How to choose a place to live: Athens or the countryside in Greece?

This is a continuation of Kristina's story, in which she shares her impressions of life in Athens. In the previous account, she talked about her move, how she got to know the locals, the specifics of her work, and the safety circumstances in this large and diverse city.

It's important to choose: province or capital?

Now Kristina is raising the question of choice: should she live in the quiet countryside or settle in the dynamic environment of the capital? Greece is famous for its picturesque islands, cozy villages, and majestic cities. Most island residents earn a living through tourism, agriculture, and by working in cafes, bakeries, and pastry shops. To feel comfortable in such areas, it is advisable to have a stable income or engage in remote work.

Moving and employment

If you are considering moving to Greece and looking for job opportunities, it's worth paying attention to life in the cities. Knowledge of English significantly broadens the horizons for employment in good companies; however, it is still possible to find jobs even without language skills. Those who decide to settle in Athens will benefit from familiarizing themselves with a number of essential nuances.

Rental housing situation

The situation with housing rentals has become more complicated and costly. Throughout 2020, the search for an apartment in Greece, especially in the capital, has become more challenging. This is due to the growing popularity of the Airbnb service, which has had a significant impact on the rental market. Property owners are increasingly opting for short-term rentals, making long-term rentals significantly less accessible and contributing to rising housing prices. This trend has been observed for two consecutive years.

Apartments by the sea

Apartments located near the sea are usually tourist properties and tend to be quite expensive. For example, to purchase a 50 square meter apartment, you need to pay around€150,000However, many locals prefer more affordable neighborhoods with older buildings dating back to the 1970s.

Examples of real estate

Let's take a look at some examples of the conditions in the rental and sales market for apartments in Athens:

• For€265,000You can purchase an apartment on the fourth floor with a total area of 70 square meters. It includes two bedrooms, a kitchen with a living room, and a bathroom. The apartment is equipped with air conditioning and a heating system, and it is sold with furniture. The building also has an elevator.
• Another option is an apartment for€370,000This property, with an area of 216 square meters, is located on the first floor. It includes five bedrooms, two living rooms, two kitchens, and three bathrooms. The windows offer a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains and the city itself. This property is also offered with furniture and features a fireplace, air conditioning, and heating.
• Another interesting option is an apartment in Athens for€310,000an area of 80 square meters, located on the fourth floor. It includes one bedroom, a kitchen with a living room, and a bathroom. The windows offer a beautiful sea view.

Conclusion

Thus, the process of choosing housing in Athens requires a careful and thoughtful approach, considering the high prices and diverse offerings in the real estate market. A conscious choice will help you successfully integrate into life in this remarkable city.

The diversity of real estate in Athens

This extensive offer presents a wide selection of real estate located within Athens, Greece.

Apartment with solar panels

Among them stands out an apartment equipped withsolar panelslocated in the Paleo Faliro area. This apartment is equipped with water heating systems, air conditioners, as well as awnings and a heating system.

Its cost is360,000 eurosfor the area in200 square meterswhich includes five rooms and three bathrooms. When purchasing this property, clients have the opportunity to obtainresidence permit.

Apartments under construction

Apartments with an area of100 square metersunder construction, located in Calife, being offered at a price370,000 eurosThese apartments have:

• three bedrooms;
• kitchen;
• living room;
• two showers.

The windows offer views of the cityscape, there is a heating system and parking available.

Townhouse in Athens

The next property is a townhouse covering an area of251 square meters, which is located in Athens and is offered for600,000 eurosThis property is spread over four levels and includes:

• six rooms;
• two bathrooms.

On the first level, there is a living room and kitchen, and on the second level, there are three bedrooms and a bathroom.

Duplex with furniture

In addition, the offer includes a duplex with a total area.143 square meters, at a cost of980,000 euros, which occupies two floors. The sixth level features a living room and one bedroom, while the seventh floor has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. All properties are for sale.with furniturethat provides additional convenience for customers.

Apartment under construction

A apartment of size is also available.112 square meters, currently under construction, at the price445,000 eurosThis accommodation includes:

• three bedrooms;
• kitchen;
• bathroom;
• toilet.

The apartment offers a magnificent view of the picturesque mountains, and it features a heating system and a fireplace, which adds to the comfort.

The last apartment in our offer

In conclusion, an apartment with an area of132 square metersat the price375,000 euroslocated on the fifth floor. It includes:

• three bedrooms;
• a spacious living room;
• a fully equipped kitchen.

The windows offer a breathtaking view of picturesque natural landscapes and forests. All the mentioned features provide a high level of quality.comfortsand modern housing, which makes them particularly attractive for both investors and permanent residents.

