Buying property in Lefkada as a foreigner: Complete UK guide (2026)

Buying property in Lefkada has become popular with UK buyers who want relative affordability and ease of access.

Unlike most Greek islands, Lefkada is connected to the mainland by a bridge, allowing year-round access by car. This makes it attractive not just for holiday homes but longer stays and rental investments.

Lefkada offers a wide range of properties, from modern sea-view villas and traditional village houses to apartments. However, while the island is generally more affordable compared to premium destinations like Santorini, buying property in Lefkada as a foreigner still requires planning.

We’re here to help, with a practical guide to buying property in Lefkada as a foreigner. This includes a look at market conditions, current prices, the buying process, risks and ongoing considerations.

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Table of contents

Can foreigners buy property in Lefkada? What’s the real estate market like in Lefkada? Is buying property in Lefkada a good investment? How much are the property prices? Best places to buy property in Lefkada How to search for a property in Lefkada How to buy property in Lefkada as a foreigner – a step-by-step guide Fees and costs of buying property in Lefkada Loans and mortgages for non-residents Risks/pitfalls of buying property in Lefkada Moving into your Lefkada property Save on currency conversion fees with Wise when buying property in Lefkada, Greece Key takeaways

Can foreigners buy property in Lefkada?

Yes, UK citizens can legally buy property in Lefkada, without restrictions. This is one of the reasons Greece is such a good place to buy property.

Most residential properties in Lefkada are sold with full ownership rights, although apartments often come with shared ownership of common areas.

Foreign buyers must obtain a Greek tax number before completing a purchase and all transactions must be completed before a Greek notary.¹

While foreigners can buy property freely, certain ones may be subject to restrictions as a result of zoning laws, coastal regulations or forestry protection. While these restrictions don’t prevent purchase, they may limit future development or renovations. This is why legal and technical due diligence is essential.

It’s also important to note that unlike other EU areas, buying property in Greece doesn’t automatically grant you the right to live in the country long-term.²

Residency and property ownership are separate matters, although some buyers may qualify for residency through investment routes depending on the value and location of the property.

What’s the real estate market like in Lefkada?

Lefkada has a range of property types and prices. The market is influenced by seasonal tourism, with stronger demand for properties that can be used as a holiday rental. With this in mind, villas with sea views tend to command a premium while inland villages and renovation projects offer more affordable entry points.

Demand does exist here, especially for well-located properties, but the timelines for selling property can be longer for higher-priced homes. This is because the Lefkada market can be less liquid compared to urban markets.

Is buying property in Lefkada a good investment?

Property in Lefkada can be a good investment for UK buyers, but it’s not without risks.

Pros:

• Strong seasonal tourism demand
• Lower purchase prices compared to premium islands
• Easy year-round access via bridge
• Good availability of villas and land
• Option to gain residency through Greece’s Golden Visa programme.

Cons:

• Rental income is seasonal
• Maintenance costs can be high for villas
• Regulatory changes can affect short-term rentals
• Resale demand depends heavily on views and access.

How much are the property prices?

Property prices in Lefkada are lower than in the Cyclades but they still vary significantly depending on location and property type. Current approximate sale prices are from 2,549 EUR to 4,762 EUR per square metre.³

In December 2025, the average price asked for residential properties for sale was 3,807 EUR per square metre. This was an increase of 18.12% compared to December 2024.³

And, if you’re arranging your property purchase from the UK, you’ll need a reliable and preferably low-cost way to send over fees, deposits and other payments.

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Best places to buy property in Lefkada

Popular areas in Lefkada include:

• Agios Nikitas - a charming village with strong rental demand but limited supply
• Kathisma and Kalamitsi - popular for luxury villas and sunset views
• Nidri - a lively resort town with a wide range of properties
• Lefkada Town - offering year-round amenities and easier winter living
• Inland villages - traditional homes offering better value.

How to search for a property in Lefkada

Just like in the UK, properties in Lefkada are marketed through local agents and via online property portals. However, it’s important to be aware that properties are not always publicly listed, particularly land plots and village homes.

This is why working with a reputable agent can help UK buyers. It can be particularly useful if you’re moving to Greece from the UK and aren’t familiar with how the real estate market works there.

What’s more, a good agent can advise on local pricing and other essential factors that may determine value and property usability. For example, access roads, parking availability, slope gradient and distance to amenities can all impact the property, but may not be obvious from online listings.

Visiting Lefkada can help with your property search and when doing so, try to consider seasonal factors. Roads that are quiet in winter may become busy in summer, while water pressure and electricity supply can vary during peak tourist months. Visiting at different times of the year can help you to build a clearer picture of what ownership will be like.

What to check before you buy

Before committing to a purchase in Lefkada, you should check:

• Legal ownership and title registration
• Exact plot boundaries and access rights
• Zoning and land-use classification
• Any unauthorised extensions or structures
• Whether building permits were correctly issued
• Structural conditions and seismic compliance.

