BLUESTONE REAL ESTATE

• 30/04/25 Sales of Apartments in Thessaloniki: Price Analysis in the Last Five Years (30 April 2020 - 30 April 2025)

• 30/04/25 Sales of Apartments in Thessaloniki: Price Analysis in the Last Five Years (30 April 2020 - 30 April 2025)

1. Summary:

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of apartment sales prices in Thessaloniki, Greece, over the past five years, from April 30, 2020, to the present. The study examines price ranges, average and median sales prices, historical trends, and fluctuations based on apartment size and location within the city. Key findings indicate a strong upward trajectory in apartment prices throughout the period, driven by a convergence of factors, including Greece's economic recovery, increased tourism, foreign investments, and significant infrastructure developments, particularly the Thessaloniki Metro. While there is a broad range of prices influenced by property characteristics and neighborhood, central areas and those near universities have experienced particularly strong growth. The market presents a dynamic landscape for investors and individuals interested in Thessaloniki's real estate sector, with a cautiously optimistic outlook for continued, albeit possibly more moderate, price increases.

2. Introduction:

Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city and a major cultural and economic hub in the northern Balkans, has increasingly drawn attention as a promising destination for real estate investments. Its strategic geographical location, combined with a developing economy and a rich historical heritage, makes it an attractive alternative to the capital, Athens. This report aims to provide a detailed analysis of apartment sales prices in Thessaloniki over the past five years, specifically from April 30, 2020, to the present date. The analysis will delve into observed price ranges, average and median transaction prices, historical trends shaping the market over this period, and price fluctuations based on apartment size and location. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for investors seeking opportunities, market researchers aiming to grasp the regional real estate landscape, and individuals considering purchasing property in Thessaloniki. By examining these key aspects, this report offers valuable insights into the current state and recent development of Thessaloniki’s apartment market.

3. Overview of Thessaloniki’s Real Estate Market:

The Greek real estate market has demonstrated remarkable recovery in recent years, bouncing back from the significant downturn experienced during the financial crisis. This resurgence has been fueled by several factors, including the stabilization of the Greek economy, government initiatives aimed at attracting investments—such as the Golden Visa program—and a significant increase in demand driven by tourism. Residential property transaction values in Greece have shown steady growth during this period, reflecting renewed confidence and activity in the market.

Within this broader context, Thessaloniki’s real estate market has emerged as particularly dynamic and increasingly attractive, especially in comparison to Athens. Specifically, Thessaloniki has led all Greek cities in terms of residential price growth, with values rising by 12.19% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2024. This continuous increase for eight consecutive quarters highlights the city's strong market momentum. A significant factor contributing to Thessaloniki’s appeal is its relative affordability compared to Athens, attracting buyers who may find the capital’s prices unattainable. Additionally, the city offers high rental yields and an expanding urban footprint, making it an attractive prospect for both homeownership and investors seeking income-generating properties.

One pivotal development affecting Thessaloniki’s real estate market is ongoing infrastructure projects, mainly the Thessaloniki Metro. The improved connectivity resulting from the metro’s phased operation has directly impacted property values in serviced areas, leading to notable price increases. Areas in close proximity to metro stations have seen the most significant price hikes, with some reports indicating increases of up to 60% between 2020 and 2024 in locations near the metro. This infrastructure enhancement is reshaping demand patterns across the city and solidifying Thessaloniki’s position as a key emerging market in Greece’s real estate landscape.

4. Apartment Sales Price Range (April 2020 - Present):

Determining the exact minimum and maximum sales prices of apartments in Thessaloniki over the past five years requires access to comprehensive transaction records, which are not fully available in the provided excerpts. However, an analysis of listing prices and market commentary offers a strong indication of prevailing price ranges. As of the first quarter of 2025, the median listing prices for residential properties in Thessaloniki ranged from €140,000 to €220,000. Notably, renovated two-bedroom units often fell within this range. A review of individual apartment listings from April 2025 reveals a broader spectrum, with prices ranging from approximately €35,000 to €850,000 and even up to €1,200,000 in certain cases. Listings from other platforms during the same period show prices starting from around €58,000 and reaching up to €182,000. This significant variation in listed prices reflects the heterogeneity of Thessaloniki's apartment market, where factors such as size, condition, and, most importantly, location play a major role in determining a property’s value. While these figures represent listing prices, they provide a reasonable reference point for understanding the potential range of actual sales prices during the defined five-year period. Clearly, the market caters to a wide range of budgets, from more economical options to high-end luxury apartments.

