Buying Property Outside the City: Benefits and Hidden Traps

Over the past few years, an increasing number of buyers in Greece — both locals and foreigners — have been looking beyond the city limits. The desire for more space, cleaner air, and a better quality of life has made suburban and semi-rural areas the new frontier of Greek real estate. But before you buy a home outside Athens or Thessaloniki, it’s essential to understand both the advantages and the hidden risks that come with it.

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTNEIGHBORHOOD GUIDES

Christos Boubalos - poli.gr

10/16/2025

1. The Benefits of Living Outside the City

🌿 Better Quality of Life

Peaceful environment, less traffic, cleaner air.
More natural light and open space.
Ideal for families, remote workers, or those seeking a slower pace of life.

🏡 More Space for Less Money

For the same price as a small city apartment, you can own a larger home with a garden or sea view.
Property prices are often 20%–40% lower than in central Athens.
Construction quality is frequently higher, especially in new residential areas.

💰 Long-Term Value Potential

As major cities expand, nearby suburbs and regional hubs gain value.
Areas like East Attica, Rafina, Porto Rafti, and Evia are seeing strong development and rising demand.
Infrastructure projects (roads, metro, marinas) enhance accessibility and boost future prices.

2. The Hidden Traps to Watch Out For

🚗 Transportation and Accessibility

Limited public transport or long commutes can make daily life expensive and time-consuming.
Always check distance to metro, highways, and schools before buying.

🏗️ Legal and Infrastructure Issues

In some rural or out-of-plan areas, zoning restrictions or missing infrastructure (water, sewage, electricity) can be a problem.
Always conduct a legal and technical due diligence with a lawyer and civil engineer.

🛠️ Maintenance Costs

Detached houses with gardens or pools come with higher upkeep expenses.
For secondary or vacation homes, you’ll need property management and maintenance when you’re away.

3. Emerging Areas Around Athens

East Attica (Rafina, Pikermi, Porto Rafti) → fast-growing, near the airport and the sea.
North Attica (Dionysos, Agios Stefanos) → quiet, green, ideal for permanent homes.
South Attica (Lagonisi, Sounio, Anavyssos) → popular for villas and summer residences.
Evia Island → easily accessible from Athens, with affordable seaside plots and unique landscapes.

✅ Conclusion

Buying property outside the city can bring better living standards, investment potential, and long-term value, provided you make informed decisions.
The key factors are location, accessibility, and legal clarity.
With the right guidance, a suburban or coastal property can become the smartest investment of the decade.

📞 Looking for Property Outside Athens?

At POLI Real Estate, we specialize in coastal and suburban properties across East Attica and Evia — ideal for both living and investment.