How to Evaluate a Property Before Buying

Buying a property in Greece — whether as a home or an investment — is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll make. Too often, buyers fall in love with the aesthetics and overlook key factors that determine the property’s true value, performance, and long-term potential. Here’s a practical checklist to help you make a confident and informed purchase.

BUYING PROPERTY IN GREECEREAL ESTATE INVESTMENT

Christos Boubalos - poli.gr

10/18/2025

1. Location Is (Almost) Everything

The area is the single most important factor influencing property value.
Before you buy, consider:

Proximity to transport (metro, train, main roads).
Local infrastructure (schools, supermarkets, medical centers).
Future development plans (new roads, metro expansions, regeneration projects).
Neighborhood safety and quality of life.

💡 Areas like Marousi, Chalandri, and East Attica show steady price growth and strong rental demand.

2. Energy Efficiency and Technology

Energy performance directly impacts both your cost of living and resale value.
Look for:

Energy class A+ or AAA+.
Insulation, double-glazed windows, heat pumps, and solar panels.
Smart home systems for lighting, temperature, and energy control.

🔋 An AAA+ property can reduce annual energy costs by up to 60%.

3. Construction Quality

Don’t judge by design alone — inspect the structure and materials.
Check for:

Build quality (walls, flooring, joinery).
Electrical and plumbing systems.
Signs of moisture or wear.
In new projects, request technical documentation and warranties.

🏗️ Boutique developers often deliver higher build quality and more personalized oversight than mass builders.

4. Financial Performance and ROI

If you’re buying for investment, analyze the numbers carefully:

Rental yield: annual rental income ÷ total purchase price.
Annual expenses: taxes, maintenance, and shared building costs.
Capital appreciation: are property prices rising in the area?
Rental demand: is there stable demand from professionals, students, or expats?

📊 In Athens, a net yield of 4%–6% is considered strong for 2025.

5. Legal and Technical Due Diligence

Before signing, always verify:

Title deeds and absence of illegal construction.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
No outstanding debts to the municipality or tax authorities.
A full legal and engineering inspection — especially for older or out-of-plan properties.

⚖️ Professional due diligence can prevent unexpected costs and legal complications later.

✅ Conclusion

Evaluating a property properly means combining technical, legal, and investment knowledge.
A beautiful apartment is not necessarily a good deal — the right property is one that offers quality, efficiency, and lasting value.

📞 Need Help Evaluating a Property in Greece?

At POLI Real Estate, we provide comprehensive pre-purchase evaluations — from energy performance and legal checks to ROI projections and market analysis.