At a time when the cost of living is up and accessing the privately owned roof is becoming increasingly demanding, Greek buyers residential seem to adjust their expectations. According to the annual nationwide survey of RE/MAX Greece for 2024, the majority of transactions involved medium and smaller properties, with the apartments From 76 to 100 sq.m. gain the preference of 26.2% of buyers.
This trend, which records an increase compared to 2023, reflects a shift to more flexible, functional and mainly affordable homes. As market executives point out, smaller surfaces result in lower acquisition costs, but also reduced fixed costs – from heating to maintenance. The apartments of 51-75 sq.m. They follow, garnering 23.4% of the preferences, while houses up to 50 sqm are of particular interest (22.6%), mainly due to increased demand for investors, despite the slight decline compared to last year.
The image varies by region. In Attica, for example, the first comes the residences of 51 – 75 sq.m. (32.7%), indicating that the size and price relationship is the main guide to buyers’ decisions, especially in an environment of intense competition and price. On the contrary, in Thessaloniki, the largest apartments of 76 – 100 sq.m. They are preceded (33.5%), while very small properties move low in preferences (12.5%).
In the region, the balances are different: very small properties up to 50 sq.m. They dominate 27.2%, which is mainly interpreted as a result of lower purchasing power and increased demand for country or investment solutions in tourist areas.
Changes in purchasing behaviors are not accidental. Increased real estate taxation, mortgage rates and the overall cost of maintenance of a home push buyers to more “tired” options. At the same time, the new household profile – smaller in size, with frequently changing needs – enhances the preference for homes that offer sufficiently without exaggeration.
Even in the upper category (101 – 150 sqm), demand is limited to 18.3%, while houses of over 151 sq.m. They maintain a share of only 9.5%, although with a slight rise from last year. This is likely to indicate the entry of higher income buyers, who see investment opportunities or wish to upgrade living conditions.
This year’s image of the real estate market clearly emphasizes the need to adapt to new economic and social conditions. Despite geographical differentiation in preferences, the dominant trend is common: a shift to houses that serve the real needs of citizens without escaping their budget.