Buying property in the Greek Islands?

We've created a guide to help you avoid pitfalls, save time, and make the best long-term investment possible.

What are the price trends and forecasts in the Greek Islands right now? (2026)

Last updated on 

Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Greece Property Pack

property investment the Greek Islands

Yes, the analysis of the Greek Islands' property market is included in our pack

The Greek Islands property market is one of the most dynamic in southern Europe, with prices climbing steadily as tourism breaks records and supply stays tight.

This blog post covers the current housing prices in the Greek Islands as of the first half of 2026, and we constantly update it with fresh data so you can always rely on accurate numbers.

And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in the Greek Islands.

Insights

  • Greek Islands property prices rose about 12% in 2025, with the Dodecanese islands alone gaining close to 17%, making it one of the fastest-appreciating regions in the Mediterranean.
  • Islands with international airports like Rhodes, Crete, Corfu, and Zakynthos have averaged 11.3% annual price growth since 2021, showing how access drives property values.
  • Tourism receipts in Greece hit a record 22.4 billion euros in the first ten months of 2025, directly fueling demand for short-term rental properties across the islands.
  • Gross rental yields on the Greek Islands range from about 3.7% in the Cyclades to 5.3% in the Dodecanese, reflecting wide differences in price levels versus rental income.
  • Prime Mykonos and Santorini caldera-view properties can reach 9,000 to 15,000 euros per square meter, while inland Crete pockets start around 1,200 to 1,800 euros per square meter.
  • The ECB deposit facility rate sits at 2.0% as of the first half of 2026, down from higher levels in 2023 and 2024, which has made mortgage borrowing more affordable for island buyers.
  • Paros has seen an exceptional 108% price increase since 2018, making it the standout performer among the Cyclades for long-term appreciation.
  • About 40% of property transactions in the Greek Islands involve international buyers, underscoring the role foreign capital plays in sustaining price growth.
  • The European Commission forecasts Greece's GDP to grow 2.2% in 2026, outpacing the eurozone average and supporting continued confidence in island property investment.

What are the current property price trends in the Greek Islands as of 2026?

What is the average house price in the Greek Islands as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the estimated average house price in the Greek Islands is around 275,000 euros (approximately 285,000 US dollars or 240,000 British pounds) for a typical 100 square meter home, though this varies widely depending on the island and proximity to the sea.

The average price per square meter across the Greek Islands sits at roughly 2,650 euros (about 2,750 US dollars or 2,300 British pounds), with the Cyclades commanding higher prices near 3,900 euros per square meter and parts of Crete or the Dodecanese starting closer to 1,800 euros per square meter.

If you're looking at what most buyers actually pay, the realistic price range covering about 80% of property purchases in the Greek Islands falls between 150,000 and 450,000 euros (around 155,000 to 465,000 US dollars or 130,000 to 390,000 British pounds), excluding ultra-luxury villas in places like Mykonos or Santorini.

How much have property prices increased in the Greek Islands over the past 12 months?

Property prices in the Greek Islands increased by an estimated 10% to 14% over the past 12 months, with the overall market continuing its strong upward trajectory into early 2026.

This growth was not uniform across all property types, as sea-view villas and renovated traditional homes appreciated by 15% to 20% in some areas, while older inland apartments saw more modest gains of around 6% to 8%.

The single biggest factor driving this price movement was the record-breaking tourism season in 2025, with Greece welcoming over 35 million visitors and generating more than 22 billion euros in travel receipts, which boosted demand for rental-ready properties on the islands.

Sources and methodology: we combined transaction-based data from the Bank of Greece with asking-price indices from Spitogatos and tourism data from the INSETE Flash Report. We also cross-referenced these figures with our own proprietary market analyses.

Which neighborhoods have the fastest rising property prices in the Greek Islands as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the three neighborhoods with the fastest rising property prices in the Greek Islands are Naoussa in Paros (Cyclades), Agia Marina near Chania (Crete), and Kassiopi on the northeast coast of Corfu (Ionian).

Naoussa has seen annual price growth of approximately 18% to 22%, Agia Marina is up around 17% to 19%, and Kassiopi has registered gains of about 14% to 16% over the past year.

The main demand driver behind these fast-rising neighborhoods is the combination of strong short-term rental returns, improved accessibility through nearby airports, and an influx of international buyers seeking turn-key vacation homes with authentic Greek character.

