Kos Property Market and Real Estate Guide

(Kos, Dodecanese, Greece)

The beautiful Greek island of Kos lies in the Dodecanese Islands group, where it is only 4 km / 2.5 miles from the Turkish coast. Kos is a small island, but packs a great deal of history, varied scenery and charming villages into its available space. Close offshore are the islands of Tilos and volcanic Nisyros.

Kos Town, with its whitewashed buildings and busy harbour, is the island's capital and its cultural and tourist centre. Other sea coast and mountain villages include Kefalos, Kardamena, Marmari, and Antimachia. Farming is the principal occupation, with grapes, olives, tomatoes and almonds the main crops.


Flights arrive at Kos International Airport from Rhodes, Athens and beyond. A hydrofoil service runs to nearby islands, and ferries run daily to Turkey, Alexandroupoli in northern Greece and the Athenian port of Piraeus.

Available homes in Kos range from modern properties to picturesque stone-built village houses with superb views. Prices along the waterfront and in the main resorts are relatively expensive, but rates drop the further you go from the shore and the action.

Renting Serviced Apartments

Although apartments on the island are mainly aimed at the self-catering holiday let market, serviced apartments are available in Kos Town, usually with balcony, soundproofed windows and a kitchenette. Air conditioning and Internet access are available, but may be charged as extra. Prices vary according to the standard of facilities supplied, but are less expensive then upscale hotels. There is usually a minimum stay stipulation of a week.

Buying Apartments and Houses

A good choice of property in Kos is available, from upscale new apartments and villas to quaint, run-down, ripe for renovation village homes in beautiful locations, ideal for the do-it-yourself enthusiast. Prices, although reasonable in comparison with Europe and the USA, vary according to location, with properties close to beaches, holiday resorts or in Kos Town being the most expensive.

Both EU and non-EU citizens can buy property in Kos, although non-EU buyers must present a valid passport and a Greek tax number, easily available from the Greek Tax Authority. Property purchases are subject to transfer tax at between 9 and 11 percent, and properties built after 2005 are also subject to Value Added Tax (VAT) at 19 percent of the contract price.

Other extras include a public notary fee at 1.5 percent of the contract price, a land registry fee and stamp duty. Both buyers and sellers are legally required to hire a lawyer.

Real Estate Agents

Real estate agencies are found mainly in Kos Town and Kefalos, with English and other European languages usually spoken. Buyers should enlist the help of a lawyer, as well as a real estate in Kos when making a purchase.

Check out the following Kos real estate agents:

Kos Real Estate
Address: Papalexandratos George, Kefalos, Kos, 85301, Greece
Tel: +30 22420 72048
Email: info@kosrealestate.gr
Website: www.kosrealestate.gr
This agency has a useful FAQ page, dealing with all aspects of buying a property in Kos.

Kos Homes
Address: Kos Town, Kos, 85300, Greece
Tel: +30 22420 20268
Email: infor@kos-homes.com
Website: www.kos-homes.com
Kos Homes, a recent startup, advertises properties of all types in all areas of the island.

Interestate
Address: Erg Athinas 54, Rhodes, 85110, Greece
Tel: +30 22410 73173
Email: info@interestate.gr
Website: www.interestate.gr
Although Interestate's contact address is on Rhodes, the website is excellent, with a good selection of Kos properties for sale.