Acropolis-facing mansion in Athens sparks legal dispute over false sale listing

The family of the late Elias Barbalias, a prominent Greek real estate developer, has denied authorizing the sale of their luxurious mansion overlooking the Acropolis, following a report about its listing earlier this week. The mansion, valued at €300 million, was advertised on various prestigious real estate websites, including JamesEdition and Metro One Real Estate, but the listing has since been removed.

In a statement to the media, the Barbalias family, who inherited the property, revealed they are considering legal action against the real estate agencies involved in the listing. The mansion, built by Elias Barbalias himself, is one of Athens' most iconic residences, boasting stunning views of the Acropolis, especially from its rooftop garden and pool.

The property, spanning 3,300 square meters, was initially valued at a staggering €90,900 per square meter, making it one of the priciest homes not just in Greece but globally. Real estate experts have pointed to rising international demand for luxury properties in Athens, which may explain the property's eye-watering price tag.

Despite the attention the listing received, the Barbalias family maintains that they never authorized the sale and are taking steps to address the alleged false advertising. The property, once listed, sparked interest due to its unique location and luxury amenities, but now the family’s legal team is looking into the matter.

This incident highlights ongoing concerns in the high-end real estate market in Athens, as the city sees increasing foreign investment and soaring property prices. While the Barbalias family works to clear up the confusion surrounding the sale, the listing’s removal has raised further questions about the accuracy and ethics of real estate advertising.