Buy, build or rent a house in Crete?
Our honest experiences as emigrants“I bet you rented for a while before buying something in Crete?” We get that question sometimes, and the answer is yes and no.
Before we emigrated, we had already vacationed in Crete several times. Our dream was to live there permanently. We stayed in various parts of the island and also traveled with a property developer and a local real estate agent several times. They showed us many houses, and that gave us a good feeling about the region where we wanted to live.
Our plan to build our own house in Crete originated while we were still living in the Netherlands. Initially, we wanted to wait until our house was built before emigrating, but we decided to leave sooner and rent temporarily. In retrospect, we can say that was one of the best decisions we ever made.
The choice between buying, building, or renting not only affects how you live but also the ultimate cost of living in Crete. We discuss this in more detail in the blog post “What does living on Crete cost in 2026?”
Where to live in Crete?
Crete is the largest Greek island, covering over 8,000 square kilometers. The island is incredibly diverse and has plenty to offer, not only in summer but also in winter. Therefore, it’s important to determine where you want to live and what matters to you.
Consider:
- Do you prefer to live in or near a large city, or would you prefer a quiet, authentic village in the mountains?
- Is living near an airport or highway important, or is that irrelevant?
- How much do you value proximity to medical care (doctors, hospitals, etc.), shops for groceries and restaurants?
- Do you prefer a large garden or a small terrace or balcony?
- How much do you value a sea view?
- Do you want to live among Greeks, or do you prefer living among expats?
These are relevant questions to help you figure out where you want to live. And we also recommend experiencing it for yourself. Of course, you can experience this during your holiday in Crete, but remember that holidays and everyday life are two completely different things. Your holiday destination can be absolutely fantastic in the summer (cozy and bustling, with lots of shops, beaches, tavernas, live music, etc.) and completely deserted in the winter.
If you build your own house on Crete
3 things to consider
We decided to buy a plot of land and have our own house built on it. This gave us the opportunity to tailor the house entirely to our needs and how we wanted to live. That might sound ideal, and for us, it was.
However, keep in mind that building in Crete:
- It takes time and tests your patience (bureaucracy);
- It rarely goes according to plan (things go wrong);
- You have a specialized lawyer who will protect you from potential problems during the purchase and construction.
Why it is smart to rent in Crete first
We chose to move to Crete before our house was actually built. Construction took 12 months, followed by a period during which various matters were still being addressed.
We found a rental property a 10-minute walk from Chania and 5 minutes from the beach. It was an ideal location because it was relatively close to our building site. This turned out to be an excellent choice for several reasons.
Renting provided peace of mind during the construction process
Because we already lived in Crete near our building site, we could regularly visit and keep an eye on things ourselves. This also allowed us to quickly contact the architect or contractor if necessary. Especially on Crete, where things sometimes go a little differently than you’re used to, this was certainly not an unnecessary luxury.
We were already living “the real Greek life”
During that rental period, we learned what the seasons really feel like, how busy or quiet it gets in winter, and, for example, how practical the location was for everyday activities. This experience confirmed our choice and gave us confidence in the next step.
The reality of buying and building on Crete
Whether you’re buying a house or having it built, the process is different from what we’re used to in the Netherlands. Permits, property lines, connections, everything takes time. Good guidance is essential, as are realistic expectations.
Planning on Crete is often more of a guideline than a fixed fact. This is especially true when it comes to construction. Anyone embarking on this journey would do well to build in space, both literally and figuratively. The Greeks are not naturally hurried and don’t always appreciate being questioned about their work.
Also, be aware that there’s a shortage of high-quality skilled workers on Crete, whether it’s carpenters, masons, plumbers, hospitality workers or cleaning staff. Contractors also face this challenge. They often rely on subcontractors who are “poached” by hotels and large resort owners who renovate during the winter months and can pay higher wages to skilled workers.
When buying or build in Crete is a logical choice
Buying or building is a good fit if:
- you’re sure you want to live on Crete;
- you already know the island well and know where you want to live;
- you’re willing to invest time and energy;
- you have the financial flexibility to cover unexpected expenses.
In that case, buying or building something that truly suits you can be incredibly valuable.
For those who make sense of renting in Crete
Renting isn’t an “interim solution” for everyone. It can also be a conscious choice if:
- you’re still unsure about permanently emigrating;
- you want to remain flexible;
- you don’t want the stress of maintenance or construction;
- you first want to experience what daily life is like.
Our conclusion:
Buyin or rent on Crete?
Looking back, we’re especially glad we didn’t rush into buying, took our time building, and rented in the meantime. Because we were already living in Crete during the construction, the whole process ultimately went much more smoothly.
The question “buy or rent in Crete?” doesn’t have a standard answer. In our case, it wasn’t an either-or, but a both-and. Choosing to rent first and move into our own home later gave us insight into both the practical and financial implications. Anyone wanting to know what living on Crete cost should consider these choices.
We already knew where we wanted to live, chose to build, and rented temporarily. That gave us peace of mind, clarity, and control. For us, it turned out to be the ideal combination.
At LivingOnCrete.com we share these kinds of experiences because, in our own preparations for emigration to Crete, we’ve experienced how much of a difference honest information can make. Without rose-colored glasses, but with a genuine love for the island.