A technical inspection by a licensed Greek engineer is strongly recommended, particularly for older buildings, hillside properties or new builds purchased off-plan.

In addition to legal ownership and planning status, you should also confirm whether a property is connected to the main utilities or relies on private systems such as water tanks or septic systems. While these are common in rural areas, they can involve additional maintenance and costs.

Finally, it’s important to be aware that for properties close to the coastline, coastal setback rules may apply. These can restrict future construction or redevelopment and may affect long-term value. Your lawyer or engineer should confirm that the property complies with coastal zoning regulations.

How to buy property in Lefkada as a foreigner – a step-by-step guide

Here’s an overview of the steps you should take:

1. Set your budget - it should include the property purchase price, taxes, professional fees, any renovation costs and ongoing ownership expenses. You also need to remember to factor in currency exchange costs.
2. Appoint a Greek lawyer - local lawyer will review contracts written in Greek, cheek title deeds and ownership, and verify planning and zoning compliance.
3. Obtain a Greek tax number (ΑΦΜ) - this is mandatory for all property buyers in Greece and can usually be obtained with a passport and basic documentation.¹ You’ll also need to open a Greek bank account.
4. Find a property and make an offer - offers are usually negotiated via estate agents. Once agreed, terms are confirmed in writing.
5. Sign the preliminary agreement - the next stage is to sign the preliminary agreement. You’ll also need to arrange a transfer to pay the deposit.
6. Final contract and completion - the final contract is signed before a notary and registered with the Land Registry. You’ll need to transfer funds to pay the final balance, and then you’ll get the keys to your new property.

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How long does it take to buy a property?

This depends on several factors including legal checks, availability of documents and mortgage approval (if applicable), but average processes from offer to completion can take 8 to 12 weeks.⁴

Fees and costs of buying property in Lefkada

The below costs are purely an estimate and may vary depending on the specifics of the property and the location.⁵

Fee/tax	Typical amount
Property transfer tax	3%
VAT (new builds only)	24%
Legal fees	1.5%
Notary fees	1.5%
Estate agent fees	Min 2%

There are also ongoing costs and additional charges, which may include:

• Land registry fees
• ENFIA annual property tax
• Municipal fees
• Building maintenance charges
• Income tax on rental earnings.

📚 Read more: Cost of Living in Greece

Loans and mortgages for non-residents

While Greek banks do offer mortgages to non-residents, typical requirements include:

• 35 to 40% minimum deposit⁶
• Proof of overseas income
• Conservative affordability assessments.

Risks/pitfalls of buying property in Lefkada

Property investment in Lefkada does offer some benefits but there are risks to be aware of too:

• Buying land that cannot legally be built on
• Incomplete access rights
• Underestimating seasonal rental demand
• Rising construction and labour costs

Currency exposure is another risk. Property prices and taxes are paid in euros, while many UK buyers fund purchases in pounds. Exchange rate movements between agreeing a price and completing the transaction can affect total costs if not planned for.

Finally, it’s important to consider an exit strategy. While Lefkada is popular, demand can be seasonal. Properties priced above the local market norm may take longer to sell, particularly if they lack sea views or easy access.

Moving into your Lefkada property

Insurance

Home insurance is strongly recommended and often required by lenders. If you do plan to rent out the property, this should be reflected in your policy.

Setting up utilities

Utilities typically include:

• Electricity
• Water
• Internet and phone services
• Municipal charges

Accounts are set up after completion and are usually billed in euros.

Energy efficiency renovations

Common renovations include improving insulation and adding heating and cooling systems. These can reduce long-term running costs but some upgrades may require permits, particularly for structural changes or external alterations.

In addition to this, if you plan to spend extended periods away from Lefkada, arranging regular property checks can help prevent issues such as damp or leaks. Not to mention, to ensure security. Many owners use local property management services to handle inspections, especially if the property is rented out but this again comes with costs that need to be factored into your planning.

Save on currency conversion fees with Wise when buying property in Lefkada, Greece

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Key takeaways

• Unlike most Greek islands, Lefkada is connected to the mainland by a bridge, providing year-round car access and making it easier to reach and manage.
• As of late 2025, the average asking price in Lefkada reached €3,807 per square metre, representing a substantial 18.12% increase year-over-year.
• UK buyers must obtain a Greek tax number (AFM), open a local bank account, and complete all transactions before a notary, typically within an 8-to-12-week timeline.
• Buyers should budget for a 3% property transfer tax (or 24% VAT for new builds), plus combined legal, notary, and agent fees that usually total around 5% to 7% of the price.
• Greek banks offer loans to foreign buyers, but they typically require a minimum deposit of 35% to 40% and apply conservative affordability checks on overseas income.

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Sources used:

1. Elxis - Greek Tax Number
2. Your Overseas Home - Greek Residency
3. Indomio - Average Lefkada Prices
4. Loyal Group Realty - Property Timelines
5. Housing in Greece - Real Estate Fees
6. Global Mortgage Group - Non-Resident Mortgages

Sources last checked on date: 29-Jan-2026