Israel’s Largest Conference on Investment in Greece Is Now Behind Us – What Are the Lessons for the Future?

The radio show "Building Far Away" continues to provide guidance on overseas investments. Hosted by Merav Miller and Aviv Cohen, the show featured an in-depth conversation with Peleg Yariv, CEO and founder of Palmo, about the company’s latest real estate conference and the opportunities still available in Athens.

In the latest episode of the radio show "Building Far Away," hosted by Merav Miller and Aviv Cohen, Peleg Yariv, CEO and founder of the Palmo Group, discussed insights from the "Greece Real Estate Conference," which was recently held with over 1,000 attendees, the types of projects available for purchase in Athens, and his partnership with Aviv Cohen, his partner at Palmo and the show’s host.

The conference that has become a key forum for discussing investment in Greece

The purpose of the conference, officially titled the "Israel-Greece Real Estate Conference," was to introduce the Israeli public to investment opportunities inreal estate in Greece. “The conference was not intended to be purely commercial,” said Peleg, “but rather to authentically reflect the economic and even geopolitical aspects of the Greek market.” According to him, to ensure that the conference would provide real value and not merely serve as a promotional platform, Palmo went to great lengths to bring in speakers and experts who have firsthand knowledge of the Greek market and can share their in-depth expertise with participants.

In addition to real estate investments, the conference also addressed broader issues such as Greek culture, the local economy, taxation and regulation in the country, and their impact on the capital market. Participants gained a comprehensive overview of the opportunities and challenges facing Israeli investors.

Distinguished guests and an impressive turnout

The real estate conference attracted well-known figures from the worlds of economics, investment, and entertainment, including Pini Gershon, the legendary coach of Maccabi Tel Aviv; actress and entrepreneur Michal Yanai; and journalist and economic commentator Sever Plocker.

"The fact that more than 1,000 people attended the conference is an amazing achievement for us," said Peleg. "It shows just how much interest there is in real estate investments outside of Israel, and how many people want to learn how to do it right."

Conference attendees enjoyed professional lectures and panel discussions, during which experts addressed the most pressing issues in the Greek real estate sector, including the impact of economic changes and government policy on foreign investors.

The key questions: Is Athens still a good investment?

One of the questions that came up again and again at the conference was: "Why Athens, of all places? Are the prices still reasonable?" 

Peleg and the long list of experts who participated in the conference provided detailed answers to this question. “Athens is still considered one of the most attractive cities for real estate investment in Europe,” Peleg explained during the discussion. "The market has not yet reached full saturation, and prices are significantly lower compared to other major European cities like London or Paris. We believe that Greece continues to be an excellent investment alternative, especially given the restrictions and high costs in the Israeli real estate market."

He added that Greece offers an attractive combination of economic stability, favorable tax treatment for foreign investors, and a well-developed tourism infrastructure. "All of these factors make it a sought-after destination, especially in the field of investment apartments in Athens intended for short-term rentals."

Does Palmo guarantee a return?

Another question that has come up frequently is whether Palmo guarantees a return to investors. Peleg made it absolutely clear that the company refrains from making such promises. "Any company that promises a return when buying a home in Greece should raise a red flag," Peleg said in an episode of "Building Far Away." "The real estate market is dynamic, and no one can guarantee future appreciation or occupancy rates. Anyone who promises a fixed return to investors is essentially risking misleading them."

According to him, the right way to invest is to work with business partners who share a common interest. "That's why we build business models in which our management fees are based on the actual performance of the assets, rather than on fixed, pre-determined payments. This way, our interests and those of the investors are fully aligned."

What is behind Palmo's success?

During the conference, Peleg shared his personal story with the audience and explained how Palmo was founded. He spoke about his military service and the serious injury he sustained during Operation Protective Edge in 2014, an event that changed the course of his life.

"During my long recovery, I started thinking about my future and realized I wanted to work in real estate," he said. In 2016, together with Aviv Cohen, his friend from the army (and the show’s host), they purchased their first apartment in Athens for just €50,000. “We saw a tremendous opportunity and decided to focus on it,” says Peleg.

Palmo's Investment Strategy

Today, Peleg explains that Palmo specializes in three main types of projects:

Short-term rental projects – Properties in strategic locations designed for tourism. “We purchase entire buildings, so local regulations do not restrict us from operating Airbnb,” noted Peleg.

Projects for Students – Small, fully furnished apartments located near universities. “This market is growing rapidly in Athens, and we make sure to include additional amenities such as gyms and co-working spaces,” says Peleg.

Projects for Families – Larger apartments in the northern part of the city, at exceptionally competitive prices.

The "Golden Visa" Initiative – Is It Still Worth It?

Greece’s Golden Visa program, which grants European residency to foreign investors, was also discussed at the conference and in a conversation with Yariv. “The investment threshold has risen significantly in recent years to €250,000,” said Peleg, “but there are still ways to take advantage of the program, particularly through the purchase of commercial properties for rezoning.”

A Vision for the Future – Making Overseas Real Estate Investment Accessible to Every Israeli

Looking ahead, Peleg aims to make Palmo the leading Israeli company in international real estate investment. “We want to enable every Israeli to purchase real estate anywhere they choose, and simplify the process for them,” he said.

The show’s host and his business partner, Aviv Cohen, added, “Peleg is a true entrepreneur, with unparalleled humility and diligence. Our partnership is based on trust, a clear division of roles, and a shared commitment to success.”

In conclusion, Peleg said that “the conference presented a comprehensive overview of real estate opportunities in Athens, highlighted Palmo’s values, and emphasized the economic, social, and personal aspects of the investment process.” According to him, Palmo continues to work to make the real estate market accessible to Israelis, while maintaining transparency, professionalism, and reliability.