Buying property in Lesbos as a UK foreigner

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for reference purposes only. All information on this page should not be considered financial or tax advice. You are solely responsible for calculating and paying your tax liabilities depending on the applicable law. All tax saving strategies or decisions should be made after thorough research and consultation with a qualified financial advisor.

Dreaming of a holiday home on the beautiful Greek island of Lesbos? It’s easy to see why you’d be tempted, as Lesbos boasts off-the-beaten path charm, stunning natural landscapes, rich history and friendly people. And of course, fabulous food and drink - including being famous for its ouzo.

If you’re looking to buy a property to live in or let out in Lesbos (sometimes known as Lesvos), we’re here to help.

Read on for a practical guide to buying property in Lesbos as a foreigner. This includes info on mortgages, fees and taxes, the latest property prices on the island, tips on where to start your search and the main pitfalls to avoid.

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Can you get a mortgage from a Greek bank as a non-resident?

First things first, you need to get your finances sorted. Unless you have the cash in the bank, you’re likely to need a mortgage from a Greek lender.

You’ll be pleased to know that some Greek banks do provide mortgages to foreign nationals and non-residents.

However, foreign buyers do tend to face stricter lending criteria compared to local applicants, and the application process can be more complex.

Interest rates can be higher for non-residents, and you may also find that you can’t borrow as much. The typical loan-to-value (LTV) ratio for foreign applicants is around 70%, so you’ll need a larger deposit.¹

It’s a good idea to start shopping around for mortgages before starting your property search in earnest - and using a specialist broker is recommended.

Taxes and fees for owning property in Lesbos

Along with the property price, you’ll also need to factor in legal fees, taxes and other costs when setting the budget for your property search.

Here are the main ones to know about when buying property in Lesbos:¹

Fee/tax	Amount
Stamp duty	3% for new builds 3% to 24% for resale properties
VAT (FPA) - new builds only	24%
Registration fees (land registry)	0.5% to 1%
Legal fees	Around 1%
Notary fees	0.5% to 1%

You may also have to pay the following:

• Mortgage fees - including valuation and arrangement fees
• Building survey/technical report fees
• Estate agent fees - if using an agent to find a property in Lesbos.

Fees for these services can vary, so you’ll need to do some research and get quotes.

There are also annual property taxes to consider, which you can read more about here.

Read more: Cost of Living in Greece

What’s the property market like in Lesbos?

The Lesbos property market is one of the most affordable in Greece, mainly due to being less affected by mass tourism than some of the most popular areas and islands.

While property prices on the island are low, they are rising. In fact, prices increased by just over 10% between January 2025 and January 2026.²

So if you’re thinking of buying a property there, now could be the time - although it’s important to do the usual due diligence checks and get professional advice like you would with any other investment.

Can foreigners buy property in Lesbos?

Yes foreign nationals can freely buy property in Greece - including Lesbos - without any restrictions, and you don’t need to be a resident there either.

All you need is a Greek tax number (AFM), a Greek bank account and the funds or financing to support your purchase.

Can you buy property in Lesbos and get residency?

Yes, there is a potential pathway to residency in Greece through the purchase of property in Lesbos.

Greece is one of many countries which has a ‘Golden Visa’ scheme, which allows foreign citizens to gain residency through making an investment in the country. This includes investing in property.

In some locations, the minimum required investment is €250,000 EUR. But in other areas such as Lesbos - and including other islands such as Mykonos and Santorini - you’ll need to buy property worth at least €800,000 EUR to qualify.³ Other conditions apply.

So if you have the funds and you’d like to move abroad and live in Lesbos permanently, this could be the pathway to pursue.

Read more: Greece Golden Visa

How much are the property prices in Lesbos?

Now we come to the big question - how much money do you need to afford your dream home in Lesbos?

Across the whole of the island, the average property price per square metre is €1,252 EUR.²

However, it really does depend on what and where you buy.

To narrow it down further, here are average property prices for different municipalities of the island:²

Municipality	Average property price per sq.m. (EUR)
Mitilini	€1,397
Kalloni	€940
Eresos/Antissa	€1,279
Evergetoula	€1,053
Mithimina	€1,654
Agia Paraskevi	€734
Plomari	€1,170
Loutropoli Thermis	€1,362

Another thing to note when figuring out the price for property in Lesbos is that international transfers could get expensive, especially if the bank or provider adds a margin to the exchange rate to convert your pounds to euros (EUR).

