Halkidiki, in northern Greece, is famous for its turquoise beaches and natural beauty, making it a popular tourist and investment destination with growing demand. The real estate market in Halkidiki has witnessed remarkable growth in sales volume and increased demand due to these factors.
In 2024, Greece recorded its second-best performance over the past five years in attracting Foreign Direct Investment, with its value reaching $7.3 billion, a 41.5% increase compared to 2023, according to the UN Conference on Trade and Development. This brings several questions to mind, most notably: who is buying property in Greece? And what are the motivations behind their decision to invest specifically in Halkidiki?
A Quick Look at the Halkidiki Real Estate Market – Greece
The Greek real estate market is experiencing stable growth, which directly supports the tourist and investment hub of Halkidiki. This is driven by positive indicators and increasing long-term investor confidence.
In the first quarter of 2025, according to the Bank of Greece, the annual change rate in real estate prices ranged between 6-8% across all regions of Greece, including Halkidiki in the north.
It is worth noting that property prices in Halkidiki range from €2,000 to €4,500 per square meter. These prices are significantly lower than those in coastal Athens or other major islands, which is an additional factor attracting investors of various nationalities to the area.
It’s also important to understand that continuous tourist demand, developing infrastructure, and high rental yields are the main factors attracting investors to Greece, specifically for real estate investment in Halkidiki.
Who is Buying Real Estate in Greece?
The motivations of foreign investors in Greece vary based on their objectives. They can be divided into key categories, and their nationalities are also a factor.
Investors Seeking Stable Income
Experts estimate that 99% of Golden Visa buyers rent out their properties in Greece. Rental yields typically range from 4.5% to 6% and can reach up to 8% in coastal areas, especially when buying a villa in Halkidiki.
Families
Families are one of the largest categories of investors in Greece, primarily driven by the Greek Golden Visa program. In 2024, 9,289 residence permits were issued, a 10% increase from 2023 permits.
Retirees and Second-Home Owners
Greece is a preferred destination for retirees and those looking for a second home. According to the latest statistics, over 6,000 U.S. citizens currently live in Greece to enjoy the warm climate, relaxed lifestyle, and supportive financial benefits.
The table below summarizes “who is buying real estate in Greece” and their motivations and preferences:
| Primary Category | Key Motivations | Property Preferences |
| Business Professionals | – High rental yield. – Long-term capital appreciation. – Obtaining a European residency as a “backup plan.” | – Small apartments (<75 m²). – Commercial properties for conversion. – Off-plan properties. |
| Families | – Residency for the whole family. – Ease of travel within the Schengen Area. – Access to European services. | – Larger homes (>120 m²). – Apartments in city suburbs. |
| Retirees | – A peaceful lifestyle suitable for retirement. – A destination for holidays or permanent residency. – Relatively low cost of living. | – Summer homes/coastal villas. – Apartments in smaller towns. |
The Most Active Nationalities in the Greek Real Estate Market
Official data from the Greek Ministry of Migration shows that foreign investors come from a wide range of countries, but some nationalities stand out in the number of applications submitted.
The Chinese lead the Golden Visa program with 56% of permits, as it is considered a main gateway to Schengen mobility. They are followed by Turks and then Lebanese. In Halkidiki, investors from Bulgaria, Serbia, and North Macedonia account for 41.2% of buyers, driven by geographical proximity and easy car access.
Americans are emerging as a new force in the market, not for travel needs but for investment attractiveness, as property prices remain 25–30% below pre-crisis levels.
| Nationality | Number of Initial Permits | Number of Renewed Permits | Share of Total Valid Permits |
| China | 7,086 | 4,823 | 56% |
| Turkey | 618 | 400 | 8% (of initial permits) |
| Lebanon | 461 | 174 | 5% |
| Russia | 1,859 | 3,063 | 4% (of total) |
| Other Nationalities | 1,802 | 436 | Not specified |
Investor Trends in Greek Real Estate in 2025
In 2025, real estate investors in Greece are increasingly interested in properties near ports and various tourist areas, most notably luxury coastal villas, including those in Halkidiki.
Their interest in investment areas in Greece is driven by property prices and the annual growth in property value. The following table illustrates this:
| Region | Average Price per sqm (2025) | Annual Price Growth (Q1 2025) |
| Halkidiki | €2,000 – €4,500 | 8% |
| Athens (coastal areas) | €3,750 | 5.5% |
| Thessaloniki | €2,558 – €2,600 | 10.0% |
| Santorini | €4,190 – >€7,000 | 15% |
The Greek real estate market is undergoing a significant transformation following Golden Visa adjustments. And despite the increase in the minimum investment threshold in some areas, opportunities remain diverse and attractive to investors. With Reach Real Estate, we guide you to choose the optimal investment with confidence and strong returns. Book your free consultation now.