5. Average and Median Apartment Sales Prices (April 2020 - Present):

Several sources provide data on Thessaloniki’s average and median apartment sales prices, offering insights into the market’s central trend. As of the first quarter of 2025, the average sales price of residential properties in Thessaloniki stood at €1,970 per square meter. Another report indicated an average sales price of €2,181 per square meter for the entire Thessaloniki area in March 2025. Conversely, the median price per square meter for apartments listed for sale was reported as €2,806 in April 2025. For a one-bedroom apartment, the average price was estimated at €120,000 in 2025, with an average price per square meter of approximately €2,352. Another source indicated an average price of €2,452 per square meter for Thessaloniki overall.

The difference between the average and median price suggests a potential asymmetry in the market, where a number of properties may be selling at lower prices while a smaller segment of high-value properties skews the average price upward. The upward trend in these figures is notable. The average sales price per square meter saw a 12.19% year-on-year increase in the first quarter of 2024. Additionally, the average sales price in the Thessaloniki area rose by 6.18% in March 2025 compared to March 2024. This steady increase underscores strong demand and rising values in Thessaloniki’s apartment market during the recent period.

Table 1: Average and Median Apartment Sales Prices in Thessaloniki (Latest Available Data)

Metric Price (€) Unit Source Date
Average Sales Price 1,970 per sq.m. The Luxury Playbook Q1 2025
Average Sales Price 2,181 per sq.m. Indomio March 2025
Median Price 2,806 per sq.m. Properstar April 2025
Average Price (1-Bedroom) 120,000 total Investropa 2025
Average Price per sq.m. 2,352 per sq.m. Investropa 2025
Average Price 2,452 per sq.m. Tranio 2025

 

 

 6. Analysis of Historical Apartment Price Trends (April 2020 - Present):

Thessaloniki's apartment market has exhibited a significant upward price trend over the past five years. Data shows an impressive 83.5% increase in housing prices from Q3 2019 to Q3 2023. Over a slightly different period, from 2018 to 2023, residential property prices in Thessaloniki also rose by 7.6%. The average selling price per square meter reached its highest point in November 2024 at €2,159.

The Greek House Price Index for new apartments in Thessaloniki (over five years old), using 2007=100 as the base year, provides a quarterly outlook on price trends. The index value stood at 92.900 in December 2024, a slight decrease from 94.600 in September 2024. However, looking back at previous periods, the index recorded 95.500 in September 2024 and 92.300 in June 2024, indicating a general upward trend from its low point of 52.500 in September 2017.

Quarterly data from Spitogatos shows substantial annual increases in residential sales prices during Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024: 12.60% in Thessaloniki - Municipality, 10.20% in Thessaloniki - Suburbs, and a remarkable 15.30% increase in Thessaloniki - Remaining Region. This confirms the continued strong price growth across different areas of Thessaloniki.

Data from the Bank of Greece further supports this trend. In Q4 2024, apartment prices in Thessaloniki increased by 8.2% year-on-year, with an average annual rise of 11.2% for the entire year of 2024. This follows even higher annual increases in previous periods, such as 14.6% in Q4 2023 and an annual rise of 16.2% in 2023. The New Apartment Price Index by Geographic Area from the Bank of Greece provides a detailed quarterly analysis. Examining this index from Q2 2020 onward reveals a steady rise in values for both new and old apartments in Thessaloniki. For instance, the index for new apartments (up to five years old) in Thessaloniki increased from 82.2 in Q2 2020 to 112.7 in Q4 2024, while for older apartments (over five years old), it rose from 79.9 in Q2 2020 to 103.8 in Q4 2024. Although the growth rate may have slowed slightly in some recent quarters, the overall trend clearly indicates a significant rise in Thessaloniki apartment prices over the last five years.

