In the European residency planning market, Greece has consistently attracted the attention of international investors and high-net-worth families due to its livable environment, Schengen location, and real estate investment pathway.
Entering 2026, Greece's real estate, tourism, and financial systems continue to release positive signals. In particular, the interest of international high-net-worth buyers in high-end Greek residential properties has rebounded significantly, further reflecting global investors' recognition of Greece's lifestyle, real estate market, and long-term development prospects.
For families currently considering European residency, children's education, overseas living, and asset allocation, Greece is no longer just a traditional vacation destination; it is gradually becoming a European choice that combines residential value, residency value, and long-term allocation value.
I. Potential demand for high-end residential properties reaches 6.11 billion euros
According to data from Greece Sotheby's International Realty, the total potential demand for high-end residential properties in Greece in the first half of 2026 reached 6.11 billion euros, an increase of approximately 35% compared to the same period last year, with continued growth in interest from international high-net-worth buyers.
II. Behind the demand for real estate
is the sustained support of the overall market
The rise in demand for high-end residential properties is not an isolated phenomenon; the overall Greek real estate market continues to grow.
Data from the Bank of Greece shows that in the first quarter of 2026, apartment prices across Greece rose by 5.7% year-on-year. Among them, Athens rose by 5.2%, Thessaloniki by 6.4%, other cities by 5.4%, and other regions by 6.9%.
In addition to international buyers and long-term residential demand, the Greek real estate market is also significantly supported by the continuously growing tourism industry.
From January to May 2026, Greece's tourism revenue reached approximately 5.32 billion euros, a year-on-year increase of 25.8%; the number of inbound tourists increased by 20.9% year-on-year, reaching approximately 8.57 million. Tourism revenue, visitor numbers, and per capita consumption have all increased simultaneously, continuing the strong performance of the Greek tourism market.
From urban life in Athens to vacation resources along the Aegean coast, and to numerous islands and towns with historical and cultural characteristics, Greece has formed a multi-level property demand covering urban living, coastal vacations, long-term residence, and short-term tourism.
III. Continued EU funding investment
Steady improvement in the financial environment
Greece's development in recent years is reflected not only in the real estate and tourism markets, but the overall economic and financial environment is also continuously recovering.
As an EU member state, Greece continues to receive support from the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility. As of March 2026, the EU has provided a total of approximately 13.2 billion euros to the Greek financial system to improve bank capital and liquidity. The current liquidity coverage ratio is approximately 190%, and the capital adequacy ratio is approximately 20%, significantly enhancing the robustness of the financial system. Driven by EU funds and economic reforms, the Greek banking system is also continuously recovering.
The continued investment of EU funds and the robust operation of the financial system have provided a more stable market environment for Greek corporate development, urban renewal, real estate transactions, and long-term asset allocation.
IV. The value of Greek residency is more than just a property
Greece Golden Visa continues to receive attention from international families, not only because it provides a pathway to European residency, but also because this status can be combined with various plans such as family life, children's education, cross-border travel, and asset allocation.
As a Mediterranean country, Greece boasts a mild climate, abundant coastal resources, and a relatively comfortable pace of life. For families planning long-term residence, retirement, or arranging their European life in advance, Greece offers a choice that balances quality of life with planning flexibility.
In terms of travel within Europe, Greece is simultaneously an EU member state, a Schengen country, and a Eurozone country. After obtaining permanent residency in Greece, investors can reside in Greece long-term and travel freely across 29 Schengen countries, bringing more convenience for business dealings, European travel, visiting children, and family vacations.
Regarding children's education, Greece possesses multi-level educational resources including public schools, private schools, and international schools, which can help children transition into European and international education systems. If there are plans to return to China for further studies in the future, they can also use their status as overseas Chinese students to enter top mainland universities with lower scores.
At the same time, the Greece Golden Visa can be achieved through an investment in real estate starting from 250,000 euros. For high-net-worth families, this not only means obtaining a European residency status but also allocating a property in Europe that can be used for self-occupation, rental, or long-term holding, allowing residency planning and asset arrangements to be combined.
It is worth noting that there are currently relatively limited high-quality "commercial-to-residential" properties on the market that meet the policy requirements of the Greece Golden Visa program and can be transferred quickly. Planning in advance, selecting properties early, and pushing forward with the transfer will help complete your residency layout with more ease.
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