Greece becomes top choice for US and Canadian holiday home buyers

According to data from Elxis – At Home in Greece, demand from these two markets increased by 50% during the first half of the year, confirming the expansion of the international client base in the Greek holiday home market.

“Until recently, the main sources of buyers were countries in Central and Northern Europe, such as Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Switzerland. This year’s sharp increase in interest from the United States indicates a significant development and expansion of the markets now targeted by the Greek real estate sector,” notes Elxis CEO Giorgos Gavriilidis.

Diaspora Greeks Returning to Their Roots

Particular interest lies in the composition of new buyers. Approximately 30% of those coming from the United States and Canada are of Greek origin, mainly second- or third-generation diaspora Greeks. According to the company, purchasing property in Greece is not only an investment decision but also an effort to reconnect with family roots, as many seek to establish a permanent base in their ancestral homeland.

Preference for Newly Built Properties

North American buyers are primarily focused on new developments. Seven out of ten (70%) choose newly built holiday homes, either off-plan or under construction, while the remaining 30% purchase existing properties.

The average transaction value stands at €448,000, placing these buyers in the higher income segments of the market.

Notably, only 11% make use of Greece’s “Golden Visa” programme, indicating that purchasing decisions are not primarily driven by residency rights, but rather by investment considerations or personal use of the property.

Crete and the Ionian Islands Lead Demand

In terms of destinations, Crete remains the top choice for buyers from the United States and Canada, while the Ionian Islands also record particularly strong demand. These regions offer significant competitive advantages, including high-quality seaside properties, developed tourism infrastructure, and convenient access through international air connections.

The Trend Began in 2024

Elxis had already recorded a significant increase in interest from the United States in 2024, with momentum strengthening further after the U.S. presidential elections.

At the same time, international firms operating in investment migration have reported a growing trend in recent years of American citizens relocating to Southern European countries, seeking better quality of life, a more favourable climate, and greater security. Greece now appears to be among the key destinations of this trend.

Direct Flights as a Catalyst

Improved air connectivity between Greece and the United States plays a decisive role in strengthening demand.

New destinations, such as Dallas, have been added to the network of direct flights to Athens, alongside existing routes from New York (JFK), Chicago, Philadelphia, and Charlotte.

According to American Airlines data, passenger traffic from the United States to Greece increased by 28% compared to 2024 and is now more than double pre-pandemic levels.

A similar trend is recorded by Athens International Airport, where the United States became the largest foreign market in 2025, with 1.18 million passengers, up 12% year-on-year. Growth continued in the first four months of this year, with a further 10% increase in traffic.

This development confirms that improved air connectivity is not only boosting tourism but is also translating into higher demand for holiday home purchases, strengthening a sector that has become one of the most dynamic segments of the Greek real estate market in recent years.