Greece’s Ministry of National Defense has unveiled its largest-ever housing program for military personnel, promising a total of 17,484 homes for service members and their families nationwide. Announced by Defense Minister Nikos Dendias on November 12, the initiative addresses longstanding housing challenges while improving living conditions for service members.

The program ensures that every transferred military officer will receive a ready-to-occupy home, tackling social and logistical issues that have long affected the armed forces. Priority will be given to regions such as Thrace and the Eastern Aegean islands.

military housing greece

Part of the “Agenda 2030” Reform

The housing plan is integrated into the broader “Agenda 2030”, which includes:

  • A new pay scale and career framework for military personnel
  • Updated academic training programs
  • Enhanced healthcare services
  • Expanded quality-of-life services, including nurseries, assisted living facilities, and care units for the elderly

Together, these measures form a comprehensive approach to improving the daily lives of military families.

Addressing Current Challenges

The program targets key issues with existing military housing:

  • Lack of maintenance
  • Poor planning
  • Uneven distribution, with some regions hosting far more personnel than available housing

It includes the construction, renovation, and modernization of both homes and support infrastructure, including nurseries, student dormitories for cadets, and facilities for retired personnel.

Phased Construction and Renovation

The housing program is organized in three phases:

New Homes (10,454 total):

  • Phase 1 (2024–2026): 5,100+ homes in Evros and the Eastern Aegean
  • Phase 2 (2031–2035): 2,623+ homes in the Aegean, Crete, Thrace, and half of Attica
  • Phase 3 (2036–2040): 2,731+ homes nationwide

Existing Homes (7,030 total):

  • Phase 1 (until 2030): 2,520 homes renovated in Thrace, Aegean islands, and half of Crete
  • Phase 2 (2031–2035): 2,527 homes in Macedonia, Attica, and the other half of Crete
  • Phase 3 (2036–2040): 1,983 homes in the remaining regionsmilitary housing greece

Full Funding and Transparency

The program is fully financed, with 85% from the Ministry’s own resources and the remainder from public investment funds and the Ministry of Social Cohesion. It emphasizes transparency, inter-service coordination, and modernization in all housing processes.

Supporting the Entire Military Community

Beyond housing, the initiative enhances overall quality of life:

  • Construction of 6 new nurseries for 252 children
  • Expansion and renovation of existing nurseries for an additional 250 children
  • 3 assisted-living complexes for retired military personnel with medical support
  • 4 new student dormitory complexes for 120 cadets in university programs
  • Unified management of supply centers and cost savings for military families of 20–23% on average