Dontas Real Estate Agency is located in Kifissia, Athens. Their website notes: “Numerous people trust us thanks to our professional way of working and our discretion and this is the reason why we have managed to expand our activity so rapidly.” It is also noted that “our company uses its expertise to offer you high quality services and recommendations, and above all acts as a personal consultant for your investments,” presenting clients with the “most interesting and notable properties all over Greece, traditional and preserved mansions, vacation homes, seaside plots, hotels.”
We had the opportunity to speak to Alexandros Dontas about his company and real estate opportunities for Diaspora Hellenes.
The National Herald: How do you assess the real estate market in Greece today, particularly in the northern suburbs of Athens? What are the main trends that Greeks in the Diaspora should be aware of?
Alexandros Dontas: The northern suburbs are considered one of the best parts of Athens. Compared to the increases seen in the southern suburbs and the city center, I would say that in the near future this is the area likely to offer the best returns. I believe that many property owners on the Athenian Riviera will be tempted by strong demand to sell at very high prices, and will then look to replace their properties with homes in high-quality areas of the northern suburbs at much better prices. Today, there are properties in Kifissia, Ekali, and Kastri at nearly half the price compared to Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, and Elliniko.
TNH: For a Greek living abroad – especially in the U.S. – who is considering investing in property in Greece, what are the key advantages and the potential pitfalls they should watch out for?
AD: Many U.S. residents buy or renovate properties in their place of origin to maintain a connection with their homeland. There are also buyers who want to invest in income-generating properties, either commercial or holiday homes on the islands.
Currently, commercial properties such as office spaces in Marousi and Piraeus, or logistics warehouses in Aspropyrgos, Votanikos, Peristeri, and Metamorfosi, are in high demand and offer very high returns.
TNH: Your company emphasizes the role of the ‘investment advisor’. What does that mean in practice for a client abroad who is not physically present in Greece?
AD: It is very important to establish communication in order to clearly understand what the client is looking for. This allows us to present multiple examples and propose solutions tailored to their interests. The more information we have, the better and more precise the proposal we can provide.
TNH: What types of properties currently show the greatest investment interest (e.g., luxury homes, tourist properties, commercial spaces), and why?
AD: All three categories are of interest, depending on the buyer’s investment strategy.
Luxury homes are aimed at buyers for personal use, with specific criteria and preferred locations. These buyers are often willing to pay a premium because the property is intended exclusively for themselves.
On the other hand, tourist or commercial properties are typically purchased by professionals or investors aiming for long-term capital appreciation as well as steady monthly income.
TNH: How do you see investment interest from Greeks abroad evolving in the coming years, and what role might they play in the Greek real estate market?
AD: In recent years, Greece has been at the center of interest from major investment firms, both domestic and international, for acquisitions of hotels, office spaces, large storage facilities, and logistics hubs. Greece’s strategic location attracts buyers from Europe, China, Israel, Turkey, Gulf countries, as well as many Greeks of the Diaspora, who often feel the need to own a home or property in their country of origin.
It is also important that many Greeks are revitalizing their villages by renovating or buying homes, leaving something meaningful to their children and grandchildren – a tangible connection to their roots.
Every year, when I visit my homeland of Chios, I have the joy of seeing the children and grandchildren of relatives, and witnessing their love and deep affection for Greece.