Buying property in Rhodes as a UK foreigner in 2026

If you’re looking to buy property in Rhodes, don’t let the sun get in your eyes before you’ve looked at the paperwork. Whether you’re hunting for a retirement nest or a rental goldmine, navigating Greek bureaucracy and border-zone permits requires a cool head and a sharp eye.

This practical guide breaks down Rhodes real estate prices, taxes, and the "Golden Visa" without the usual headache.

We’ll also introduce a reliable and cost-effective way to send large sums internationally from the money services provider Wise. Over 14.8 million people worldwide use Wise to move £36 billion every quarter.

With low, transparent fees, great mid-market exchange rates, and secure, trackable transfers, Wise makes international money transfers simple and stress-free. Plus, you’ll get dedicated support and volume discounts when sending large amounts.

Get expert support for your large transfer 📞

Please see the terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

Table of contents

Can UK foreigners buy property in Rhodes? What’s the real estate market like in Rhodes? How to search for a property in Rhodes How to buy property in Rhodes as a foreigner - a step-by-step guide Fees and costs of buying property in Rhodes Risks and pitfalls of buying property in Rhodes Moving into your Rhodes property Save on currency conversion fees with Wise when buying property in Rhodes Key takeaways

Can UK foreigners buy property in Rhodes?

Yes, UK citizens and other foreign nationals can buy property in Rhodes.

However, while EU nationals will run into almost no restrictions on purchasing property in Rhodes, non-EU residents (including UK nationals) may find the process a little more complicated.

For starters, you’ll need to get a Tax Registry Number (AFM). Opening a Greek bank account is typically optional, but it’s a good idea to consult with a local real estate solicitor to confirm the requirements for your specific purchase.

There are also restrictions for foreigners buying properties in border areas such as Rhodes, so you’ll need to apply for a permit from the Ministry of National Defence.¹

What’s the real estate market like in Rhodes?

Rhodes’s property market has experienced steady growth recently, driven by limited supply of high-quality (and luxury) properties, booming tourism and foreign buyer interest.²

If you’re looking to buy a property to rent out in Rhodes, it’s useful to know that typical gross rental yields range between 4% and 7%.² The highest are in hot tourist spots, although these fluctuate in line with peak holiday seasons.

Is buying property in Rhodes a good investment?

Keen to invest in property in Greece, but not sure if Rhodes is the best place to do it? Here are a few of the pros and cons to consider:

Pros:

• Affordable property and good value for money - prices in Rhodes tend to be cheaper than other popular Greek islands such as Crete, Corfu, Santorini and Mykonos, although it is more expensive than some smaller islands
• Good holiday rental potential - Rhodes saw a whopping 1.28 million visitors in the first half of 2025 alone,³ so there’s strong demand for tourist accommodation
• Opportunity to attain residency through Greece’s Golden Visa programme — for Rhodes (an island with more than 3,100 residents), the minimum is €800,000 for a single property of at least 120 m²; €250,000 applies only to specific renovation/commercial‑to‑residential conversion cases.⁴

Cons:

• Rental income is seasonally dependent - it fluctuates in line with the tourist season, and is heavily dependent on performance of the the island’s tourism industry
• Greek bureaucracy - the process of buying and selling property in Greececan be complex and involve extensive paperwork, as well as being slow (especially if you need to apply for a permit to buy property as a foreigner)
• Mortgage conditions may be stricter and harder to meet for foreign applicants, and you may need a larger deposit.

How much are the property prices?

So, how much is property in Rhodes? This is an essential thing to know as you set your budget and start your search.

The average price is around €2,402 EUR per square meter, although it depends where on the island you buy - and the type of property.⁵

To give you an idea of price differences between regions, here are average apartment prices in some of Rhodes’s main areas:⁵

Area/zone	Average price per sq.m (EUR)
Lindos	€3,302
Petaloudes	€1,913
Archaggelos	€1,468
Ataviros	€1,540
Afantou	€2,692
Ialisos	€2,044
Kallithea	€2,199
Kameiros	€2,739
South Rhodes	€2,862
Chora (main town)	€2,328

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

The Wise account could be a great solution, with transparent, low fees, and multiple layers of security, so you can safely transfer large amounts both in the UK and overseas.

➡️ See how Wise compares with other providers

Best places to buy property in Rhodes

The best place to buy property in Rhodes all depends on why you’re buying.

