Corfu property guide
Buying Property in Corfu
A practical starting point for choosing a place, understanding the purchase process and preparing for life as an owner on the island.
Start with the life, not the listing
Corfu is not one property market with one kind of lifestyle. A home near Corfu Town, a hillside villa in the north-east and a house in a southern fishing village each offer a different daily rhythm.
The best search begins by deciding how often you will be here, whether you need year-round services, how much maintenance you want, and whether rental management matters to you. Only then should the shortlist begin.
The purchase journey
Five steps to a considered purchase
- 01
Define the way you want to live
Begin with the purpose of the property: a full-time home, a seasonal base, a managed holiday residence or a long-term investment. This decision shapes the location, access, upkeep and type of home that will suit you.
- 02
Build an independent local team
A buyer will typically work with an independent lawyer, a notary, an engineer and an accountant. Choose advisers who understand Corfu properties and can explain each document and obligation in a language you are comfortable using.
- 03
Complete legal and technical checks
Your advisers should verify ownership, planning status, boundaries, access, permits, building records and any restrictions affecting the property. Island homes, rural plots and older buildings can require especially careful technical review.
- 04
Plan the full ownership cost
Budget beyond the agreed price for professional fees, taxes, registration, surveys, insurance, utilities, maintenance and any renovation. Ask your advisers for a written estimate based on the specific transaction rather than relying on a general percentage.
- 05
Sign and register the purchase
The notary prepares the final deed once the required checks and documents are complete. Your legal team can then confirm registration with the appropriate Greek property registry and help arrange the practical steps of ownership.
Choosing where to buy in Corfu
Corfu Town and central Corfu
Convenient access to the airport, services, culture and year-round life. Central villages can combine privacy with a short drive to town.
North-east Corfu
Known for green hillsides, coves and established coastal villages. Consider road access, slope, privacy and seasonal activity property by property.
South and south-east Corfu
A varied coastline with fishing villages, beaches and quieter landscapes. This can suit buyers seeking a slower rhythm and a closer connection to local life.
Rural inland villages
Often rich in character and nature. Carefully check access, utilities, boundaries, renovation scope and the rules applying to the exact plot or building.
Questions worth asking
- Is the property suitable for the way I intend to use it?
- Have title, boundaries, access, permits and building records been independently checked?
- What work, maintenance and management will the home require each year?
- Which documents and tax registrations do I need as an international buyer?
- Who will look after the property when I am away?
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Requirements vary by buyer and property. Always obtain independent professional advice for the specific transaction. Official information is available through gov.gr and the Hellenic Cadastre.