Greece is emerging as a top summer destination for foreign high-net-worth buyers, with interest peaking from four distinct markets: the US, the UK, Northern Europe and the UAE. These are some of the key findings from the “2026 Luxury Lifestyle Report” by Von Poll Greece, which specializes in luxury Greek real estate.
According to the company’s head, Natalie Leontaraki, “international buyers are primarily strategic investors, having acquired an average of two properties in the last three years. For high-net-worth buyers, Greece is a top summer destination that is part of a broader international investment portfolio.
“The properties that prevail across the country are mainly coastal ones and homes with unobstructed sea views, as they are the absolute investment priority for buyers from the US, UK and UAE, emerging as the top assets for 2026.” Such homes, called “blue properties,” and will attract the highest demand in 2026.
Preferences differ depending on the country of origin: UK investors prefer Corfu at a rate of 49%, ahead of Crete with 36%. Buyers from the Emirates prefer the Attica Riviera, with a focus on Glyfada, at a rate of 49%, and then the Aegean islands. Northern Europeans prefer the Aegean (39%) and the Peloponnese (36%).
Crete, the Ionian Islands and the Peloponnese stand out this year regarding demand for holiday homes by foreigners, based on a survey by the company Elxis – At Home in Greece, published a few days ago. According to CEO George Gavriilidis, “Crete is evolving into an increasingly dynamic market, as one in three foreign investors is now looking for a home there. The percentage of those interested in homes in Crete rose this year to 35.15% from 29.42% in 2025.”
In Crete, a newly built villa with a swimming pool sold off-plan starts at €3,800/sq.m. and reaches €4,500/sq.m. In the Peloponnese, prices also start at €3,800/sq.m., while the Ionian islands are more expensive, as the average rate for similar properties in Corfu is €5,600/sq.m. and in Lefkada it’s €5,500/sq.m.