By the way, you will find much more detailed price ranges across neighborhoods in our property pack covering the real estate market in the Greek Islands.

Sources and methodology: we analyzed regional asking-price data from Spitogatos and cross-checked it with tourism arrivals from the Bank of Greece travel statistics. We also incorporated insights from our on-the-ground research and local agent interviews.
statistics infographics real estate market the Greek Islands

We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Greece. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.

Which property types are increasing faster in value in the Greek Islands as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the ranking of property types by value appreciation rate in the Greek Islands is: sea-view villas (highest), renovated traditional stone houses, new-build maisonettes, detached houses, apartments in port towns, and older inland apartments (lowest).

Sea-view villas with pools and private access are appreciating at approximately 15% to 20% annually in prime island locations like Mykonos, Paros, and Corfu.

The main reason villas are outperforming other property types is that international buyers and investors specifically seek them for their premium rental yields during the tourist season, while supply is severely limited due to strict building regulations and scarce coastal land on most islands.

Finally, if you're interested in a specific property type, you will find our latest analyses here:

Sources and methodology: we derived property type performance from Bank of Greece residential price indices, Spitogatos asking-price splits, and ELSTAT building permit data. We also factored in our own transaction monitoring.

What is driving property prices up or down in the Greek Islands as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the top three factors driving property prices in the Greek Islands are record tourism revenues, constrained new supply due to limited permits and buildable land, and sustained foreign buyer demand supported by the Golden Visa program and favorable tax incentives.

The single factor with the strongest upward pressure is tourism income: Greece recorded over 35 million visitors and 22 billion euros in travel receipts in the first ten months of 2025, which directly fuels rental income expectations and buyer confidence on the islands.

If you want to understand these factors at a deeper level, you can read our latest property market analysis about the Greek Islands here.

Sources and methodology: we synthesized macro forecasts from the European Commission, tourism data from the Bank of Greece, and policy updates from the Greek Ministry of Migration. We also integrated our proprietary demand indicators.

Get fresh and reliable information about the market in the Greek Islands

Don't base significant investment decisions on outdated data. Get updated and accurate information with our guide.

buying property foreigner the Greek Islands

What is the property price forecast for the Greek Islands in 2026?

How much are property prices expected to increase in the Greek Islands in 2026?

As of early 2026, property prices in the Greek Islands are expected to increase by approximately 4% to 7% over the course of the year, with hotspot locations potentially reaching 8% to 10%.

Forecasts from different analysts range from a conservative 3% to 4% (assuming slower tourism or tighter credit) to a more optimistic 8% to 10% (if tourism stays strong and rates fall further).

The main assumption underlying most price increase forecasts is that Greece's economy will continue to outperform the eurozone average, with GDP growth of around 2.2% in 2026 and tourism receipts remaining robust.

We go deeper and try to understand how solid are these forecasts in our pack covering the property market in the Greek Islands.

Sources and methodology: we based our forecast on European Commission economic projections, ECB rate guidance, and Bank of Greece residential price trends. We calibrated these with our own scenario models.

Which neighborhoods will see the highest price growth in the Greek Islands in 2026?

As of early 2026, the neighborhoods expected to see the highest price growth in the Greek Islands include Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna in Naxos, the expanding Naoussa fringe in Paros, Dassia and Gouvia in Corfu, and Agia Marina in Crete's Chania region.

These top neighborhoods are projected to see price growth of around 8% to 12% over 2026, outpacing the broader island average.

The primary catalyst driving expected growth in these neighborhoods is their combination of established tourism infrastructure, improving year-round services, and prices that still sit below the ultra-premium levels of Mykonos or Santorini.

One emerging neighborhood that could surprise with higher-than-expected growth is Ermoupoli in Syros, where accessibility, lower entry prices, and growing remote-worker appeal are creating new demand from both Greek and international buyers.

By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in the Greek Islands.

Sources and methodology: we identified high-growth neighborhoods using Spitogatos regional momentum data, INSETE tourism arrival patterns, and ELSTAT permit activity. We also layered in our own local market intelligence.

What property types will appreciate the most in the Greek Islands in 2026?

As of early 2026, sea-view villas with pools are expected to appreciate the most in the Greek Islands, followed closely by renovated traditional stone houses and high-quality new-build maisonettes.

The top-performing property type, sea-view villas, is projected to appreciate by 10% to 15% in prime locations where supply is especially tight.