If you’re looking to live or holiday there, the capital Rhodes Town offers all you could want in terms of restaurants, bars, lifestyle, culture and transport connections. You may also want to look at pretty villages like Lindos, or the peaceful town of Ialyssos on the northwest coast of the island.

For properties to rent out as holiday lets, you can take your pick from across the island. Rhodes is a hugely popular tourist destination, especially areas near Lindos, and Faliraki. For long-term or year-round rentals, it’s worth looking at Rhodes Town, Ialissos and Kalithea.

📚 Read more: Retiring abroad from the UK: Complete guide

How to search for a property in Rhodes

If you’re new to the Greek property market, it could be worth using a specialist real estate agent to help you find the right property.

This 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.

An agent will have knowledge of the local market, speaks the local language and can walk you through the process of buying a property.

This service is likely to come with a fee, however - and you need to make sure the agent is registered with the Hellenic Association of Realtors (HAR).

You can also start the search online yourself, using one of these popular property websites and portals:

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

What to check before you buy

Before buying a property in Rhodes, there are a few key things to check. These include:

• Checking whether you need a permit to buy property in Rhodes as a foreigner, what the process is and how long it typically takes
• Verifying that the seller has the legal right to sell the property - your solicitor will need to search the Ktimatologio (Land Registry) for full details
• Checking for clear title deeds, valid building permits and proof that all property taxes are paid.

You may also want to have a building survey carried out. While not mandatory, this could help to flag up any structural or other issues which could be expensive to fix.

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

Now, let’s run through the steps involved in buying property in Rhodes as a foreigner:

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.

2. Get your Greek tax number (AFM)

Foreign nationals need a Greek tax number (AFM) to buy and sell property in Greece. You can apply for it at the local tax office with your passport and a completed application form.

You may also need to open a Greek bank account.

3. Find a property and arrange viewings

Now it’s time to start searching for your dream home. You can use online property portals and/or local estate agents to find properties.

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

4. Appoint a solicitor

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.

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.

5. Get a survey

While your property lawyer gets on with due diligence tasks, you can arrange a building survey.

If it flags anything up, you may be able to go back to the seller to negotiate on price or arrange to have issues rectified before the sale completes.

6. Make an offer

Once you’ve done your due diligence, the next important step is to submit a competitive offer to the estate agent, or to the buyer directly. You can negotiate, just like in other countries.

7. Sign the preliminary contract and pay the deposit

If your offer is accepted and you’re ready to proceed, you’ll usually sign the preliminary contract. This is a legally binding document which sets out the terms and conditions of the sale.

You’ll also need to arrange a transfer to pay the deposit, which in Greece is usually around 10%.⁶ Consider using the Wise account here to convert your pounds to euros, avoiding hidden fees and getting the mid-market exchange rate.

Be Smart, Get Wise

8. Sign the deed of sale (Symvoliagogiki Praxi)

The final crucial step is to sign the deed of sale, which must be done by both parties in the presence of a notary. The following also takes place at this stage:

• You’ll pay the final balance
• You (or your solicitor) must register the property title in your name at the local Land Registry
• You’ll pay all fees and taxes

After all that’s done, you’ll get the keys to your new home.

📚 Read more: How to transfer money from the UK to buy property overseas

How long does it take to buy a property?

Buying property in Rhodes typically takes around 2 to 3 months,⁷ although it can potentially take longer for more complex transactions or mortgage financing.

Fees and costs of buying property in Rhodes

Here are the main fees and taxes for buying property in Rhodes, which are generally the same as in other parts of Greece:⁶

Fee/tax	Amount
Property transfer tax (Stamp duty)	Resale properties: 3%-24% of property value New builds: 3% of the purchase price
VAT (FPA) - new builds only	24% (a temporary VAT suspension was commonly applied by developers through 31 Dec 2025; check current status for 2026)
Registration fees (land registry)	0.5% to 1%
Legal fees	0.5% to 1%
Notary fees	Around 1%
Building survey fee	Varies
Mortgage valuation fees	€300 to €600 EUR⁸
Mortgage arrangement fees	0.5% to 1%⁸

Taxes and fees for owning property

Once you’ve bought your new property and paid all those initial costs, you’ll also have some ongoing annual property taxes to pay.

This includes:⁹

• ENFIA (Unified Property Tax) - €2 to €16.2 EUR per square metre for buildings, €0.0037 to €9.25 EUR per square metre for land
• Municipal Duty (TAP) - 0.025% and 0.035%, paid through electricity bills.

