Renting a home in Greece can be a practical way to experience everyday life in the country before deciding whether to stay longer or buy property. From apartments in Athens and Thessaloniki to homes on the islands and in coastal towns, the rental market varies considerably depending on location and season.

For foreigners, the process is generally manageable, but there are a few practical details worth understanding before agreeing to a rental.

Renting a Home in Greece: Long-Term vs Short-Term Rentals

The first distinction to understand is between long-term residential rentals and short-term accommodation.

Short-term rentals are common in tourist destinations and are usually designed for holidays or temporary stays. Long-term rentals, on the other hand, are intended for people who want to make the property their home for a longer period.

This distinction can be particularly important in popular island and coastal areas, where some properties may be widely available outside summer but used as holiday accommodation during the peak season.

If you are planning to live in Greece rather than simply spend a few weeks there, make sure the property is genuinely being offered for long-term residential use.

Where to Look for a Rental Property

Several online property platforms are widely used when renting a home in Greece.

One of the best-known is Spitogatos, where you can search for apartments and houses by location, monthly rent, size and other criteria. XE.gr also has a large property section with rental listings across Greece, while Spiti24 is another useful option for comparing available homes.

Local real estate agencies can also be valuable, particularly in smaller towns, islands and coastal areas where not every available property is advertised online.

When searching online, always check whether the listing is for a genuine long-term rental. In popular tourist destinations, some properties may only be available during the quieter months before returning to short-term holiday rentals for the summer season.

Never rely only on photographs. Compare several listings and, whenever possible, view the property before paying a deposit or signing an agreement.

What Documents May Be Required?

Requirements can vary depending on the landlord, property and circumstances of the tenant.

Foreign tenants should be prepared to provide identification and personal information needed to complete the rental arrangement. For formal procedures in Greece, an AFM, the Greek tax identification number, can also become important.

If you are moving to Greece for work, study, retirement or another long-term purpose, your wider residence and tax situation may involve additional requirements separate from the rental itself.

When in doubt, a Greek accountant or qualified professional can clarify what applies to your particular situation.

The Rental Agreement

Do not rely only on a verbal agreement, even if the arrangement appears straightforward.

For long-term property leases, the landlord has an obligation to submit the lease information electronically to the Greek tax authority, AADE. The electronic rental declaration records important information including the parties involved, the rental period and the monthly rent.

Before agreeing to a property, make sure you understand:

• the monthly rent;
• the duration of the agreement;
• what is included in the rent;
• which bills you will pay;
• any deposit agreed with the landlord;
• conditions concerning pets, furnishings or other important issues.

Keeping a copy of the agreement and related documents is always sensible.

Deposit and Upfront Costs

A landlord may request a security deposit and rent payments when the tenancy begins. The exact amount and conditions should be clearly agreed before money changes hands.

Ask specifically when the deposit should be returned and under what circumstances deductions may be made.

If a real estate agent is involved, establish any agency fee before committing to the property as well.

This makes it easier to understand the true upfront cost rather than looking only at the advertised monthly rent.

Utilities and Common Building Expenses

Monthly rent is not necessarily your total housing cost.

Depending on the agreement, tenants may also have expenses for electricity, water, internet and heating.

Apartments can additionally have shared building expenses, commonly known in Greece as koinochrista (κοινόχρηστα). These may cover services and costs related to common areas of the building.

Before signing, ask what the previous typical monthly costs were, particularly for heating and electricity.

This can make a significant difference to your actual cost of living in Greece.

Furnished or Unfurnished?

Greece offers both furnished and unfurnished rental properties, but what “furnished” means can vary considerably.

A furnished apartment may be convenient for someone arriving from abroad, but inspect exactly what is included.

Check appliances, air conditioning, heating, hot water, windows and internet availability rather than assuming they are all part of the property.

In older buildings especially, energy efficiency can have a noticeable effect on comfort and running costs.

Where required, information about the property’s Energy Performance Certificate is included in the electronic rental declaration.

Inspect the Property Before Signing

Whenever possible, see the property personally before paying a deposit or signing an agreement.

Look beyond furniture and decoration.

Check water pressure, signs of dampness, heating and cooling systems, windows, appliances and the general condition of the building.

Location matters just as much. A beautiful apartment may be less attractive if parking is difficult, public transport is inconvenient or the neighborhood becomes extremely busy during the tourist season.

Renting Before Buying Can Make Sense

If you are considering eventually buying a property in Greece, renting first can be a useful strategy.

Living in an area for several months gives you a much better understanding of everyday conditions than visiting during a holiday.

You can experience traffic, shops, healthcare access, winter conditions and the difference between the busy summer season and quieter months.

That experience can be valuable before making a much larger property investment.

Final Thoughts

Renting a home in Greece does not have to be complicated, but foreigners should avoid rushing into an agreement based only on attractive photographs or a good holiday experience.

Compare properties, understand the rental terms, calculate costs beyond the monthly rent and inspect the home carefully.

Most importantly, choose the location based on how you actually plan to live in Greece — not only on how it feels during a week in summer.

For many foreigners, renting first is one of the easiest ways to discover whether living in Greece long term is really the right choice.