The Avezor Greece catalogue includes commercial buildings, office premises, industrial facilities and other business properties in Athens. Depending on the listing, buyers may explore an existing operating business, a property with tenants or commercial premises suitable for a new venture.
Before buying a business in Athens, it is essential to understand exactly what is included in the transaction, assess its financial and legal position, and consider its long-term suitability.
Types of businesses and commercial properties in Athens
Restaurants, cafés and hospitality businesses
Athens has a diverse food and beverage market serving residents, professionals and international visitors.
Buyers interested in restaurants, cafés or other hospitality businesses should examine operating expenses, historical revenue, equipment, staffing obligations and lease arrangements.
Location is particularly important. A business in a tourist district may have a different customer profile and seasonal pattern from one serving a residential neighbourhood.
The purchase of an operating restaurant should not be confused with buying premises that could potentially accommodate one.
Hotels and tourist accommodation
The Athens hospitality market includes hotels, guesthouses, serviced accommodation and other tourism-related properties.
Investors may consider acquiring an established accommodation business or purchasing a building for possible hospitality use.
Key considerations include permitted use, operational licences, building condition, historical occupancy, management costs and any required refurbishment.
Not every commercial building can legally be converted into tourist accommodation. Planning and licensing requirements must be reviewed before committing to a purchase.
Retail businesses and shops
Retail premises in Athens can be suitable for shops, showrooms, beauty services and other customer-facing operations.
When comparing properties, buyers should consider pedestrian traffic, visibility, street frontage, public transport access and competition.
Purchasing a shop property gives the buyer ownership of the real estate. Acquiring an operating retail business may involve inventory, equipment, supplier contracts and other business assets.
Offices and commercial buildings
Office properties and business centres may appeal to investors looking for rental income or companies requiring their own premises.
Important features include building specifications, floor layouts, parking, accessibility, energy performance and existing lease agreements.
A commercial building with tenants should be evaluated according to actual rental income, occupancy, maintenance expenses and the terms of the leases.
Industrial and warehouse properties
Athens also offers industrial premises, workshops, warehouses and multifunctional commercial buildings.
These properties may interest businesses involved in logistics, production, distribution and storage.
Before purchasing, investors should check road access, loading facilities, electrical capacity, building specifications and whether the intended activity is legally permitted.
Best areas to buy a business in Athens
The right location depends on the type of business, target customers and investment strategy.
Central Athens
Central districts such as Syntagma, Monastiraki, Plaka and Psyrri attract different combinations of tourists, residents and commercial activity.
These areas may be considered for hospitality, retail and service-oriented businesses.
However, the suitability of an individual property depends on its street location, visibility, permitted use and operating conditions.
Southern Athens and the Athens Riviera
Glyfada, Alimos, Palaio Faliro and surrounding southern suburbs combine residential neighbourhoods with restaurants, shops and professional services.
Commercial properties in these locations may suit businesses targeting local residents, visitors or customers seeking coastal amenities.
Buyers should assess accessibility, competition and the commercial characteristics of each neighbourhood.
Northern Athens
Marousi, Chalandri and Kifisia are established residential and commercial areas.
They may be suitable for offices, professional services, retail premises and other business activities.
Transport connections, surrounding employment centres and customer accessibility are important selection criteria.
Western Athens
Western parts of the Athens metropolitan area may offer options for industrial buildings, storage facilities and larger commercial premises.
For these properties, logistics, technical specifications and lawful commercial use often matter more than pedestrian traffic.
How much does a business in Athens cost?
The price of an established business in Athens depends on its industry, profitability, assets, location and contractual obligations.
Two businesses operating in the same sector may have significantly different valuations.
The main pricing factors include:
Financial performance: verified revenue, operating profit and recurring expenses.
Location: accessibility, customer demand and local competition.
Property ownership: whether the premises are included in the sale or leased.
Business assets: equipment, furnishings, stock and other transferable assets.
Legal position: licences, contracts, outstanding liabilities and ownership structure.