Introduction

In this article, we will explore several attractive real estate options in Greece, each with its own unique features and advantages, making them appealing to potential investors. Let's take a closer look at the details of each of the proposed properties.

Townhouse in Athens

The first property is a townhouse in the capital of the country, Athens, offered by the family company Mercury Group for950,000 eurosThe area of this housing is195 square metersthat provides comfort for living. The house consists of two levels:

• On the first floor, there is a spacious living room, a kitchen, a separate bedroom, a bathroom with a toilet, and an office.
• The second floor includes three bedrooms and three bathrooms, which is perfect for a large family or those who plan to host guests.

The townhouse is equipped with solar panels for hot water, as well as a fireplace and air conditioning for optimal microclimate. The outdoor area also features canopies for outdoor relaxation and a barbecue area, adding coziness at any time of the year.

Townhouse in Glyfada

The next property from Mercury Group is a townhouse located in Glyfada, priced at740,000 eurosIts area is156 square metersand he is located on the site in1000 square metersThis property is ready for living and is located on the third floor. Inside, there are:

• Four bedrooms,
• Kitchen area,
• Two bathrooms,
• Separate toilet.

At the same time, the windows offer a picturesque view of the sea, and there is also autonomous heating powered by gasoline. This property was built inin 1980and has an energy certificate of class D, which is also important for buyers.

Apartment in Athens

A luxurious apartment option in Athens from Invest Cafe is also available, with a price of350,000 eurosThis two-room apartment has an area of105 square meterslocated on the sixth floor. The apartment's interiors include:

• Three bedrooms,
• A cozy room combined with a kitchen,
• A modern bathroom and toilet.

Solar panels, air conditioners, and a heating system are also included here. This apartment is located in the picturesque area of Neo Faliro, which adds extra charm to this offer.

Modern apartments in Glyfada

Another interesting opportunity is the modern apartments in Glyfada from Mercury Group, priced at670,000 eurosThe total area is88 square metersand this object includes:

• Two bedrooms,
• Two bathrooms,
• Spacious bright hall.

The complex is designed in a minimalist style with a focus on energy-efficient technologies, such as underfloor heating and modern lighting. Its convenient location allows for quick access to pharmacies, kindergartens, and supermarkets.

Compact maisonette in Athens

Those looking for more compact housing options might want to consider a duplex in Athens with an area of86 square meters, offered for215,000 eurosThis classic apartment is located on the third floor and consists of:

• One bedroom,
• Kitchen area,
• Bathroom.

The windows offer a picturesque view of the sea and the city, and there is a heating system and an elevator.

Duplex in Glyfada

We shouldn't forget about the maisonette that is currently being built in Glyfada and costs...700,000 eurosIts area is100 square metersdistributed over two floors:

• On the fifth floor, there is a spacious living room with a kitchen and a shower.
• On the sixth floor, there are three bedrooms and a bathroom.

The windows offer a magnificent view of the sea, which makes this property especially attractive to buyers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, each of the proposed properties is a great opportunity not only to invest in high-quality real estate in Greece but also to enjoy all its benefits.

Property Description

This residential complex includesfireplace,air conditioning systemandheatingthat provides a comfortable climate at any time of the year. The building also hasliftthat adds convenience for all residents.

Apartment from Grekodom Development A.E.

Currently, an apartment in Athens is for sale from Grekodom Development A.E. The price of the property is344,000 €and its area reaches67 square metersThis object is located atfourth floorand at the construction stage. The interior design includes:

• two bedrooms;
• an open kitchen connected to the living room;
• one shower.

Energy efficiency measures have been implemented in the housing.solar panelsfor heating water.

Parking and convenience

In addition, the apartment offers residents the opportunityparking lotsIn our next point, we will look at another apartment in Athens, again from the Mercury Group, which is priced at235,000 €. This apartment occupies60 square metersand is located atfifth floor.

• two bedrooms;
• kitchen;
• living room;
• bathroom.

This object also hassolar panels,air conditionerandheating systemThe elevator and parking make it even more convenient, while its location in a desirable area enhances its appeal.

Townhouse from Grekodom Development A.E.

Next, let's take a look at the townhouse that is also for sale by Grekodom Development A.E. Its price is1,350,000 €and the total area is200 square metersThe property is currently under construction and consists of two levels of living space.

• On the first level: two bedrooms, a living room with a kitchen, one shower, and a separate bathroom.
• On the second level: three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and an office.

The windows of this townhouse offer a stunning view of the sea, which significantly increases its value.

