If I buy a property near the Greek border, will it be considered more suspicious to authorities than if in somewhere like Athens?

The applicant of the Greek Golden Visa is obliged to buy the real estate property without being obliged to live in it or even in the country. The applicant could buy any property in the Greek territory that fits the criteria of the application to get the Greek Golden Visa without creating any suspicion.

Living in the house you buy is not necessary. Buying near the Greek border is sometimes more complicated and procedurally long but has no impact on the resident permit.

Please be aware that there are applicable legal restrictions regarding buying properties for foreigners near border regions, so depending on the region, it will be prohibited to buy in the first place.

The holder of the Greek Golden Visa is in principle not obliged to stay for a minimum period in the country. Regarding your question, there are restrictions on properties located in border regions, but it does not mean that properties in these areas are not eligible for Greek Golden Visa program. Individual or legal entities that are interested in buying properties in these areas should follow an additional procedure before the property acquisition. They could request the lifting of the ban for the border regions, along with their application, which should clearly state the intended use for the property. The decision to lift the ban is made by the minister of defense following the submission of an application. It should take place before the property purchase contract. But your intention not to live full-time in the property is not a problem and has no impact to your application.