4 min.

Minimalism you can believe in: a studio apartment near marina Zea

Published on
April 21, 2025

The transformation story of a hidden gem in Piraeus

Finding a promising property that delivers stable and attractive rental yields is no easy task. But once you spot that rare gem among hundreds of listings, your journey is only beginning. A small apartment in Pasalimani is a perfect example. We asked our Head of Sales, Alexey Alexandrov, to share the story behind it.

How to Find the Perfect Investment Apartment

From the outside, nothing stood out. A ground-floor apartment that seemed like just another forgettable listing.

“A standard layout, a tired interior, signs of age and many former tenants — a typical candidate you’d scroll past without thinking twice,” recalls Alexey.

A newcomer to the market might’ve skipped it entirely. In Greece, secondary market properties often come with baggage — unresolved debt, ownership disputes, or unclear titles. But an experienced agent knows: this is where potential hides.

“You’re right next to Marina Zea, in the heart of Piraeus — full of life, cafes, and luxury yachts. Yet just a few minutes away, you step into a peaceful residential street. A neighborhood with full infrastructure, but sheltered from the noise. The Acropolis is only 30 minutes away. But most importantly, the price was right — and the potential to create something unique: a compact rental studio where every detail counts,” Alexey explains.

Financial Performance of the Apartment

The real estate market in Piraeus is evolving. Tourism is growing steadily, and rental demand remains strong. Apartments like this one — compact and full of light — are often the first to go.

Pasalimani apartment turned out to be a rare combination of advantages:

  • Prime location near the waterfront and public transport

  • Entry price significantly below market value

  • Rental yield above the neighborhood average

Key Financials

  • Size: 45 m²

  • Rental Yield: 5.0%

  • Guaranteed Annual Income: €10,000

  • Sale Price: €250,000

The property also qualified for the Greek Golden Visa Program.

What We Found: The Pre-Renovation Condition

The condition of the apartment could have easily scared off many buyers. But our team saw not obstacles — but opportunities.

Apartment before the renovation

Apartment Transformation for Rental Use

As you can imagine from the apartment’s original condition, the project began with a full-scale demolition:

  • All flooring and wall coverings were removed
  • Old ceilings, baseboards, radiators, and doors were taken out
  • Spaces were reconfigured to improve functionality

Next came a targeted reconstruction phase:

  • Installation of new mechanical and electrical systems
  • Complete renovation of all areas: entrance hall, living-sleeping space, kitchen, and bathroom
  • Custom lighting design, including spotlights, a floor lamp, LED strip lighting, and architectural mirror backlighting

The new space was designed around a rich combination of textures: terrazzo, wood, matte metal, and soft textiles. The interior is neutral — yet full of character. It’s perfectly suited for rental and requires no additional adaptation.

The Neossikon Apartment: A Fresh New Look

The core idea: a minimalist aesthetic with a warm touch.

A clean aesthetic with a warm accent

The color palette is minimalist, but far from boring — the material’s texture features natural inclusions that bring a sense of organic movement to the surfaces. Ceiling lighting, a built-in faucet, and understated accessories — each element is part of a cohesive composition.

The kitchen’s light wood veneer cabinetry adds a sense of warmth, especially in contrast with the graphite countertop and terrazzo flooring. LED lighting under the cabinets makes the workspace feel light and airy. All appliances are built-in, carefully chosen for reliability and function. The living space merges the bedroom and dining area, while still preserving clear zoning. Textiles — curtains, pillows, bedspread — extend the interior palette: white, cream, sand, emerald.

The floor is a warm graphite terrazzo that anchors the entire space and gives it personality. A special highlight: the sculptural mid-century floor lamp, curved and elegant — a soft finishing touch to the room’s overall expression.

The Neossikon Studio is what we call “smart luxury”: everything in its place, nothing unnecessary, and every detail serves the whole.

A home that works for you

What began as a tired, characterless space is now a fully realized apartment where every detail contributes to a sense of calm and structure. This is a complete investment product — where architecture, business logic, and modern aesthetics come together.

The apartment is already live on the rental market: 🔗 View on Airbnb

Even in the most unremarkable listings, value can be created — with the right vision, precision, and follow-through.


Want to do the same? Just write to us.

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