Aside from its sun-drenched climate, Greece has plenty to offer British expats – low taxes, cheaper property prices and a decent healthcare system to name but a few.
It is no surprise Britons like Ron and Marcia Gibbs are flocking to Greece to retire or enjoy a better work life balance.
They say they can live comfortably on £1,650 a month, in a house with a pool.
Greece’s golden visa program, launched in 2013, has driven further interest in the country by offering residency permits in return for property investments.
The visa scheme’s requirements are much more affordable than Spain‘s, with a minimum required investment, in some areas, of just €250,00.
That translates to about £210,000, which is tens of thousands cheaper than the typical property in the UK.
Across Greece, this lower threshold applies if you are converting a property from commercial to residential use or restoring a listed building, regardless of location or size.
Golden opportunity? Greece offers a visa system for those buying property in the country
However, a tiered approach is adopted and in some locations like Corinth and Patras the minimum property investment threshold is €400,000.
In Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini and any Greek island with more than 3,100 inhabitants, it has been upped to at least €800,000.
Applications are often processed in as little as three months, after which residency can be granted for for five years, with the option to renew thereafter.
Aside from property, other investment options are available, including investing in Greek government bonds or investment funds.
Giorgos Gavriilidis, chief executive of estate agent Elxis, told This is Money: ‘Greece has become an increasingly attractive destination for British buyers, mainly due to its affordable property market.
‘Property prices are lower compared to other Mediterranean countries such as Spain, Italy, and France.
‘With a coastline of over 13,000km, it’s still relatively easy to find a home very close or even directly on the beachfront.’
This is Money reveals seven properties up for sale across Greece to suit a number of different tastes and budgets.
This restored detached stone house is located in the traditional mountain village of Kastania in the West Mani. The property is on sale for €175,000 via Greekscape.
The house has three bedrooms, one bathroom and an open-plan living area with traditional stone walls and wooden beams.
The home comes with a large balcony and spacious outdoor patio, giving buyers the chance to soak up views of the surrounding mountains and Mediterranean sea.
The property is within walking distance of the local kafenio and a restaurant and is only a short drive to the beaches of Stoupa, Agios Nikolas and Kardamyli.
Heavenly: This restored stone house is located in the traditional mountain village of Kastania
Bargain: The property is on sale for €175,000 via Greekscape
Cosy: The interior of the property is light and airy
Views: The home comes with a large balcony and spacious outdoor patio
This charming stone home in the Cretan countryside is located in Piskokefalo, just a short drive from Sitia. It is on sale via Elxis for €250,000
The 89 square metre two-floor stone property offers expansive views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
It has a courtyard with shaded spots and ample space for barbecues and outdoor gatherings.
The property has air conditioning, a solar water heater, parking and a fenced area for added privacy. As well as being an ideal second home, it has great holiday rental potential.
Quaint: This charming stone home in the Cretan countryside is located in Piskokefalo
Relaxed living: The one-bed property is on sale via Elxis for €250,000
And relax: Outdoor living is the name of the game with this property in Piskokefalo
Rustic chic: The property in Piskokefalo is packed full of character and period charm
Secluded: The property is fenced off giving buyers extra privacy and security
This restoration project property in Kardamyli is on sale via Greekscape for €480,000. It has the potential to be spruced up for commercial or residential use.
According to Greekscape, the outdoor space could be used for parking, an outdoor seating area for a café, or as a residential garden.
The garden area is fully walled and still has the remains of an old bread oven to the rear. Utilities are still connected to the property.
The property is located a two-minute walk away from the nearby harbour.
Project: This restoration project property in Kardamyli is on sale via Greekscape for €480,000
Location: The property is located a two minute walk away from the village harbour area
Look beyond: The property has great potential for commercial or residential use
Potential: The garden area is fully walled and still has the remains of an old bread oven in it
This traditional stone villa in Neochori on the Pelion peninsula is on sale via Greekscape for €700,000. There’s also extra space on the plot which could be built on by a future buyer.
The internal staircase leads to the first floor, which is the perfect spot to enjoy the glorious sunsets Neochori has to offer.
Externally, the property has a large swimming pool, sun lounging space and barbecue area.
Time for a dip: This traditional stone villa in Neochori is on sale via Greekscape for €700,000
Open-plan: The property in Neochori is ready to move straight into
Gorgeous: The property is by the sea and has stunning coastal views
Outside space: Externally, the home has a swimming pool, sun lounging and barbecue area
This byzantine tower in Agios Dimitrios dates back to around 1795 and is on sale via Greekscape for €1,450,000.
It was initially owned by Captain Christeas who fought in the 1821 revolution at the battle for Kalamata.
Entry to the tower is via a drawbridge style walkway, which in past years could be raised for defence purposes.
The main part of the property comprises a main living and kitchen area, two bedrooms and a bathroom. Below is a network of spaces yet to be developed.
Unique: This byzantine tower in Agios Dimitrios dates back to around 1795
Make an entrance: Entry to the tower is via a drawbridge-style walkway
Fabulous: The tower boasts stunning views of the surrounding coastal area
Inviting: The tower currently has two bedrooms, a kitchen and a bathroom
Development potential: Parts of the historic tower are yet to be developed
If it’s views overlooking the Acropolis in Athens you are after, then look no further.
This four-bedroom historic house was built amid the ancient walls of Rizokastro, the wall of the medieval fortifications of Athens. It is on sale via Engel & Völkers for €3,600,000.
The property was built in 1830 and was fully renovated in 1998, transforming it into a modern home. In various parts of the house, the remnants of the wall are still visible.
Three of the bedrooms are located on the ground floor, while the main living spaces and a further large bedroom are located upstairs. The property also comes equipped with three bathrooms.
For outdoor space, the house has a courtyard, balcony, roof terrace and a veranda. The rooftop terrace looks out to the Acropolis, Lycabettus Hill and the houses of Plaka.
Charming: This four-bedroom historic house was built amid the ancient walls of Rizokastro
Chic: This four-bedroom house is on sale via Engel & Völkers for €3,600,000
Elegance: The property was built in 1830 and was fully renovated in 1998
Sleeping quarters: Three of the bedrooms are located on the ground floor
Acropolis: The property overlooks the Acropolis, Lycabettus Hill and the houses of Plaka
This jaw-dropping eight-bedroom house located in Strofili is on sale via Engel & Völkers for €12,000,000.
Properties like this, which was designed by a Belgian architect, rarely come up for sale and it is a real showstopper.
Marble stairs lead to a sheltered terrace and the main entrance of the mansion. High carved cornice ceilings with gold details convey the history of the building.
The property has a bespoke sculptured wooden staircase with vitro windows, leading to multiple living spaces.
Outside, the property has a swimming pool, pool house and large garden.
What a home: This eight-bedroom house in Strofili is on sale via Engel & Völkers for €12,000,000
Bespoke: The mansion has a stunning bespoke wooden staircase and large unique windows
Impressive: The mansion has a swimming pool, pool house and a large garden
Luxury: The entire property in Strofili oozes opulence at every corner
Get comfortable: Make yourself at home in one of a string of luxury living spaces
Design: The mansion in Strofili was designed by a Belgian architect
Read More: Best homes for sale in Greece: As Britons flock there, here are seven sun-soaked