The main demand trend driving appreciation for villas is the sustained appetite from international buyers seeking turnkey vacation homes that can generate strong short-term rental income during Greece's record tourism seasons.

On the other hand, older walk-up apartments without views or parking are expected to underperform, as they struggle to attract either vacation renters or lifestyle buyers and often require significant renovation.

Sources and methodology: we analyzed property type performance using Bank of Greece new-vs-old home indices, Spitogatos rent-vs-sale spreads, and ELSTAT building permit trends. We supplemented this with our proprietary buyer preference surveys.
infographics rental yields citiesthe Greek Islands

We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Greece versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.

How will interest rates affect property prices in the Greek Islands in 2026?

As of early 2026, interest rates are expected to have a moderately supportive effect on Greek Islands property prices, as the ECB's deposit facility rate has stabilized at 2.0% after the aggressive hikes of 2022 to 2024.

The current ECB main refinancing rate stands at 2.15%, and most analysts expect rates to remain stable or drift slightly lower through 2026, which should keep mortgage borrowing more affordable than in recent years.

A 1% change in interest rates typically affects property affordability by shifting monthly mortgage payments by about 10% to 12%, which can move buyer budgets meaningfully in the Greek Islands, especially for mid-market homes financed with bank loans rather than cash.

You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Greece.

Sources and methodology: we referenced ECB key interest rate publications, Bank of Greece monetary policy reports, and euro-area bank lending statistics. We also incorporated our own affordability modeling.

What are the biggest risks for property prices in the Greek Islands in 2026?

As of early 2026, the three biggest risks for property prices in the Greek Islands are a potential tourism shock from geopolitical events or airline disruptions, affordability ceilings if financing conditions tighten, and policy changes affecting short-term rentals or Golden Visa thresholds.

The single risk with the highest probability of materializing is a tourism slowdown, because island property values are heavily tied to visitor numbers and rental income expectations, and any disruption to European travel demand would quickly cool buyer sentiment.

We actually cover all these risks and their likelihoods in our pack about the real estate market in the Greek Islands.

Sources and methodology: we identified key risks using the Bank of Greece Interim Report on Monetary Policy, European Commission risk assessments, and Golden Visa policy updates. We also applied our own scenario stress-testing.

Is it a good time to buy a rental property in the Greek Islands in 2026?

As of early 2026, the overall assessment is that buying a rental property in the Greek Islands can be a good decision if you target locations with strong year-round demand, but you should underwrite conservatively and not rely on aggressive appreciation assumptions.

The strongest argument in favor of buying now is that tourism is at record levels, rental yields remain attractive compared to much of Europe (3.7% to 5.3% gross depending on the island), and interest rates have stabilized, making financing more predictable.

The strongest argument for waiting is that prices have already risen substantially over the past few years, some prime locations feel stretched, and any disruption to tourism or tightening of short-term rental regulations could reduce returns.

If you want to know our latest analysis (results may differ from what you just read), you can read our assessment on whether now is a good time to buy a property in the Greek Islands.

You'll also find a dedicated document about this specific question in our pack about real estate in the Greek Islands.

Sources and methodology: we evaluated timing using Spitogatos rent-vs-sale data to estimate yields, Bank of Greece tourism receipts for demand trends, and European Commission macro forecasts. We also stress-tested scenarios with our internal models.

Buying real estate in the Greek Islands can be risky

An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.

investing in real estate foreigner the Greek Islands

Where will property prices be in 5 years in the Greek Islands?

What is the 5-year property price forecast for the Greek Islands as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the estimated cumulative property price growth expected over the next 5 years in the Greek Islands is approximately 20% to 30%, bringing prices in prime areas to new highs by 2031.

The range of 5-year forecasts spans from a conservative 10% to 20% (assuming extended economic weakness or policy headwinds) to an optimistic 30% to 40% (if tourism keeps breaking records and supply stays tight).

The projected average annual appreciation rate over the next 5 years in the Greek Islands is around 3.7% to 5.4%, which translates to steady gains rather than the explosive growth seen in 2023 to 2025.

The key assumption most forecasters rely on is that Greece will continue to grow faster than the eurozone average, tourism will remain a major economic engine, and the ECB will not return to aggressive rate hikes.

Sources and methodology: we built 5-year scenarios using European Commission growth projections, ECB rate path assumptions, and ELSTAT supply constraints. We also incorporated our own long-term demand modeling.

Which areas in the Greek Islands will have the best price growth over the next 5 years?

