“International property buyers are seeking more than just a roof over their heads; they want access to rewarding lifestyles, prestige, and entry into thriving economies that safeguard and grow their investment”
– Suzanna Uzakova – Astons
New analysis from international property consultancy Astons estimates that across seven major European capital cities, there is £75.8 billion worth of opportunities for international property investors.
The research examined current residential listings to identify which cities hold the greatest potential for overseas buyers looking either for a home or for an investment foothold.
London tops the list with 57,889 homes currently for sale, the highest of all cities analysed. With an average asking price of £561,309, the combined value of London’s market comes to £32.5 billion.
Athens has the second-highest number of available homes at 35,380, and its average asking price of £184,235 makes it the most accessible capital for buyers among the cities included in the study.
Madrid and Rome follow with 25,323 and 23,452 active listings, respectively. Average prices in Madrid stand at £451,735, while homes in Rome are priced at £261,606 on average. Paris records 19,341 live listings, with properties marketed at an average of £507,107.
“International property buyers are seeking more than just a roof over their heads; they want access to rewarding lifestyles, prestige, and entry into thriving economies that safeguard and grow their investment,” explained Suzanna Uzakova, senior consultant for residency and citizenship programmes at Astons. “London ticks all of these boxes with ease because while the UK’s wider economic picture may look uneven, the capital’s property market, especially its prime and super-prime markets, is incredibly strong and consistently demonstrates impressive resilience.”
“But it’s Athens that has emerged as the true standout property market for international buyers. Greece’s economy is constantly strengthening, with the economic difficulties of the past now a dot in the rearview mirror. Property values across the country are on the rise, and the nation’s Golden Visa program offers a truly compelling route to ownership: residency in exchange for real estate investment.”
“Although the minimum Golden Visa investment threshold in Athens and other high-demand areas now stands at €800,000, foreign investors can still secure Greek residency with a significantly more accessible investment of €250,000, provided they purchase commercial property that is converted into residential use. This rule applies nationwide, meaning investors can still target Athens without committing to an €800,000+ spend.”