Additional apartments

The next property is an apartment from Mercury Group, priced at480,000 €with an area81 square metersIt is located aton the second floorand offers:

• two bedrooms;
• living room with kitchen;
• two bathrooms.

This accommodation also featuresfireplace,air conditioning systemsandheatingand also tents. They are also available for sale.furnitureThe building is equipped with an elevator andsecurity systemThe apartment comes with a parking space.

Apartment from Mercury Group

In addition, it is worth noting the availability of apartments from Mercury Group, which can be purchased for400,000 €with an area120 square metersThis accommodation is appealing due to its location in a quiet part of Athens, where the cost of living is lower than in the city center.

• In this area, you can find everything you need for a comfortable living, including shops and green spaces.
• The subway is located nearby, providing easy access to other parts of the city.

Personal experience and neighborhood

For example, I live in an area where most of the neighbors are locals who choose such places to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the peace and quiet. The infrastructure here is specific — there are few modern shopping centers nearby, but there are many local shops where you can find the essentials.

My house is located just in15 minutes on footfrom the "Evangelismos" station. My apartment has an area of50 square metersIt costs me about200 €per month. But when I moved in, it was empty — no furniture, no appliances. I bought all the necessary items after moving. There are many in this area.green plantings, which makes it especially attractive for living.

Payment of utility bills

Among our tasks is also the timely payment for utilities. We have signed a long-term lease agreement, which has proven to be economically viable. Currently, similar apartments of comparable size in this area are rented out for amounts that can exceed ours by one and a half to two times. Considering the needs of a large family of five, I recommend budgeting approximately for800 euros- this will provide comfortable living conditions and the necessary space.

You can find information about the real estate market, immigration issues, and investment opportunities on our Telegram channel, where useful tips for finding housing are shared.

Where to look for an apartment

An ideal option for finding housing is to be located away from the city center, which eliminates most of the noise, pollution, tourist crowds, and reduces the risk of encountering crime.

Parking

Don't forget about the importance of having a parking space. This issue is quite relevant in Athens. On average, a local family has two to three cars, which leads to frequent traffic jams and a lack of parking in the area.

Transport

When choosing an apartment, it's important to consider its proximity to the metro. This is a crucial aspect, even if you plan to use personal transportation. In Athens, heavy traffic creates difficulties for drivers.

The importance of checking a property

When searching for housing, it is extremely important to consider the presence of mold and humidity, so I strongly recommend carefully inspecting cabinets, walls, and kitchen cupboards. Don't forget the necessity of breathing in the air around you, as it can greatly affect your well-being.

Experience in foreignreal estate

People who have purchased property abroad have a variety of experiences. Let's look at a few examples:

• Someone has decided to move permanently.
• Someone was looking for housing in Greece.
• Someone was thrilled by the opportunity to buy an apartment in Spain for less than...€50 thousandwith the subsequent prospect of earning rental income.

Life in Italy

When it comes to life in Italy, a woman from Siberia shares her experience of buying a house in the south of the country, referring to it as a "village, but in a good way."

Athens as a metropolis

Athens is a significantly more densely populated metropolis. The infrastructure here is well-developed: in any part of the city, you can easily find a supermarket, pharmacy, or café. You will only go hungry if you decide to spend time in the mountains, camping in a tent.

Central districts of Athens

In my opinion, the most unfavorable places to live in Athens are the central districts. They usually suffer from a lack of parking spaces, constant noise, and a lack of cleanliness. The area around Omonia Square has a cleanliness issue that leaves much to be desired, and there are quite a few such places in the center. I wouldn't recommend anyone to choose these areas for permanent residence.

Prestigious neighborhoods

Nevertheless, the center also includes prestigious locations where the cost of living is quite high. For example, some of these include the famous:

• Kolonaki
• Plaka
• Likavitos

In the vicinity of Mount Lycabettus, you can find important architectural landmarks, such as the Parliament building and the square of the same name, from which stunning views of the city can be enjoyed.

Plaka and its attractions

Plaka is famous for its proximity to the Acropolis, with many apartments offering direct views of it, which increases property values and makes this area one of the most sought-after in Athens. Plaka is full of charming houses and narrow streets, and it attracts many tourists due to the abundance of shops and luxury hotels.

Rental housing market

When it comes to renting, it's hard to give a definitive answer regarding monthly expenses, as prices vary greatly depending on the area. A one-bedroom apartment can cost anywhere from€300, so too€800Depending on the location, the prices on the coast are, of course, significantly higher.

Cost of housing

The purchase of real estate in the mentioned areas will cost no less than€4,800per square meter, and the rent starts from€13.5per square meter. Despite the age of the buildings, such apartments are often inhabited by wealthy individuals, and the interior decor is often quite luxurious, even if the appearance of some streets is not particularly impressive.

