You can swap the 1,500 hours of sunshine that the UK averages each year for the 2,700+ hours that Greece basks in. You can enjoy the island lifestyle, the beautiful landscapes, the history, architecture, nightlife and people of Greece, not just for a quick week here and there, but always.
Here is why you should make this the year.
1. Complete and utter beauty!
It’s difficult to explain why you would want to move to Greece to someone who hasn’t been there. Mainly it’s the coastline, of which Greece has more than any other Mediterranean country, with over 225
inhabited islands. While swimming in other oceans can feel a little scary, the sea around Greece is calm, warm and crystal clear.
The homes are generally old, beautiful, spacious and well built. The countryside is green, and the Greeks are great gardeners. You’ll see bougainvillea spilling out over honey-coloured, Italianate balconies, with a view of the sea that will
have you marvelling at the beauty of the world, and of your life there. That’s why you would want to own a home in Greece!
2. Low property prices
Not only are Greek homes exceptional value, but each island has its own appeal and personality. There is something for everyone, usually at a reasonable price. Affordable prices with prospects for long-term capital growth?
We suggest buying now! In Lefkada, one of the most popular islands with UK buyers, you can find an apartment on a good development, close to
the beach, for between €150,000 and €300,000. For a Mediterranean villa in or near a traditional, pictureperfect village, Greece is generally cheaper than most southern European countries.
3. Cost of Living
You may imagine that the UK is expensive (and some things are) but its cost of living is comparable to the USA, France and others. Not Greece though.
Comparison site Numbeo.com shows just how much less you will be spending on your new life in Greece:
64% less on rent, 25% less on eating out and 15% less
on general consumer goods compared to the UK.
Your pension will go much further in Greece.
4. Tourist income
Tourism has been one of the few bright spots in Greece’s economy in recent years and the government is keen to expand it further. The season now lasts from Easter until mid-October, which is great news
if you want to rent out your property. Holiday rents are good compared to rival Mediterranean countries such as Turkey, and Greece is considered a safe destination.
5. Long-term appeal
Greece is one of those countries that British people (and Americans, Irish, Australians etc.) love coming back to. It’s been a backpacker favourite since the 1960s, but British people have been moving here to live long before that – including the Durrell
family, famously, in the 1930s. You can trace the Greco-British friendship back even earlier though, to romantic heroes like Lord Byron, who died fighting for Greece.
We are old friends. You might never learn Greek because everyone will insist on speaking to you in English! And that friendship has been cemented by the Greek crisis, during which tens of thousands of young Greek people have moved to the UK.
