The hidden side of Corfu, away from the tourist hotspots and resorts, encompasses a lush, unspoiled and private respite for the more discerning individual.
As the second-largest of the Greek Ionian Sea islands, Corfu’s beachside lifestyle has long been reserved for people who enjoy a high standard of living.
Those looking for a peaceful escape can enjoy locations like Kalami Beach,a picturesque pebble beach with traditional fishing taverns to the north, and the Durrells’ famous white house to the south. Alongside watersports, swimming and diving, the classic blue ocean is offset by verdant green hills and forests.
With the appeal of an authentic Greek village, complete with life’s modern luxuries, welcoming locals and views of the island, Liapades should be marked as a contender. Alongside the tourist-absent beaches and coves, the traditional town also benefits from the exceptional Goulis Winery and extensive choice of restaurants offering authentic Greek cuisine.
To learn more about the luxurious side of Corfu, JamesEdition has spoken with Michael Petsas at Corfu Homes.
How would you describe the current position of the Corfu real estate market, and what trends are you seeing?
The trend for many years was summer house/villa acquisitions. However, it is strongly changing, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic, into the acquisition of summer homes/villas or pieces of land with the goal to create secondary homes. A large percentage of the end users spend more time in Corfu than they used to (40-60 days) and the tendency shows that this will be increased as the overall amenities of the houses become up to date.
In your experience, how important is the design and architecture of a luxury property in Corfu, and what types of design features are particularly popular with buyers?
The design and the overall architecture are essential and very important in the luxury segment of real estate in Corfu. As we speak, the blend of the natural landscape, the Greek light, the seamless design and the general eco-friendly approach is what today and tomorrow’s buy- ers seek. The motto is to leave a minimum possible foot- print while showing respect to the island’s amazing land- scape and overall energy/flow. The customers want constructions that create feelings and great moments.
Can you provide examples of luxury properties with exceptional views on the island, and how do such views affect the value and desirability of a property?
There are many luxury properties in Corfu with exceptional views. For example, there is a luxury villa located on a hilltop in the village of Kassiopi, which offers panoramic views of the Ionian Sea and the Albanian coast. Another example is a luxury villa located in Pelekas area on the west, offering panoramic views to the Adriatic Sea and the wild coastline with rocks and long sandy beaches. Such views are highly desirable among luxury buyers, and they significantly affect the value and desirability of a property. Luxury buyers are willing to pay a premium for properties that offer exceptional views of the sea, coast- line or other natural beauty, as these views enhance their overall living experience.
What are the most sought-after locations for luxury properties in Corfu, and why?
The most sought-after locations for luxury properties in Corfu are the north east, central and western parts of the island. The north-east side, which includes Nissaki, Agni, Kalami, St Stefanos and Kassiopi, is the most mature and niche area, where most of the luxury properties are locat- ed. This area has all the top amenities available in a short distance, which makes it ideal for luxury living. The west- ern part of the island includes Paleokastritsa, Pelekas, Pentati and Paramonas. The reason why these locations are sought-after is because of their natural beauty, ac- cessibility to amenities and privacy.
What advice would you give to potential buyers considering- ing purchasing a luxury property in Corfu, in terms of de- sign and location considerations, and how to get the best value for their investment?
When looking for a luxury property in Corfu, potential buyers should consider both design and location. Loca- tion-wise, the north-east part and the western part (cen- trally and northern) of the island are the most desirable for luxury living. In terms of design, the blend of the is- land’s natural landscape, the Greek light, the seamless design and the eco-friendly approach is what today and tomorrow’s buyers seek. The design and architecture should respect the island’s amazing landscape and overall energy/flow.
Potential buyers should also choose a location that suits their lifestyle, and go for a design that creates feel- ings and great moments. To get the best value for their
investment, they should choose the location carefully, and have the right design with the right materials. These will automatically create the right product with exception- al added value.
How do the prices of luxury properties with a view com- pare to those without one in Corfu, and what factors affect this pricing difference?
The presence of a view of the sea is highly desirable and can significantly impact the pricing of a property. Luxury properties with a view tend to have a higher price tag compared to those without one, and this is due to several factors. Firstly, a view of the sea provides a sense of ex- clusivity and luxury to the property, and enhances the overall value proposition for potential buyers. This is es- pecially true for properties located in the first line of the seawater, as they offer unparalleled views and privacy, which can further drive up the price.
Secondly, the proximity to the seawater and the ease of access to it are also important factors. Properties that are located closer to the seawater tend to be more ex- pensive, as they offer better views and easier access to the beach or water activities.
Finally, the overall exclusivity and privacy of a luxury property, combined with the view and proximity to the seawater, are the elements that ultimately determine its value in the luxury real-estate market. Properties that of- fer a combination of these factors are highly desirable and can command premium prices.
Another unique factor of Corfu real estate applies to historic estate-type properties. These don’t necessarily have a sea view but they do have historical essence, large plots of landscaped areas and a sense of the past.
In summary, a sea view is a significant factor that af- fects the pricing of luxury properties in Corfu, and it is important for buyers to carefully consider this when look- ing to invest. The proximity to the sea and the overall ex- clusivity and privacy of the property are other important factors that should also be taken into account when eval- uating the value proposition of a luxury property.
Top 3 villas to look out for in Corfu in 2023
Elementi Estates in Barbati, Northeast Corfu
Elementi Estates, designed by award-winning architects, is a master plan of 3 bespoke residential projects in the northeast of Corfu that is exclusive to Corfu Homes. Set within a unique coastal plot of over 35,000m2 that enjoys breathtaking views, each property features its own large portion of the plot and will have its own direct access to the seafront with private waterfront leisure areas and a jetty platform for a luxury yacht. Prepare to be wowed by the cutting edge, state-of-the-art design and concept of each project.
Seafront Villa in Agni, Northeast Corfu
This beautifully designed and opulently finished and furnished villa has a prime seafront location in one of the island’s most desirable north-east locations. Direct access to the sea with a boat jetty, private infinity pool, extensive landscaped gardens and spectacular 180° views of the sea, coast and Corfu Town are all on offer at this simply stunning luxury seafront home.
Modern Home in Jamaja Avlaki, Northeast Corfu
A not-to-be-missed property in a truly unique position in Avlaki, north-east Corfu, that boasts the most amazing sea, coast and mainland views. Due for completion in 2024, this 4-bedroom villa with guest studio has an exceptional contemporary, eco-friendly design and will include all modern features as well as extensive external areas and a large infinity pool.
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