#### Table 2: New Apartment Price Index (Bank of Greece) – Thessaloniki (Quarterly Data, April 2020 - December 2024)

Quarter Year Index Value (New Apartments) Annual Change (New Apartments) Index Value (Old Apartments) Annual Change (Old Apartments)
Q2 2020 82.2 - 79.9 -
Q3 2020 84.5 - 82.9 -
Q4 2020 85.8 - 84.6 -
Q1 2021 89.0 - 88.6 -
Q2 2021 91.0 10.7% 92.9 16.3%
Q3 2021 93.9 11.1% 94.6 14.1%
Q4 2021 96.4 12.4% 97.6 15.4%
Q1 2022 98.0 9.9% 98.5 11.2%
Q2 2022 101.5 11.5% 102.1 9.9%
Q3 2022 103.9 10.7% 103.8 9.7%
Q4 2022 107.2 11.2% 105.3 7.9%
Q1 2023 108.6 10.8% 108.5 10.4%
Q2 2023 108.7 7.1% 110.3 8.0%
Q3 2023 112.8 8.5% 112.7 8.3%
Q4 2023 105.3 -1.8% 98.5 -6.5%
Q1 2024 108.6 - 100.6 -
Q2 2024 110.3 1.6% 104.0 3.3%
Q3 2024 112.7 -0.1% 103.8 -0.2%
Q4 2024 112.8 7.1% 106.1 7.3%

 

8. Price Variations by Location/Neighborhood:

Location is a crucial factor in determining apartment prices in Thessaloniki, with significant differences observed across neighborhoods. Central areas and locations near universities have experienced faster price growth, reflecting high demand. As of Q1 2025, median residential property prices per square meter varied across key neighborhoods:

  • Ano Poli (€2,150)

  • Vardaris (€1,680)

  • Kalamaria (€2,450)

  • Toumba (€1,850)

  • Thermi (€1,920)

Data from Spitogatos (Q1 2025) shows the average selling price per square meter in:

  • Thessaloniki - Municipality: €2,558

  • Thessaloniki - Suburbs: €1,815

  • Thessaloniki - Remaining Region: €964

Indomio (March 2025) provides further details:

  • Thessaloniki - Municipality: €2,489

  • Thessaloniki - Suburbs: €1,908

  • Thessaloniki - Remaining Region: €1,093

Within Thessaloniki - Municipality, the most expensive area for apartment sales was Thessaloniki - Center (€2,933 per sq.m.), while the cheapest was Sfageia - Ichthyoskala (€1,405 per sq.m.).

Certain neighborhoods are consistently recognized as premium areas. Kalamaria, Thessaloniki Center, Pylaia, Toumba, and Harilaou are among the most expensive locations for property purchases. Specific price increases have been observed in areas near the metro, such as Agia Sofia, where median sale prices increased by 11.6% in 2024, reaching €3,224 per sq.m., and Papafi, which saw the highest annual growth rate of 31.9%, bringing median sale prices to €2,576 per sq.m.. By November 2024, the median price for properties in Harilaou reached €2,475 per sq.m.

Within Thessaloniki - Center (March 2025):

  • White Tower recorded the highest sale price (€3,565 per sq.m.)

  • Dioikitirio recorded the lowest (€2,142 per sq.m.)

These variations emphasize the significant impact of location on apartment values in Thessaloniki, with factors such as proximity to the city center, amenities, transportation links (especially the metro), and specific neighborhood characteristics driving price differences.

