Often referred to as the 'Cradle of Western Civilisation', ancient Greece was responsible for developing many traits of modern day culture. Since the once strict foreign property purchasing laws were relaxed in the early 1990's, Brits looking for their own slice of sun and culture have started to eye the country with interest and are buying property in Greece at a healthy rate.

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Greece Country Profile
Capital City: Athens   
Area: 131,940 sq km  or 50,942 sq miles
Population: 10,666,000
Time Zone: GMT +2
Country dialing code: 30
Currency: Euro

Accessibility
Mainland Greece and its major islands are well served by daily flights from the UK, via a number of different carriers.

Climate in Greece
Greece has a Mediterranean climate with hot, almost sub-tropical summers. On average the sun shines for 3,000 hours per year. Winters tend to be mild.

Greece Country Highlights
Remnants of Greece's past are still very much in evidence on both the mainland and islands, offering visitors the chance to soak up as much culture as they can take before heading to the stunning sandy beaches. From Athens, the original birth place of the Olympics, and recent host again to the modern version of the games, to the ever popular island of Crete, Greece offers something for everyone. It's no wonder that it is so popular with British tourists and property buyers.

Permanent move to Greece
If you are an EU national then you can stay for up to three months. If you intend to stay longer than three months, you will need to obtain a residence permit. A temporary permit will be issued in instances where employment is due to last for more than three months, but less than twelve. Full permits are issued for six months in the first instance, and then renewed for a five-year period. 

Buying property in Greece
"Buying property in Greece is still open to investment, as the prices are still low", says Periklis Mavromichalis of Real Estate Greece.  Those buying property in Greece can make a good investment and get value for their money. Many British people enjoy the good weather Greece offers all year round and the more relaxed way of life. The cost of living in Greece is still low and people enjoy eating out in the open at all the coffee shops and taverners that are open until late. There are also many cultural events, especially during the summer adding to the appeal. One of the great things about this area is the possibility of buying an old property in a great location. Old village houses are usually reasonable priced but often need renovation.

While prices have risen in the last few years, buying property in Greece is still fairly affordable. In Crete, new villas can be purchased for around 165,000 euros, while traditional homes in need of renovation can often be purchased for substantially lower sums. The islands, particularly Crete, are by far the most popular areas with British purchasers, while Germans and Europeans tend to be more driven towards property on the mainland.

Destination Hot Spots

The Peloponnese
Greece's southern peninsula, the Peloponnese, has a rich history and is scenically varied. From Corinth to Sparta, the Peloponnese is rippling with sites of significance. The scenery is mountainous with sandy beaches fringing the convoluted coastline.

Crete
Crete is the most popular Greek island especially for those looking to retire or set up a semi-permanent residence and buying property here is common.  The landscape of the island is varied, and predictably stunning, from snow capped mountains to unspoilt golden beaches.  There are a number of busy resorts which attract the tourists leading to good rental potential.

Search for property in Greece & the Greek Islands

Useful websites:
A detailed site covering Greece and the Islands
Greek Island postcards 
How to buy property in Greece 

Article first published in May 2006 and updated in June 2007