The top three areas in the Greek Islands expected to have the best price growth over the next 5 years are the Chania corridor in Crete (including Agia Marina and Platanias), the Naxos beach belt (Agios Prokopios to Plaka), and the Dassia-Gouvia stretch in Corfu.

These top-performing areas are projected to see 5-year cumulative price growth of around 30% to 45%, outpacing the broader island average by 5 to 10 percentage points.

This differs from our shorter 2026 forecast because over 5 years, areas with year-round livability and diversified demand (families, retirees, remote workers) tend to compound gains more sustainably than purely seasonal hotspots.

One currently undervalued area with the best potential for outperformance over 5 years is Syros, where lower entry prices, excellent ferry connections, and a growing reputation as a livable island could drive significant appreciation.

Sources and methodology: we identified 5-year growth areas using Spitogatos regional trends, INSETE tourism diversification data, and ELSTAT infrastructure indicators. We also applied our proprietary scoring model for livability and rental resilience.

What property type will give the best return in the Greek Islands over 5 years as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the property type expected to give the best total return over 5 years in the Greek Islands is a 2 to 3 bedroom villa or detached house with sea views, outdoor space, and flexibility for both owner use and rental income.

The projected 5-year total return for this top-performing property type, combining appreciation and rental income, is around 45% to 65% in prime locations, or roughly 8% to 10% annualized.

The main structural trend favoring this property type is that international buyers continue to prioritize turnkey homes that can generate income during the tourism season, while supply of buildable coastal land remains extremely limited on most islands.

For investors seeking a balance of return and lower risk, a high-quality apartment in a port town like Chania, Heraklion, or Corfu Town offers more liquidity, easier management, and steadier year-round rental demand.

Sources and methodology: we estimated 5-year returns using Spitogatos sale and rent indices, Bank of Greece appreciation trends, and ELSTAT supply data. We also incorporated our proprietary rental yield models.

How will new infrastructure projects affect property prices in the Greek Islands over 5 years?

The top three major infrastructure projects expected to impact property prices in the Greek Islands over the next 5 years are airport capacity expansions (especially in Crete, Rhodes, and Corfu), port and marina upgrades across the Cyclades and Dodecanese, and improved water and energy infrastructure on smaller islands.

Properties located near completed infrastructure projects in the Greek Islands typically command a price premium of 10% to 20% compared to similar homes in areas with weaker connectivity or services.

The specific neighborhoods that will benefit most from these infrastructure developments include Heraklion and Chania (Crete) near airport expansions, Gouvia and Dassia (Corfu) near marina upgrades, and select Cycladic islands like Paros and Naxos where port improvements are underway.

Sources and methodology: we tracked infrastructure projects using government announcements, ELSTAT permit data, and Ministry of Finance public investment plans. We estimated price premiums using our internal comparable sales analysis.

How will population growth and other factors impact property values in the Greek Islands in 5 years?

The projected population growth rate on the Greek Islands is modest to flat for permanent residents, but the more important driver of property values over the next 5 years is the growing number of seasonal users, remote workers, and semi-retirees choosing islands with year-round services.

The demographic shift with the strongest influence on property demand in the Greek Islands is the rise of the "work-from-anywhere" lifestyle, which is bringing younger professionals and early retirees from northern Europe and North America to islands like Crete, Corfu, and Syros.

Migration patterns, especially from Germany, the UK, and the US, are expected to continue supporting property values in the Greek Islands, as these nationalities represent the largest share of foreign buyers and tend to favor turnkey vacation homes.

The property types and areas that will benefit most from these demographic trends are mid-sized homes with good internet and services on islands with international airport access, like Chania, Rhodes, and Corfu.

Sources and methodology: we analyzed demographic trends using Bank of Greece tourism origin data, INSETE visitor profiling, and European Commission migration forecasts. We also applied our own buyer origin tracking.
infographics comparison property prices the Greek Islands

We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Greece compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.

What is the 10 year property price outlook in the Greek Islands?

What is the 10-year property price prediction for the Greek Islands as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the estimated cumulative property price growth expected over the next 10 years in the Greek Islands is approximately 40% to 65%, which would bring many island markets to price levels comparable to other premium Mediterranean destinations.

The range of 10-year forecasts spans from a conservative 20% to 40% (assuming periods of economic stagnation or tourism disruption) to an optimistic 60% to 90% (if supply stays tight and demand keeps climbing).

