Why is Greece an attractive place for investment?

Greece is a country with vast opportunities for those open to investment. Here, you can enjoy stunning clean beaches, a well-developed tourist infrastructure, wonderful mountain landscapes, world-famous historical monuments, and a vibrant cultural life. At the same time, in this country, you can find secluded spots with a peaceful way of life. In this article, we will analyze the regions of Greece that are most attractive for investment and living, as well as explore the unique features of each of these places.

General information about Greece

Greece is a compact country located on the southern side of Europe. As of early 2022, the population exceeds 10 million people, with ethnic Greeks being the majority. The society has a low crime rate, making the country quite attractive for living.

Geography and climate

The geography of Greece is predominantly mountainous and includes a number of plateaus. It is home to the famous mountains of Olympus and Parnassus, which reach heights of nearly 3 and 2.5 kilometers, respectively. Greece has over 3,000 islands of various sizes, accounting for about 20% of its total area. This results in the country having one of the longest coastlines in the world. The beaches are renowned for their cleanliness, with many of them awarded the "Blue Flag." The cleanest coastal areas can be found on islands such as:

• Crete
• Corfu
• Rhodes

And also on the peninsulas:

• Peloponnese
• Halkidiki

Forests cover about 20% of the entire territory of Greece.

The economy of Greece

The economy of Greece is well-developed, with the industrial sector accounting for 20% of tax revenues, 15% of the budget coming from tourism, and 5% from agriculture. The remaining income is generated by the service sector. In 2022, the average salary in the country was about1182 eurosmonthly.

Climate and language

The climate in northern Greece is considered temperate, while the southern part of the country is influenced by a tropical climate. The official currency is —eurosince Greece is a member of the European Union.

In Greece, the main language is —Modern GreekHowever, there are many local dialects. In popular resort areas and large cities like Athens, many residents speak English fluently, and among the youth, this language is widely spoken.

Religious life

The Orthodox Church is the official religion, but the country also has Muslim, Catholic, and Protestant communities.

Visa policy

As for the visa policy, there are Schengen visas: type C for short-term trips and type D for those planning to stay longer than 90 days. An interesting fact: the average life expectancy in Greece exceeds that of many other European countries. According to data, women live on average up to84 years old, and men — until78 years oldThis is likely related to favorable environmental conditions and traditional nutrition.

Advantages of purchasing real estate

Now let's discuss what makes purchasing real estate in Greece a profitable investment. There are several arguments in favor of this decision:

• Citizenship does not matter for purchasing real estate.
• The prices for housing are quite reasonable. In Athens and on well-known resort islands, you can find offers for around2000 eurosper square meter.
• In some less popular regions, the price can vary from500 to 750 eurosper square meter.

These factors make Greece an attractive place for both investment and comfortable living.

Advantages of owning property in Greece

Owning property in Greece opens the door for owners to obtain a long-term Schengen visa. This applies to both purchasing and renting property, which can serve as a basis for obtaining a residence permit.

Many areas of the country are characterized by well-developed infrastructure and reliable transportation links between regions. Greek legislation offers attractive conditions, including tax benefits for retirees and affluent individuals relocating to Greece for permanent residence. There is also a temporary exemption from value-added tax (VAT) on new constructions, which allows for savings of up to 20%.

Attica region

The Attica Peninsula, located in the southern part of mainland Greece, is washed by the waters of the Aegean Sea and is known as a center for beach tourism. The Athenian Riviera and numerous historical monuments make this region special.

Athens, the capital of Greece, is an important historical and cultural center of the country with a population of about 3 million residents. The city is full of cultural, political, and economic life, while the suburbs are perfect for a peaceful retreat and solitude.

The transportation system of Athens

The transportation system in Athens is highly developed.

• There is an international airport near the city, one of the stations of which connects the airport to the metro and suburban railway.
• There is a regular bus service between the airport and the city center of Athens.
• The city has trolleybuses, buses, trams, and electric trains, making it convenient to get around.
• The metro is the only system of its kind in the country.

Infrastructure development

The infrastructure of Athens is constantly improving thanks to numerous development projects that are transforming the city's appearance. As for the real estate market, residential property prices at the beginning of 2022 ranged from1400 eurosfor a square meter in the western parts up to3000 eurosin the southern regions. In the south, there is also the possibility of finding a small apartment for150 thousand euros.

For example, you can purchase:

• a two-bedroom apartment in Athens for about40,000 euros,
• three-room for60,000 euros,
• another two-room apartment — for90,000 euros.

Macedonia

The northern part of Greece, known as Macedonia, is the largest region in the country by area and the second most populous. It has a moderately continental climate, while the mountainous areas are characterized by an alpine climate. This region is famous for its picturesque landscapes, forests, mountains, and lakes, as well as its rich historical heritage.