Popular tourist areas

From a tourism perspective, various areas like Psiri have high demand due to their proximity to the Acropolis and a large influx of tourists. At the same time, the area remains clean thanks to regular cleaning. Apartments here are often rented out through platforms like Airbnb. Long-term rentals will cost on average€10.5per square meter, and the prices for purchasing housing start from€2,500.

Dense urban areas

In addition, there are bustling neighborhoods near the center that are uniform in type, such as Ambelokipi and Pangrati, located along the blue metro line. These areas can offer many opportunities for comfortable living, but stylistically they are quite similar to each other.

Parking and accommodation in Athens

In Athens, there is a serious problem with parking spaces; however, this is not a critical factor for tourists. Therefore, various accommodation options are offered on platforms like Airbnb. For example, in the Ambelokipi area, the cost of one square meter of housing is about €2,300, while the rent is approximately €6.50 per square meter. In Pangrati, the prices are slightly higher: the average cost per square meter is €2,400, and the rent will be around €10.

Underprivileged areas of Athens

When it comes to apartment buildings in the Athens region, it is worth noting that among the most troubled and unsafe areas are:

• Homonymy
• Victoria
• Ano-Patissia
• Attica
• Kipseli

These areas are characterized by a high crime rate and significant population density. The web of streets and lack of parking spaces are linked to the old buildings that were constructed without considering modern needs. Although property prices in these zones are lower – around €1,800 per square meter, the old apartments require substantial investment for renovations. Rent is also quite affordable – only €6.5 per square meter, which attracts the attention of budget-conscious tourists.

Dangers and the criminal situation

In these areas, cases of robbery are not uncommon, and you may also encounter drug addicts and homeless people. The atmosphere here can seem quite grim: the streets are noisy and polluted. I wouldn't recommend choosing to live in such neighborhoods, especially if you're not prepared to coexist with immigrants from various countries.

The Piraeus area

The Piraeus area may be more suitable for living, although it has its drawbacks. Since Piraeus is located near the port, there is heavy traffic, and the streets themselves are not particularly clean or convenient. However, the transportation infrastructure in Piraeus is at a high level: there is a metro, trams, and suburban trains that will soon start operating. Despite the proximity to the sea, swimming in the coastal areas is not recommended due to pollution caused by ships and yachts. The rent per square meter here is approximately €10.

Favorable areas for living

However, it is worth paying attention to more attractive areas. For example, the southern suburbs of Athens can be considered such areas, as they are located on the first line by the sea and where you can find private houses, new villas, and modern buildings. There are no parking issues here, as the buildings are constructed with modern standards in mind. Areas like Voula, Glyfada, and Elliniko also have metro access. The most expensive of the mentioned places is Voula, where the price per square meter exceeds €4,200. In Glyfada, the cost of housing is slightly lower but still significant, starting from €4,000, while in Elliniko it starts at €2,800.

Prestigious neighborhoods

Thanks to their convenience and prestige, the neighborhoods of Ilioupolis and Paleo Faliro are becoming particularly popular. These locations are situated near the mountains and have access to a paid highway. In these areas, you can find both single-story private homes and multi-story complexes with their own parking spaces. Public transport is also well-developed here, including the metro, and in some places, there are even commuter trains, making travel more comfortable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I want to share my thoughts on life in Athens, based on Kristina's story. These two aspects—the move and the choice between living in a metropolis and the countryside—are extremely important for anyone planning a change in their life. Athens, as the capital of Greece, offers a wealth of opportunities, but it also requires a serious approach to choosing housing.

On one hand, living in the capital offers immense access to career opportunities, a variety of cultural events, and of course, the best educational institutions. At the same time, one should not forget about the rising rental prices, especially after the pandemic, when many apartments were converted to short-term rentals through platforms like Airbnb. This creates a unique situation in the real estate market: if you intend to stay in Athens for a long time, it would be wiser to look for housing in less touristy areas where prices remain more reasonable.

Nevertheless, I found that even with a limited budget, it is possible to find comfortable housing options if you approach the search wisely. The variety of apartments, like the ones described, shows that the choices are vast, and everyone can find their perfect place, even if it requires some effort.

Recommendations for finding housing

• Don't hesitate to ask the locals questions.
• Explore different neighborhoods of the city.
• Approach the process with wisdom and patience.

Ultimately, life in Athens, with its rich history and culture, can become not just a place to live, but a true home where each day brings something new and interesting.

Moving to this amazing country is a significant step, but with the right approach, it can be the beginning of new opportunities and experiences.