Table 4: Average Apartment Selling Prices per Square Meter by Key Neighborhood (Latest Available Data)

Neighborhood Average/Median Price per Square Meter (€) Source Date
Thessaloniki - Municipality 2,558 (Average) Spitogatos Q1 2025
Thessaloniki - Suburbs 1,815 (Average) Spitogatos Q1 2025
Thessaloniki - Remaining Region 964 (Average) Spitogatos Q1 2025
Thessaloniki - Municipality 2,489 (Average) Indomio March 2025
Thessaloniki - Suburbs 1,908 (Average) Indomio March 2025
Thessaloniki - Remaining Region 1,093 (Average) Indomio March 2025
Ano Poli 2,150 (Median) The Luxury Playbook Q1 2025
Vardaris 1,680 (Median) The Luxury Playbook Q1 2025
Kalamaria 2,450 (Median) The Luxury Playbook Q1 2025
Toumba 1,850 (Median) The Luxury Playbook Q1 2025
Thermi 1,920 (Median) The Luxury Playbook Q1 2025
Thessaloniki - Center 2,933 (Average) Indomio March 2025
Sfageia - Ichthyoskala 1,405 (Average) Indomio March 2025
White Tower (Center) 3,565 (Average) Indomio March 2025
Dioikitirio (Center) 2,142 (Average) Indomio March 2025
Harilaou 2,475 (Average) Investropa November 2024

 

9. Factors Affecting Apartment Prices in Thessaloniki (April 2020 - Present):

The significant increase in apartment prices in Thessaloniki over the past five years can be attributed to a combination of interconnected factors. Greece's economic recovery following a prolonged period of instability played a decisive role in creating a more stable investment environment. The resurgence of tourism was also a major factor, driving demand for short-term rental properties, particularly in central and well-located areas, which in turn influenced overall real estate values. Government initiatives such as the Golden Visa program further strengthened the market, attracting foreign investment, with many international buyers showing keen interest in Thessaloniki due to its strategic location and more competitive real estate prices compared to Athens.

Infrastructure developments, mainly the Thessaloniki Metro, had a profound impact on property prices, particularly in areas benefiting from improved connectivity. The anticipation and subsequent operation of metro stations led to significant price increases in surrounding areas, reflecting the enhanced accessibility and desirability these locations now offer. Broader urbanization trends, with more people seeking the conveniences of city life, have also contributed to the rising demand for housing in Thessaloniki. This increased demand, combined with limited property supply in prime locations, naturally led to higher prices.

Thessaloniki’s real estate market also benefited from growing interest from both domestic buyers and international investors, who recognize the city’s development potential and attractive rental yields. Additionally, Thessaloniki’s position as a major university hub creates consistent demand for rental properties, particularly from students and young professionals, indirectly supporting property values.

The interaction of these economic, social, and infrastructural factors has created a dynamic market environment, characterized by continuous price increases in Thessaloniki’s apartment sector over the last five years.

10. Conclusion and Future Outlook:

The analysis of apartment sales prices in Thessaloniki over the past five years reveals a market characterized by strong growth and rising values. Price ranges are broad, reflecting the diversity of available properties, yet both average and median sales prices have shown a clear upward trend. Historical data confirms substantial price increases in Thessaloniki’s apartment market since April 2020, with some moderation in growth rates observed in more recent quarters. Price variations based on apartment size and especially location remain significant, with central and well-connected areas commanding higher values.

This price surge is driven by a mix of economic recovery, a thriving tourism sector, influxes of foreign investment, and transformative infrastructure projects, particularly the Thessaloniki Metro.

Looking ahead, Thessaloniki’s apartment market is expected to continue experiencing price growth, albeit at a more moderate pace, due to sustained demand and limited supply in key areas. The full operation of the Thessaloniki Metro is likely to further influence property values in areas that were previously less accessible, potentially unlocking new investment opportunities.

While market fundamentals appear strong, possible changes in the broader economic landscape could influence future price trends. For investors and prospective homeowners, careful assessment of location, property size, and current market dynamics will be essential for making informed decisions in this evolving market.

Current data suggests Thessaloniki remains an attractive real estate market with strong growth potential, offering a compelling alternative to the more established Athens property sector.

 

Informative Articles
• 02/05/25 Analysis of Apartment Rental Prices in Thessaloniki (30 April 2020 - 30 April 2025)

• 02/05/25 Cost of buying property in Greece

• 30/04/25 Sales of Apartments in Thessaloniki: Price Analysis in the Last Five Years (30 April 2020 - 30 April 2025)

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