Consider checking out Wise to securely handle your large transfers with mid-market exchange rates and low, transparent fees*.

Where is the cheapest place to buy property in Lesbos?

If you’re property hunting on a budget, some of the more affordable areas to check out include:

• Agiasos
• Agia Paraskevi
• Mantamados
• Geras
• Polichnitos

Buying property in Lesbos as a foreigner - a step-by-step guide

Almost ready to start your house hunt? Before you do, it can be useful to know a little about how the process of buying property works in Lesbos.

Here’s an overview of the main steps involved:

1. Get your finances in order

Before you do anything, it’s a good idea to get your finances sorted. This means setting a budget, getting a mortgage offer (approval in principle) and getting all your paperwork together.

You may also need to open a Greek bank account.

2. Get your Greek tax number (AFM)

Foreign nationals need a Greek tax number called an AFM to buy property in Greece.

You can apply for your AFM at the local tax office with your passport and a completed application form.

3. Find a property and arrange viewings

There are two main ways to start your search - using online property portals and/or local estate agents to find properties. If you’re using an agent, make sure they’re registered with the Hellenic Association of Realtors (HAR).

If you’ve found somewhere you like, arrange a viewing as soon as you can, and start researching the area in the meantime.

4. Make an offer

Found your dream house? Submit a competitive offer to the estate agent, or to the buyer directly. You can negotiate, just like in other countries.

5. Appoint a solicitor and carry out due diligence

While it’s not mandatory, it’s strongly recommended to find and appoint a lawyer experienced in Greek property law.

They will check over and translate all documents and contracts, as well as carrying out due diligence on the transaction. This includes conducting a thorough title search at the Land Registry or Cadastre.

A personal recommendation is a good way to find a solicitor, but you can also find a list of English-speaking property solicitors on the UK Government website.

6. Get a survey

A building survey isn’t mandatory, but it could help to flag up any serious issues early on. This is particularly important for older properties, or those that haven’t been lived in for a long time.

7. Sign the preliminary contract and pay the deposit

If your offer is accepted, due diligence checks are underway and you’re ready to proceed, it’s time to sign the preliminary contract.

It expresses your commitment to buying the property, and sets out the terms of the transaction.

You’ll also need to arrange a transfer to pay the deposit, which in Greece is usually around 10%.¹

Consider using the Wise account here to convert your pounds to euros, avoiding hidden fees and getting the mid-market exchange rate.

8. Appoint a notary

A notary is a key part of property purchases in Greece. They are a public officer who ensures that the transaction, documents, contracts and processes are carried out in line with the law.

You can learn more about finding a notary through the Hellenic Notary Association website - your solicitor may also be able to point you in the right direction.

9. Completion

This is the final crucial step, involving the following actions:

• Signing the deed of sale and the final sales contract
• Transferring money to pay the final balance
• Registering the property title in your name
• Getting the keys to your new home.

All of the main steps will need to be done in person at the notary’s office, and it’s crucial to have your solicitor there as it may be conducted in Greek (including documentation).

Read more: How to buy and finance a house abroad (UK guide)

How can you find a property in Lesbos?

The two main routes to find property to buy in Lesbos are local real estate agencies and online property websites. You can, of course, use both.

Property agencies and agents in Lesbos

It isn’t mandatory to use a real estate agent to find a property to buy in Lesbos, but it could be extremely helpful. This is especially true for those who are moving to Greece from the UK and are unfamiliar with the local property market.

A specialist buying agent or broker can offer advice and insight into the local market and help you navigate the sales process. However, there will usually be a fee to pay for this service.

Before engaging an agent, check that they are registered with the Hellenic Association of Realtors (HAR).

Property websites in Lesbos

Keen to start your search online? Here are some of the most popular Greek real estate websites:

• Spitogatos
• Hellenic Realty
• Tospitimou
• XE.gr
• Rightmove Overseas

Read more: Property tax in Greece

What are some of the pitfalls of buying property in Lesbos?

