentals. Properties leased for 59 days or less annually qualify as short-term. Hosts with two properties on digital platforms are VAT-exempt, but those with three or more must register for VAT. Full details at www.aade.gr/en/short-term-rental.
Greece has risen to 15th place worldwide in tourism, welcoming around 36 million international visitors, a 5% increase from 2023
The prohibition on issuing new short-term rental permits in Athens’ city center—specifically in the first,…
Tenants must pay rent via bank transfer to qualify for a state refund of one…