Future investment: refurbishment, equipment replacement and additional working capital.
Commercial real estate is valued differently. Its purchase price depends on location, floor area, physical condition, permitted use and potential rental income.
Buyers should compare the total acquisition cost rather than relying exclusively on the advertised asking price.
Investing in businesses and commercial real estate in Athens
Buying a business in Greece can be considered as part of a broader investment strategy.
For an operating business, investors should review historical financial statements, cash flow, expenses, outstanding obligations and dependence on the existing owner.
For income-producing commercial property, the analysis should focus on rental agreements, tenant reliability, operating expenses, vacancy risk and future maintenance.
It is useful to prepare several financial scenarios, including reduced income or unexpected expenditure.
Potential returns must be assessed individually. Neither a business acquisition nor a commercial property purchase guarantees profitability.
How can foreigners buy a business in Athens?
Foreign investors may acquire businesses and commercial properties in Greece, subject to applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
The exact process depends on the buyer's circumstances and whether the transaction involves company shares, selected business assets or real estate.
A typical acquisition involves the following stages:
Define investment objectives. Establish the budget, preferred industry and intended involvement.
Select suitable opportunities. Compare available businesses and commercial properties.
Review preliminary documentation. Confirm what is included in the proposed transaction.
Conduct due diligence. Examine ownership, financial records, contracts, liabilities and licences.
Negotiate the purchase. Agree on price, payment terms, transferred assets and contractual protections.
Complete legal formalities. Sign the necessary agreements and undertake applicable registration and tax procedures.
Arrange the handover. Transfer the agreed assets, documents and operational responsibilities.
Depending on the transaction, company records may need to be examined through the Greek General Commercial Registry (GEMI). Tax and other regulatory procedures may also apply.
Independent Greek legal and accounting advice is strongly recommended.
What to check before purchasing a business
Before acquiring an established business, buyers should investigate its financial, legal and operational position.
Important checks include:
corporate registration and ownership;
seller's authority to complete the transaction;
financial statements and tax records;
outstanding debts and potential liabilities;
supplier and customer agreements;
employee obligations;
operating licences and permits;
ownership of equipment and business assets;
existing litigation;
transferability of contracts and business rights.
Where real estate forms part of the transaction, a separate property investigation is necessary.
This should cover ownership records, encumbrances, building permits, technical condition and lawful use.
Buy a business property in Athens with Avezor Greece
Purchasing a commercial property abroad involves more than comparing listings. Buyers need to understand the local market, identify suitable opportunities and coordinate the acquisition process.
Avezor Greece assists clients with commercial property searches in Athens according to their budget, preferred location, required floor area and intended use.
Buyers can request information about available properties, arrange viewings and receive assistance with coordinating the purchase process and relevant professional advisers.
An essential first step is establishing whether a listing concerns an operating business, a commercial building or specific business assets.
Frequently asked questions
Can foreigners buy a business in Athens?
Yes. Foreign investors can generally acquire businesses in Greece, subject to applicable legal requirements. Certain regulated activities may require additional authorisations.
Can I buy a business in Athens remotely?
Some transactions may be completed through an authorised representative. The required documents and procedures depend on the transaction structure.
Does buying a business include ownership of the premises?
Not necessarily. Many businesses operate from rented premises. Buyers should confirm whether real estate is included and review any relevant lease agreements.
Can I buy commercial property with existing tenants?
Yes. Commercial properties may be sold with existing leases. Buyers should examine tenant agreements, rental payments and ownership expenses.
Does buying a business qualify me for a Greek residence permit?
Not automatically. Residence permit eligibility depends on the relevant immigration category and current legal requirements.
Find businesses and commercial properties in Athens with Avezor Greece
Looking for a business for sale in Athens or commercial real estate for investment?
Explore the Avezor Greece catalogue, compare available properties and identify opportunities that match your financial and operational goals.
Contact Avezor Greece for assistance with property selection, current listings and arranging viewings in Athens.