The projected average annual appreciation rate over the next 10 years in the Greek Islands is around 3.4% to 5.1%, reflecting a more normalized growth pattern after the strong post-2020 recovery.

The biggest uncertainty factor in making 10-year property price predictions for the Greek Islands is the future of European monetary policy and whether the ECB will maintain stable rates or return to tightening cycles in response to unforeseen inflation shocks.

Sources and methodology: we constructed 10-year scenarios using European Commission long-term growth assumptions, ECB rate path scenarios, and ELSTAT structural supply data. We stress-tested with our own multi-scenario modeling.

What long-term economic factors will shape property prices in the Greek Islands?

The top three long-term economic factors that will shape property prices in the Greek Islands over the next decade are the durability of Greece's tourism competitiveness, the trajectory of eurozone interest rates, and the pace of productivity and income growth in the Greek economy.

The single long-term economic factor that will have the most positive impact on property values is the continued expansion and extension of the tourism season, which supports rental income narratives and attracts buyers who see islands as income-generating assets.

The single long-term economic factor that poses the greatest structural risk to property values is a potential return to higher interest rates across the eurozone, which would squeeze affordability and reduce the pool of buyers who rely on mortgage financing.

You'll also find a much more detailed analysis in our pack about real estate in the Greek Islands.

Sources and methodology: we identified long-term factors using European Commission structural forecasts, ECB policy guidance, and Bank of Greece risk assessments. We also incorporated our own long-term macro models.

What sources have we used to write this blog article?

Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about the Greek Islands, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.

We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.

Source Why it's authoritative How we used it
Bank of Greece Residential Property Price Indices Greece's central bank uses transaction-based data, not just asking prices. We used it to anchor the national price trend and validate island estimates. We also used its year-on-year growth rate as a sanity check.
Spitogatos Property Index One of Greece's largest listing platforms with consistent regional data. We used it to estimate euros per square meter across island regions. We also used rent data to approximate gross yields.
ELSTAT Private Building Activity Greece's official statistics agency tracking permits and construction. We used it to judge whether new supply is expanding or constrained. We translated permit data into supply pressure signals.
European Commission Economic Forecast The EU's official macro forecast with clear methodology. We used it for GDP, inflation, and unemployment expectations. We framed realistic base-case scenarios for 2026.
Greek Ministry of Finance Draft Budgetary Plan 2026 The government's official fiscal plan submitted to the EU. We used it to cross-check the 2026 macro and fiscal stance. We treated it as a policy tailwind input for forecasts.
Bank of Greece Interim Report on Monetary Policy Central bank assessment of economy, financial conditions, and risks. We used it to identify upside and downside risks. We translated those risks into housing market scenarios.
ECB Key Interest Rates The primary source for eurozone policy rates. We used it to explain mortgage affordability and buyer sentiment. We built rate scenarios for 2026 forecasts.
Eurostat House Price Index The EU's official statistics office standardizing cross-country data. We used it as a second official benchmark for Greece-wide direction. We validated that island estimates were not off-trend.
Bank of Greece Travel Services Statistics Official external-sector tourism statistics from the central bank. We used it to quantify tourism momentum as a demand driver. We translated receipts growth into coastal market pressure.
INSETE Greek Tourism Flash Report Research arm linked to Greece's tourism industry with data-rich reports. We used it to identify which island regions are gaining arrivals. We mapped arrivals growth to demand intensity.
Greek Ministry of Migration Golden Visa Official government portal for the residence-by-investment program. We used it to anchor the Golden Visa structure and thresholds. We treated it as a structural foreign-demand factor.
AADE ENFIA Statistics Greece's independent tax authority with data on the property tax base. We used it as a reality check on housing stock and tax sensitivity. We discussed ownership costs in plain terms.
gov.gr National Cadastre Services Greek government gateway to property registration services. We used it to explain why registration modernization matters for liquidity. We treated it as part of market infrastructure.
ELSTAT CPI Publication Official inflation statistics from Greece's national statistics agency. We used it to frame real versus nominal price growth. We contextualized rent and income strain narratives.
OECD Economic Outlook for Greece Respected international organization providing independent economic analysis. We used it to validate European Commission forecasts. We incorporated their GDP and inflation projections into our scenarios.

Get the full checklist for your due diligence in the Greek Islands

Don't repeat the same mistakes others have made before you. Make sure everything is in order before signing your sales contract.

real estate trends the Greek Islands