Buying cheap luxury real estate listings directly from the owner in Greece is a matter of perspective on what the purchaser or investor perceives as 'cheap'. The desired objective though can be possible with the right strategy.
Greece has the twelfth longest coastline in the world at 13,676 km (8,498 mi) in length, featuring a vast number of islands (approximately 1,400, of which 227 are inhabited), including Crete, the Dodecanese, the Cyclades, and the Ionian Islands among others with Mykonos and Samos being a particular favourite for vacationers. Eighty percent of Greece consists of mountains, of which Mount Olympus is the highest at 2,917 m (9,570 ft).
Greece has land borders with Albania, the Republic of Macedonia and Bulgaria to the north, and Turkey to the east. The Aegean Sea lies to the east of mainland Greece, the Ionian Sea to the west, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south.
Modern Greece traces its roots to the civilization of ancient Greece, generally considered the cradle of Western civilization. As such, it is the birthplace of democracy, Western philosophy, the Olympic Games, Western literature and historiography, political science, major scientific and mathematical principles.
"Cheap real estate" in luxury market doesn't always mean a low price, as a 'luxury property' that is undervalued for the current real estate market place status can be seen as being cheap.
A $1M home might be "cheap" compared to others at $2M that are located in Greece, but the price difference for what seems to be very similar properties could be for a wide range of reasons.
If the luxury property has become distressed or foreclosed they are often sold below market value and at time through auctions. Or it could be the seller, for personal reasons like a job relocation has special reasons for letting the property be sold at a very low rate.
In emerging luxury markets luxury could be listed as undervalued in relation to future expectations, for areas such as growing neighborhoods in cities that are becoming popular, like those with infrastructure improvements or tourism growth.
Luxury buyers often have leverage as they have the financial means to purchase, especially in slow markets where borrowing from a bank is harder.
Properties bought below market value in luxury areas, especially when looking at Greece real estate listings by owner which can be cheaper than via an agent often see strong appreciation when the market recovers or the area gentrifies.
Economic or political fluctuations can temporarily depress prices, allowing investors to acquire premium assets at a cheaper rate.
If looking at Greece as an overseas or foreign investor or buyer into Greek real estate, those who typically invest or purchase at €250,000 to €800,000, which varies according to the area chosen, can obtain Greek residency through the Golden Visa Program, making Greece an attractive gateway to the EU.
Greece, which is deemed as affordable when compared to other luxury property markets, can offer high-end real estate at lower price points than hotspots like the French or Italian Rivieras, still with excellent growth and demand, and Greece offers many buyers the attraction of purchasing into the Greek lifestyle that has a great appeal, where buying through a real estate agent or buying direct from the owner.
Greece offers both stability and opportunity to buyers and investors, as tourism to Greece brings in over 30 million visitors across the mainland and the Greek Isles.
With the Golden Visa residency as an option those buying for personal use or as an investor in Greece real estate, whether the aim is short-term rental income, capital gain, or a mix of personal use and renting for income should be considered.
