European capitals hold £76bn worth of property potential
The latest market insight from international property consultancy, Astons, reveals that across seven major European capital cities for property investment activity, the current market holds £75.8bn worth of opportunities.
Astons has analysed the current property markets in seven major European capital cities* to see which have the most residential listings and therefore offer the greatest opportunity to international buyers looking to lay roots or initiate investments overseas.
London has the highest number of listings, with an estimated total of 57,889 homes currently available to buy. However, London’s market is also the most expensive across all seven cities, with an average asking price of £561,309. As such, London’s current housing market has an estimated combined value of £32.5 billion.
The Greek capital of Athens boasts the second-highest number of active property listings, with 35,380 currently on the market. With an average asking price of just £184,235, it is also the most accessible of all the cities Astons has studied.
In Madrid, Spain, there are 25,323 properties for sale at an average price of £451,735, while Rome has 23,452 live listings and Paris has 19,341, with average asking prices of £261,606 and £507,107 respectively.
Suzanna Uzakova, Senior Consultant for Residency and Citizenship Programmes at Astons, commented:
“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. 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, are incredibly strong and consistently demonstrate 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.”
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