If you rent out the property, you may also pay personal income tax as a landlord.

Loans and mortgages for non-residents

Banks in Greece do offer mortgages to foreign nationals and non-residents. However, bear in mind that foreign buyers tend to face stricter lending criteria.

You may also find that you can’t borrow as much as local residents, with typical loan-to-value (LTV) ratios for foreign applicants being around 60% to 70%.⁸

So, this means you'll need a larger deposit, along with lots of documentation (translated into Greek) to prove you have strong financial standing and are a good candidate for a loan.

Risks and pitfalls of buying property in Rhodes

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

To avoid these, it’s strongly recommended to work with qualified and credible professionals such as real estate agents and solicitors.

Ideally, you should also check for membership of a professional body when working with any property experts, brokers or agents.

Other important things to remember include the following:

• Get the admin sorted as early as possible to avoid delays - this includes getting your AFM tax number, opening a Greek bank account and applying for your permit from the Ministry of National Defence.
• Be cautious and do your homework before sending money or a deposit
• Hire a solicitor and do as much due diligence as possible - including ensuring that the seller has the legal right to sell the property.
• Visit the property in person - don’t rely on online listings alone, and make sure to verify all the claims in the property description
• Get an inspection/survey carried out if you have any concerns about the property.

Moving into your Rhodes property

Before you can get the keys to your new home, you’ll have a final few tasks to check off your list.

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

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 heating, power and water. Get these sorted as early as you can, and the moving process should be a little smoother.

Energy efficiency renovations

If you’ve bought an older Greek property, you might want to make some energy efficiency improvements to it. For example, upgrading the air conditioning system or replacing the windows.

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

Need a secure, convenient and low-cost way to send large sums of money internationally? Take a look at the Wise account from the money services provider Wise. It's not a bank account but offers some similar features and your money is safeguarded.

With Wise, you can send large amount transfers worldwide to 140+ countries for low, transparent fees and the mid-market exchange rates with no markup.

Here’s an overview of the main benefits of using Wise:

Fast and easy setup with no physical paperwork Low, transparent fees and no-markup mid-market exchange rates Dedicated support and volume discounts for large transfers No monthly/annual account fees Sophisticated security and anti-fraud measures, with your money safeguarded Trackable and fast transfers to 140+ countries Low-cost spending in 150+ countries with the Wise card Earn a variable return on your GBP, USD and EUR with Wise Interest (capital at risk, growth not guaranteed)**

✅ Sign up with Wise for free

**Investments in funds are never guaranteed and your capital can be at risk. In the UK, Interest and Stocks are provided by Wise Assets — this is the trading name of Wise Assets UK Ltd, a subsidiary of Wise. Wise Assets UK Ltd is authorised as an investment firm and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Our FCA number is 839689. We do not give investment advice, and you may be subject to pay tax. If you're not sure, seek qualified advice. You can find more information about the funds on our website.

Key takeaways

• As a non-EU citizen, you must apply for a statutory permit from the Ministry of National Defence to purchase property in Rhodes due to its status as a border region.
• You must obtain a Greek Tax Registry Number (AFM) and open a local bank account to complete any real estate transaction on the island.
• You can secure a five-year residency permit by investing at least €800,000 in a single property (minimum 120 sqm) or €250,000 for specific commercial-to-residential conversions.
• You should budget approximately 8% to 10% of the purchase price to cover property transfer taxes, notary fees, legal services, and land registry registration.
• Once you sign the preliminary contract and pay a typical 10% deposit, you enter a legally binding agreement that outlines the final sale terms.
• The Rhodes property market shows steady growth with average prices around €2,400 per sqm, offering potential gross rental yields of 4% to 7% in popular tourist zones.

---

Sources used:

1. Sotheby’s International Realty - Greece - Can I buy a Property in Greece?
2. Ktimatoemporiki Real Estate - Property Prices in Rhodes – Market Overview
3. Athens 24 - Rhodes and surrounding islands mark a record-breaking tourism season in 2025
4. Immigrant Invest - 11 Places to Invest in Greek Real Estate
5. Indomio - Housing prices in Rhodes
6. Properstar - Buying property in Greece as a Brit: 2025 guide
7. Estatefy - Rhodes as a second home: everything about buying a holiday home
8. Ktimatoemporiki Real Estate - Property Loans for Foreign Buyers in Greece
9. Immigrant Invest - Greek Property Tax Basics: What Foreign Buyers Must Know

Sources last checked 20-Jan-2026