The Greek real estate market is shifting towards compact housing, which is seeing faster price and demand growth. Find out why small apartments are becoming more attractive to investors and buyers

In large European cities, the very logic of housing is changing: it is increasingly perceived not as a space for living, but as a tool - flexible, affordable and attractive for investment. This is how the real estate market in Greece is transforming today, where compact apartments are confidently becoming leaders in demand.

Real estate transactions are always more than just buying or selling. These are legal nuances, risks and financial decisions that require a professional approach.

Real estate lawyers help avoid mistakes, check documents and protect your interests at every stage of the transaction. Entrust the process to specialists to save time and money.

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Compact housing as the new norm of the city

A few years ago, a larger area was associated with status and comfort. However, modern economic and social realities are changing the rules of the game. In 2025, the Greek real estate market showed a clear trend: small apartments are not only selling faster, but also increasing in price more actively than large objects.

In the center of Athens, one-room apartments with an area of ​​​​25–40 sq. m showed a price increase of 4.2%. For comparison, two-room apartments added about 3%, and larger objects - only 2.7%. The average price per square meter in small-sized housing is also higher - 1876 euros against 1810 euros on average for the market.

Similar dynamics are observed in other regions - in particular in Attica and Thessaloniki, where compact objects are becoming the basis of the city's housing stock.

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Why are small apartments increasing in price faster?

There are several reasons for this trend - and they go far beyond the real estate market alone.

First of all, the population structure is changing. Despite the overall decline in the number of residents, the share of single-person households is growing. It is this category that creates a stable demand for small apartments.

The second factor is the affordability of housing. The rise in the cost of living, rising interest rates and financial pressure are forcing buyers to reconsider their budgets. As a result, the choice often falls on smaller, but more affordable options.

Real estate prices in European capitals differ significantly: in some cities, buying a home has long been a privilege of very wealthy buyers, while in others the market remains relatively affordable. Read here about the ranking of the most expensive capitals in Europe for buying a home.

And the third reason is investment attractiveness. Compact apartments require less initial investment, are rented out faster and provide a higher return per square meter. This makes them particularly interesting for both local buyers and foreign investors.

An Adaptable Market

Changes in demand are already affecting development. Developers are increasingly designing housing specifically for compact formats, focusing on the new structure of demand.

The rental market is also changing: up to 66% of tenants in Greece choose housing with an area of ​​​​up to 75 sq. m, and the share of apartments up to 50 sq. m continues to grow.

The “golden visa” program also plays a special role, which allows you to obtain a residence permit for real estate investments of 250,000 euros or more. In this context, compact apartments are becoming a more flexible and liquid option for entering the market.

Read here how much housing will cost in Portugal in 2026.

The Greek real estate market is showing a clear shift towards compact housing. This is not a temporary trend, but a consequence of deeper economic and demographic changes. For buyers, this means new opportunities, and for investors, more effective tools for working with capital.

Buying or investing in real estate, especially abroad, requires a deep understanding of local laws and procedures.

A real estate lawyer accompanies the transaction from inspection of the object to signing contracts, analyzes risks and helps to avoid fraud. He will also be useful in resolving disputes, registering ownership or working with leases. In the context of the growing interest in compact housing in Europe, such support becomes especially relevant for investors. Cooperation with a specialist allows you not only to protect assets, but also to make more informed decisions.

Learn more and get a consultation now!

Recall! Housing prices in the EU have increased by almost 65% over the past decade, significantly outpacing the growth rate of rents. In some countries, real estate has increased in price by 2-3 times, and the market has returned to growth after a short decline. Read here where housing is rising the fastest and what is happening on the market in 2026.

Photo – Freepik

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