One of the main things to watch out for when buying or selling property abroad are scams.

To avoid these and other pitfalls, it’s best to work with verified, independent and qualified professionals such as real estate agents, brokers and property solicitors.

Appointing an independent real estate lawyer is a particularly crucial step. This is an expert who works just for you and has your interests at heart, rather than working for the seller or real estate agent at the same time.

To find one, start with this handy UK Government list of English speaking lawyers around the world.

Other important things to remember include:

• It’s not uncommon in Greece for properties to be listed for sale which have unauthorised building work, such as extensions or swimming pools. It’s crucial to have the legality (and condition) of any such work checked before buying.
• If you’re buying a property to rent out - check the local rules and restrictions for short-term lets. You should also look at rental demand around the year, not just in the peak tourist season.
• Be cautious and do your homework before sending money or a deposit.
• Ensure that the seller has the legal right to sell the property - along with carrying out other due diligence checks
• Get an inspection/survey carried out if you have any concerns about the property, especially if it’s an older or historic home.

How do you choose the right property in Lesbos?

Your dream home in Lesbos will be the one that closest fits your search criteria. The most important factors are likely to be location, the type and size of home, and your budget.

If you’re not already living there, it’s worth making a trip to the specific part of Lesbos you’re interested in.

You can stroll along the streets, get a feel for the local area and view properties, making sure to pay attention to local amenities.

Condition of the property

It’s a good idea to do as much research as possible before committing to purchase a property.

If you have any concerns, are buying an older property or just want to cover all bases before purchasing, you can commission a building survey or inspection. This will flag up any major issues and give you a better idea of what you’re buying.

Type of property

There are a few different property types on Lesbos. You might prefer a newly built house or apartment that’s ready to move into, or a traditionally built stone and wood house that’s habitable but needs a little renovation. This can mean a cheaper upfront price - and the chance to put your stamp on the property - but it also means some renovation costs.

You’ll also find much older homes in rural areas on the island, some of which would require extensive renovation. In some cases, it may be impossible to make them habitable.

You may even be lucky enough to find a building plot in Lesbos, so you can design and build a home to your exact specifications.

Moving into your Lesbos property

Before you can get the keys to your new home, you’ll have a few key tasks to run through.

Insurance

It’s strongly recommended to take out a buildings insurance policy starting from your completion date. In fact, you might find it's a mandatory condition of your mortgage offer.

Setting up utilities and bills in Lesbos

If you know when your completion date will be, it makes sense to get some essentials set up in advance of moving in.

A prime example is utilities, such as power and water. Get these sorted as early as you can, and the moving process should be a little smoother.

Renovating property in Lesbos

For some properties, some building work or improvements may be needed before you can move in.

Our guide to building and renovating property abroad covers everything you need to know, from planning permission to finding a local builder - and some of the main costs you can expect.

Save on currency conversion fees with Wise when buying property in Lesbos

After reading this guide, you should have all the essential info you need to start your property search in Lesbos. This includes those crucial first steps such as finding a broker and searching online property portals, and getting your finances in order.

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Additional FAQs about buying property in Lesbos

Which is the nicest part of Lesbos?

It all depends on your preferences. The north coast is famed for its stunning scenery and charming villages, with Molyvos (Mythimna) considered one of the most beautiful.

Petra is ideal for families, while Mytilene (the capital) offers bustling markets, vibrant culture and impressive ancient architecture.

Is it hard for foreigners to buy property in Greece?

No, it’s actually pretty straightforward for foreign nationals to buy property in Greece, as there are no real restrictions on ownership.

However, there are some bits of admin to get out of the way. This includes getting a local AFM tax number and a Greek bank account, as well as appointing a solicitor to help you navigate the often-complicated bureaucratic processes in Greece.

What is the cheapest Greek island to buy a house?

Lesbos is one of the cheapest of the Greek islands in terms of property prices, but you may also be able to snap up a bargain on other north Aegean islands such as Samos and Chios.

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Sources used:

1. Properstar - Buying property in Greece as a foreigner: 2025 guide
2. Indomio - Housing prices in the Lesvos Prefecture area
3. La Vida Golden Visas - Greece Golden Visa

Sources last checked on date: 10-Feb-2026