Off-plan properties and permanent relocation drive Greece’s holiday home market

At the same time, demand for off-plan properties is rising as buyers seek a combination of competitive pricing, construction quality, and investment potential.

These trends were outlined by George Gavriilidis, founder and CEO of Elxis – At Home in Greece, at the 27th Prodexpo conference, during the Property Agents Forum, organised in collaboration with the Panhellenic Federation of Real Estate Agents’ Associations.

“Greece’s holiday home market is no longer driven by short-term opportunities, but by trust and stability, as the market continues to mature,” Gavriilidis said, noting that rising buyer expectations are contributing to a gradual improvement in the quality of new-build properties.

1. Demand for Off-Plan Properties Continues to Rise

The first major trend is growing interest in properties purchased before construction is completed, commonly known as off-plan purchases. According to Elxis, these properties attract buyers through competitive pricing, resale opportunities, and the potential to generate rental income.

At the same time, demand is increasing for both higher-value properties and smaller homes that appeal to a broader pool of buyers.

According to the company’s CEO, the share of residential transactions involving properties valued at €600,000 or more tripled in 2025. Meanwhile, newly built homes measuring between 60 and 70 square metres are attracting particular interest, as their overall purchase price is lower than that of larger properties.

Elxis data show that 71.7% of buyers opt for newly built homes or properties that are ready for immediate occupancy, highlighting the importance of construction quality and property readiness in the final purchasing decision.

2. From Holiday Homes to Permanent Relocation

The second trend is the growing willingness of foreign buyers to relocate permanently to Greece, transforming their holiday homes into primary residences, particularly in the years leading up to or following retirement.

According to data presented by Elxis, nearly one in three buyers aged between 45 and 65 from Western and Central Europe—equivalent to 30.8%—are considering purchasing a property with a view to establishing permanent residence in Greece.

Among the factors supporting this trend is Greece’s special tax regime for foreign pensioners who transfer their tax residence to the country, subject to the applicable eligibility requirements. The regime provides for a 7% tax rate on foreign-source income for a period of 15 years.

Greece also offers significant comparative advantages, including an extensive coastline, a favourable climate, a high quality of life, direct air connections to international destinations and, in many areas, a lower cost of living than in other Southern European countries. For buyers who also view property as an investment, expectations of future capital appreciation are another important consideration.

3. Demand from the US and Canada Rises by 50%

The third development is the growing presence of buyers from North America, a trend that began in 2025 and continued into the first half of 2026.

As Gavriilidis noted, while nearly one in eight of Elxis’ clients came from the United States in 2024, demand from the US and Canada increased by 50% in the first half of 2026 compared with the corresponding period in 2025.

Notably, three in ten buyers from these markets are second- or third-generation members of the Greek diaspora. This highlights the role of family heritage and longstanding ties to Greece in decisions to purchase holiday homes.

Holiday Home Sales Forecast to Increase by 15% in 2026

The market outlook remains positive, according to Elxis, which forecasts a 15% increase in holiday home sales in 2026 compared with the previous year.

The company notes that some prospective buyers adopted a wait-and-see approach during the first months of 2026 amid geopolitical developments. However, according to Gavriilidis, the slowdown was offset from May onwards.

The company’s international client base provides, it argues, an indication of changing demand patterns. Foreign buyers account for 95% of its clientele, while 75% come from European Union countries, primarily the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and Germany.

The remaining 25% come from markets outside the EU, with the United States, Switzerland, Australia, and Canada among the most significant.