ECONOMY
-Shoppers will have to pay 60 cents for a small bottle of water (up from 50 cents) as of July 1st, amid another hike in prices. Increases will also apply to the cost of beer, juices, and soft drinks and come on top of a 30% expected rise in the price of chocolate and a 20% increase in coffee prices, To Vima reported.
-As of July 1, taxis will benefit from a permanent VAT reduction at 13%, down from the previous 24%. Beverages served on premises will revert to the previous high-end VAT rate of 24%. Non-alcoholic beverages served on-site will also return to the 24% rate.
-The number of debtors grew by 25% in April, rising to 4,645,591 individuals from 3,728,114 in March, according to data released from the Greek tax office. In January-April 2024, unpaid taxes stood at 2.607 billion euros.
REAL ESTATE
-The Cycladic island of Mykonos is at the top of the list of the most expensive holiday homes for sale, with the asking price at €6,936/sq.m. according to an analysis published by Spitogatos, the leading real estate website in Greece. Next is Antiparos €5,319/sq.m.), Hydra (€5,000/sq.m.), Paros (€4,559/sq.m.), Santorini (€4,153/sq.m.), Folegandros (€4,028/sq.m.), Kythnos (€4,000/sq.m.), Spetses (€3,800/sq.m.), Patmos (€3,775/sq.m.), Naxos (€3,642/sq.m.) The most popular Cycladic islands for home purchases by potential foreign buyers are Paros, Syros, Naxos, and Mykonos.
-At the end of 2023, over 80% of Greek houses remained uninsured, according to data released by the Hellenic Association of Insurance Companies for 2023.
TOURISM
-Paros in the Cyclades has been ranked among the 3 Must-Visit Travel Destinations For Summer 2024 by the American magazine Forbes. “Instead of battling the crowds, those after a dose of Greek island inspired relaxation should seek out Paros, a low-key alternative to Mykonos and Santorini.”