Greece is attracting attention as British residents weigh up the cost of living, sunshine and retirement options abroad, according to a new international relocation guide.
Greece is back in the spotlight as a potential destination for Britons considering a move overseas, with its Mediterranean climate, island lifestyle and comparatively lower living costs featuring prominently in a new guide published by the Daily Mail.
The guide examines destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa and North America for people looking to leave Britain, comparing property prices, taxation, healthcare, education and residency options.
Greece features alongside Portugal, Spain, Italy, Cyprus and Malta, offering prospective expatriates a combination of coastal living, historic towns and access to the European lifestyle.
Why Greece appeals to British expatriates
The Daily Mail identifies Greece’s islands, food, culture and cost of living as major attractions for British residents considering a permanent move abroad.
The country offers several potential residency pathways for non-EU nationals, including financially independent person visas and digital nomad visas. Eligible investors may also qualify for Greece’s Golden Visa residency programme, subject to the relevant investment requirements.
For retirees and people with independent income, Greece also offers a dedicated tax regime that may provide advantages for those who meet the eligibility criteria.
However, residency and taxation requirements vary according to individual circumstances, and prospective residents need to consider the rules that apply to their income, nationality and intended length of stay.
Property prices put Greece in the spotlight
The guide highlights Corfu as an example of a Greek destination where buyers can find property at prices below the reported UK average.
According to the Daily Mail, a detached, two-bedroom house on the island could cost approximately £251,000, compared with a reported average UK house price of £298,468.
Corfu, known internationally for its beaches, traditional villages and lush landscapes, has long attracted overseas visitors and residents. The island also gained international recognition through the Durrell family stories and their television adaptations.
Property prices vary considerably across Greece, however. Locations in popular island destinations and central Athens can command substantially different prices from homes in smaller towns and less heavily visited regions.
Buyers must also account for legal checks, renovation costs, property taxes and the expenses associated with maintaining a home abroad.
Sunshine and a lower cost of living
Greece’s climate is another major attraction identified by the guide, which cites more than 300 days of sunshine annually.
The country’s warm summers, outdoor dining culture and coastal communities appeal to people seeking a different pace of life from Britain’s often colder and wetter conditions.
The Daily Mail estimates that the cost of living in Greece is 22.3 per cent lower than in the UK, with a three-course meal for two costing approximately £42.71.
Actual expenses depend heavily on location and lifestyle. Housing, imported goods, energy consumption and seasonal price increases in tourist destinations can all influence household budgets.
For those considering retirement, healthcare access is another important factor. Eligibility for public healthcare depends on residency status, social insurance contributions and other applicable requirements. Moving to Greece does not automatically guarantee free healthcare for every foreign resident.
How Greece compares with other destinations
The guide places Greece within a wider group of countries competing for British expatriates and retirees.
Portugal is highlighted for its Algarve coastline and residency options, while Spain remains a major destination for British residents seeking warmer weather and established expatriate communities.
Cyprus offers an English-speaking environment in many communities, a Mediterranean climate and residency routes for people with independent income. Malta also appeals to British nationals because English is an official language.
Outside Europe, Australia offers employment opportunities and an established English-speaking environment, although its housing costs can be substantial. South Africa and several Asian destinations attract expatriates with lower living costs, while Canada appeals to those seeking career opportunities and access to public services.
Each destination has different immigration, taxation and healthcare requirements, making individual circumstances an important consideration.
What British citizens need to know before moving to Greece
Brexit has changed the rules for British citizens wishing to establish themselves in Greece.
British nationals without relevant EU residence rights generally cannot remain in the Schengen Area for more than 90 days in any 180-day period without an appropriate visa or residence authorisation.
Those planning to live in Greece longer term need to investigate the relevant visa category, income requirements, health insurance obligations and residence procedures before making the move.
Tax residency also requires careful consideration. Someone who relocates may face Greek tax obligations on income from Greece and, depending on their circumstances, income earned elsewhere. Special tax regimes may apply to eligible individuals, but they are not automatic.
For British retirees, remote workers and people seeking a lifestyle change, Greece offers plenty of potential advantages. The key is to assess the practical and financial realities alongside the appeal of its islands, historic communities and Mediterranean way of life.
Source: Daily Mail, October 12, 2026.
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