Foreign buyers going rural

European nationals are showing a huge interest this year in rural Greek realty, led by pensioners and those approaching retirement, estate agents have told Kathimerini, adding that they often make their acquisitions even before the completion of properties' construction.

"We are seeing interest in country houses remaining high this year, especially among people who are a few years from retirement, aged 50 to 55," said Ioannis Revythis, head of Revithis & Partners.

He noted that on Mykonos a Swiss couple bought a 200-square meter residence this year for 850,000 euros. On Andros, an Australian couple acquired a property of 180 sq.m. for €360,000, while in Corfu, a holiday home of 120 sq.m. was sold to an Italian couple for €350,000.

"A Dutch businessman sold his IT business in the Netherlands and decided for tax reasons to move to Greece. He chose the Agios...