Greece is having something of a moment for UK buyers. Its laid-back lifestyle, unspoilt coastline and famously warm hospitality have long been a draw – and remain so.
A few interesting incentives have added to the appeal, including the Golden Visa scheme and the 7% flat tax rate for retirees, helping to make Greece one of our top five most searched-for locations.
While Crete remains the firm favourite, Corfu is gaining traction, supported by a strong holiday rentals market. It’s also about to hit TV screens as the focus of Amanda and Alan’s Greek Job, the next round of the popular BBC renovation series that has already fuelled buyer interest in Italy and rural Andalusia.
But some buyers are one step ahead of the curve.
A Love Story with Corfu
After holidaying in Corfu for 20 years, Denise and Nick Barnard from Henfield in Sussex are ahead of the TV couple, having bought a home there in July 2023.
“Every time we arrived it just felt too comfortable, and the stress levels just dropped,” says Denise, 52. “The locals have always been so welcoming, offering us food and gifts so we just kept being drawn back to Corfu.”
The couple spent many summers on the island with their three sons – now aged 18, 25 and 28 – and, more recently, with their sons' partners. After a period of reflection and a few life changes, they decided to make a move. With help from an inheritance and the sale of a buy-to-let property, they had a budget of £300,000 to buy a villa.
They had their eye on Old Perithia, in the popular northeast corner of the island, and travelled out in 2022 to view properties with Ben Hillman after applying to be on A Place in the Sun. They made an offer on one home – but, in true Greek fashion, the deal collapsed during conveyancing when it became clear that the property was carrying a large amount of debt.
A Rocky Road Leads to the Right Home
A year later, back on holiday in Corfu, their search reignited – rather too literally.
It was the week of the Greek wildfires during a major heatwave, and they’d arranged to view a two-bedroom, two-bathroom house in Anapaftiria, just a five-minute drive from Old Perithia. The previous buyer had pulled out due to the wildfires.
“We sat on the beach wondering what to do,” says Denise. “Is this a little warning that we shouldn’t buy in Greece?”
They decided to go to the viewing anyway – only to be turned back by police who had closed the road due to the fires.
But fate stepped in. The house was saved by the couple’s soon-to-be neighbour Thomas, a local fireman, who had used water from the swimming pool to protect the property.
“We drove up to see the villa and saw the burnt trees but the views across to Albania were amazing and we loved it,” says Denise.
They put in an offer of €275,000 without even seeing inside once they’d got back to the UK. The rest of the process was straightforward, and they’ve since smartened it up (helped by Nick’s skills as a self-employed home maintenance expert).
The Greek Life
Today, the garden has grown back, and to thank Thomas, the couple regularly take their friends to eat at the local restaurant his family runs.
A silver lining of their timing was securing a Golden Visa before the threshold was raised from €250,000 to €800,000 in Corfu at the end of 2024. It means they have the flexibility to spend unlimited time there, though their jobs preclude this for the time being. Their 17-year-son at the time is also on it as a dependent.
They love life in Corfu. “We miss it so much when we are not there,” says Denise.
It seems the previous owners feel the same – the elderly British couple who sold the home even asked if they could return as paying guests – and will hopefully love the improvements.
If you’re dreaming of a home in the Greek sunshine, explore our properties for sale in Greece or get practical advice in our Buying Guide to Greece.
