Thousands of Bulgarians already own homes in Northern Greece, and some of them live there year-round. It is this increased interest that has become a reason for sharp political reactions in our southern neighbor.
According to information from the National Revenue Agency, the number of Bulgarians with properties in Greece has increased sharply in recent years - from 772 people in 2020 to 3,228 in 2024, with no final data for 2025 yet, but the trend continues. Brokers report a growth of about 50% among Bulgarian clients.
The leader of the far-right nationalist party “Greek Solution“ Kyriakos Velopoulos described the purchase of properties by Bulgarians and Turks as “colonization“ and a threat to national security. From the parliamentary rostrum, he stated that although they are Orthodox Christians, this does not justify, in his words, “anti-national behavior“. His statements caused a serious response among the Bulgarian community in Greece, "Nova TV" reported.
Activists and business representatives, however, deny that there is any real tension at the local level. According to Bulgarians living in the country, such words are part of nationalist rhetoric, known in other countries as well, and do not reflect everyday relations. They emphasize that there is no bad attitude towards foreigners and that such statements do not change the reality outside the parliament.
Meanwhile, the Greek newspaper Kathimerini describes the areas with a large presence of Bulgarian owners as the “Bulgarian Riviera“. According to brokers, interest began to grow even before the Covid pandemic. There is no tension on the ground, but market pressure is felt - mainly due to rising prices and increased competition in popular coastal areas.
More and more shops, restaurants and taverns are focusing on Bulgarian customers - menus and staff in Bulgarian are no longer uncommon. According to local businesses, this does not create conflicts, but stimulates the economy.
Bulgarians often buy properties in the same place, which sometimes gives rise to dissatisfaction and speculation, but the real effect on the regions is mainly economic - a slight increase in the price of properties. The data confirms this: prices, which years ago were around 1,000 euros per square meter, today in new construction start at 2,500 euros, depending on the location.
According to information from the National Revenue Agency, the number of Bulgarians with properties in Greece has increased sharply in recent years - from 772 people in 2020 to 3228 in 2024, with no final data for 2025 yet, but the trend continues. Brokers report a growth of about 50% among Bulgarian clients.
Most often, demand is motivated by tranquility, a secure investment and proximity to the sea. Many buyers acquire old houses, renovate them and rent them out, which brings benefits to local businesses – from taverns to small shops and bakeries.
Tensions also escalated after Velopoulos accused the Metropolitan of Alexandroupolis of selling church properties to Bulgarians and Turks. The Metropolitanate responded that these were two properties sold years ago to Orthodox Christians – citizens of the European Union, and described the accusations as an attempt at division.
When asked whether Northern Greece is the subject of “colonization“, local representatives are categorical – such claims are not supported by any real events.