Macedonian land is the homeland of the famous Mount Olympus, which attracts a huge number of tourists.

Thessaloniki

The city of Thessaloniki, located in Macedonia, is often referred to as the cultural capital of Greece. It is second in size only to Athens and is known for Aristotle University, as well as numerous resorts in the surrounding areas.

The transportation system in Thessaloniki includes the international airport "Macedonia," which offers convenient bus connections to the city center, making it much easier to get around the region.

Conclusion

All these factors make Greece an attractive destination for both permanent living and enjoyable vacations.

Public transport in Thessaloniki

Public transport in the city of Thessaloniki includes buses and trains. Additionally, there is a railway station that provides transport connections to other cities both within Greece and beyond.

General description of the island

On this wonderful island, there are all the conditions for comfortable living and active leisure throughout the year. The infrastructure here is highly developed: resort towns are located everywhere, where you can find both shops and restaurants.

Real estate

When it comes to the real estate market, the price per square meter starts at1.3 thousand euroswhile the average cost of an apartment is around70 thousand eurosThe most attractive house or townhouse can be purchased for an amount in the range of150,000–300,000 eurosFor example, in Corfu:

• A two-room apartment —90 thousand euros.
• A four-bedroom cottage in Kanali —135 thousand euros.
• A municipal building with eight rooms —650 thousand euros.

Crete

Crete is the largest and southernmost of the Greek islands, ranking fifth in size in the Mediterranean, and is home to about600 thousand peopleThe capital of the island is the city.HeraklionCrete is washed by three seas, and its coastline extends over1000 kilometersThis island is famous for its excellent beaches.

Tourists can take advantage of three airports, two of which are international and one is domestic. There is also the option to travel by ferry, thanks to two major ports that serve routes across the eastern Mediterranean, including Heraklion and Chania. The best ways to get around the island are by bus routes.

Infrastructure of Crete

Crete is known for its developed infrastructure.

• Eight state hospitals.
• Three higher education institutions.
• Numerous museums and historical landmarks in major cities.
• Various shops, hotels, and beaches in tourist villages.

Rhodes

Rhodes is the fourth largest island in Greece and is located in the Aegean Sea. Its population is about115 thousand peopleand the coastline reaches250 kmThe administrative center of the island is the city of Rhodes, which has an international airport.Diagor.

Buses and taxis run regularly here. There are also several ports that accept ferries, including routes from Turkey. Public transport is represented by buses. The island's infrastructure is quite developed.

• Various stores
• Cafes and restaurants
• Theaters and attractions, including a water park

The beaches of Rhodes

Most beaches in Rhodes are free and well-equipped.

Housing prices in Rhodes

The prices for housing in Rhodes are quite affordable: a secondary one-bedroom apartment will cost around70,000 to 100,000 eurosthat makes them accessible to many buyers.

Santorini

On the island of Santorini, a famous volcanic island in the Aegean Sea, with an area of about80,000 square kilometersand with a coastline length of66 kmTravelers can enjoy unique picturesque beaches. In the eastern part of the island, there are pebble and golden sand beaches, as well as stunning black and red sandy shores that amaze with their diversity and beauty.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it should be noted that Greece is a magnificent combination of natural beauty, rich history, and investment opportunities. Every corner of this amazing country offers unique chances, whether it's purchasing real estate for personal use or for commercial purposes. The thriving tourism market, rapidly developing infrastructure, and favorable legislation make Greece particularly attractive to foreign investors.

Despite the variety of locations, each with its own features and attractions, I believe that Athens and North Macedonia are the most interesting. The capital, Athens, as a cultural and economic center, offers vital opportunities for market entry and business creation. On the other hand, Macedonia, with its picturesque natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is a great option for those seeking a more tranquil and secluded environment.

Advantages of living and investing in Greece

• Variety of locations:Each region has its own unique features and cultural attributes.
• Ease of obtaining residency:There are legislative benefits for new residents and investors.
• High quality of life:Greece offers excellent living conditions, including healthcare and climate.
• Developing infrastructure:Support from the government contributes to economic growth and improves conditions for business.

Moreover, Greece offers a significant number of legislative benefits for those who wish to become residents of the country, which opens up additional opportunities for new residents. As for the quality of life, Greece is becoming increasingly attractive for long-term living each year, as evidenced by the high average life expectancy and the satisfaction of the local population.

So, if you are contemplating how to invest your resources or considering a new country to live in, Greece, with its paradise beaches, rich history, and cultural heritage, should be at the top of your list. I am convinced that this is not just a fortunate decision, but also a path to new achievements and possibly happiness in the heart of a beautiful country where ancient and modern coexist. Greece is waiting for those who are ready to embrace its opportunities!