Why 75% of Foreign Buyers Opt for Modest 60–100 sqm Homes in Greece

Foreign buyers are reshaping the property in Greece market — and not in the way many expect

Foreign demand for property in Greece in 2025 is not led by showpiece villas or headline-grabbing luxury estates. Instead, buyers are focusing on practical, easy-to-manage homes that fit a mid-range budget and a lifestyle use case. The findings of a nationwide RE/MAX Greece survey show a pattern that is simple to understand and important for anyone shopping or investing in Greek real estate.

In this article we break down the numbers, explain what they mean for buyers and investors, and offer tactical guidance for navigating a market where resale apartments and modest houses dominate.

Quick data snapshot: what the RE/MAX Greece survey found

The RE/MAX Greece analysis is based on completed sales handled through 88 offices and more than 1,200 agents across the country. Its headline findings are clear and consistent:

• 75% of foreign buyers purchased homes sized 61–100 sq m (about 657–1,076 sq ft)
• 78% bought resale properties while 20% bought new-build homes and 2% bought renovated properties
• Property types bought: 38% apartments, 27% detached houses, 20% townhouses/maisonettes
• Buyer motivations: 52% bought a second/vacation home, 30% bought for investment (rent/resell), 10% sought a primary residence, 8% cited the Golden Visa as their main reason
• Price distribution: almost 50% of transactions were in the €100,001–€200,000 band, 27% were €200,001–€300,000, 17% €50,001–€100,000, 3% below €50,000, and 3% above €300,000
• Reasons for abandoning a search included: 48% when they could not quickly find a suitable property, 15% limited availability in preferred area, 13% rising prices, and 8% bureaucracy

These figures point to a market where mid-market, manageable homes are the norm for foreign buyers.

What buyers are actually choosing — and why it matters

The headline that most foreign buyers picked 60–100 sq m homes is not just a statistic; it tells us about priorities.

Smaller floor plans and resale stock line up with several buyer preferences:

• Lower ongoing costs: less maintenance, lower utilities, easier management for absentee owners
• Short-stay suitability: apartments and modest houses work well for second-home use and holiday lets
• Easier to rent: mid-sized units fit the demand profile for many holidaymakers and long-stay renters

The dominance of resale properties (78%) highlights that supply and pricing matter more than the cachet of brand-new construction for many buyers. Where modern new-build housing is limited or priced above what mid-market buyers will pay, resale becomes the practical choice.

We think this focus on practicality will continue to shape demand, especially as domestic buyers and foreign purchasers compete for the same mid-range inventory.

Who is buying and what they want: motivations and property types

Understanding motivation is central for anyone advising buyers, selling property, or allocating investment capital. The RE/MAX data shows motivations are tilted toward lifestyle rather than residency or tax-driven incentives.

• Second or vacation homes: 52%. This is the single biggest driver. The Mediterranean climate, coastal access, and lifestyle appeal are the obvious draw, but buyers are choosing homes they can look after easily.
• Investment (rent or resell): 30%. A sizable minority is focused on returns, either through short-term lettings or longer-term appreciation.
• Primary residence: 10%. A smaller group is relocating full-time.
• Golden Visa: 8%. Residency-linked purchasing has waned as a primary motive in these transactions.

Property-type breakdown matters too. With 38% apartments, apartment blocks remain the backbone of foreign demand. Detached houses (27%) and townhouses (20%) also attract interest, but often at price points and sizes that match the mid-market profile.

Price bands and what they mean for budget planning

The price distribution is concentrated in the mid-range. Almost half of foreign-buyer transactions occur in the €100,001–€200,000 bracket. For buyers and investors, that implies several practical conclusions:

• You do not need a seven-figure budget to access decent Greek real estate if you are targeting the same cohort of international buyers.
• Expect competition in this band: when demand concentrates at mid-price points, stock turns quicker and bargains are rarer.
• Very high-end and ultra-cheap transactions were both uncommon, which suggests a market where supply and buyer budgets most frequently meet in the middle.

If you are considering financing, set expectations that lenders and mortgage terms may differ for resale versus new-build, and that many buyers in this bracket enter the market with defined budgets and financing in place.

Search timelines, supply constraints and buyer behaviour

Purchasing timelines vary. The survey found:

• About one-third completed a purchase within four to six months
• Nearly one-quarter decided within two to three months
• Roughly 20% either moved very quickly or took more than seven months

This spread shows two things. First, when the right property is listed, deals can close fast. Second, buyers with strict criteria or preferred locations can expect a longer search. The biggest single reason buyers walked away was speed of finding the right home: 48% reconsidered when they could not quickly find a suitable property.

Other constraints included limited availability in preferred areas (15%) and rising prices (13%).