Athens is currently on the radar for many looking to purchase real estate, but it has also emerged as a magnet for Israelis looking to escape a cost of living crisis at home, and more recently, Israel's political turmoil. The real estate boom is unique as it coincides with a strengthening of ties between Greece and Israel, underlining how deepening political relations are trickling down to local economies. Israelis aren’t the only ones in the Middle East looking to Athens as a base, as people from around the region have their eyes on the Greek capital. Sean Mathews, an Athens based journalist, joins Thanos Davelis to look at why Israelis are drawn to Athens, what this means for Athenian real estate, and why Athens has emerged as a safe bet for many across the region.

Sean Mathews is an Athens based journalist for Middle East Eye writing about business, security and politics. His coverage spans from across the Middle East, North Africa and the Balkans. His reporting has also appeared in Al Jazeera, The Economist, and Al Monitor.

Read Sean Mathew’s latest article in the Middle East Eye: In Greece, Israelis find cheap property, nightlife and political refuge

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