Greece is close to finalizing a national housing strategy that will introduce a wide-ranging package of 43 measures aimed at addressing growing pressure in the housing market, according to government officials speaking at a major economic forum.
The announcement was made during discussions on housing policy and social housing development, where policymakers and industry experts examined how to improve access to affordable homes amid rising costs and limited supply.
Multi-billion-euro housing support plan
The government’s upcoming strategy is expected to include measures worth around €7 billion, combining financial support, services, and housing program designed to ease access to accommodation across different social groups.
Officials said the plan reflects both structural challenges and regional differences in the housing market, with a particular focus on younger people, who are among those most affected by rising rental prices and limited home ownership opportunities.
According to data cited during the discussion, around three in ten people in Greece do not own a home, a figure described as one of the lowest home ownership rates in Europe.
Renovation support and new housing projects
Among the measures highlighted is a renovation program set to open at the end of May, allowing around 30,000 beneficiaries to receive up to €36,000 in funding to upgrade residential properties. The scheme aims to bring unused or deteriorating homes back into the rental or owner-occupied market.
Additional plans include the development of 20 publicly owned properties through competitive procedures in 2026, as well as the construction of 700 new homes on former military land, expected to be completed by 2029.
The strategy also foresees the launch of around 2,300 housing units intended to provide affordable accommodation, particularly for public sector workers such as teachers, doctors, and nurses who face difficulties affording market rents.
Expanding social and student housing
Housing policy efforts also extend to student accommodation, with initiatives aimed at upgrading existing university residences and improving safety and living conditions.
Authorities have already introduced controlled access systems in student housing facilities in Athens, while broader renovations and upgrades are underway in other dormitories.
Officials emphasized that housing needs vary significantly between urban centers, tourist regions, and rural areas, requiring tailored approaches rather than a single uniform solution.
Focus on supply and governance
Experts contributing to the discussion stressed the need to increase housing supply while also making better use of existing properties. Some also suggested the creation of a central body to coordinate housing policy implementation, aiming to improve efficiency and streamline development processes under government supervision.
The housing strategy is expected to combine construction of new units with incentives to reintroduce existing properties into the market, forming a dual approach to tackling affordability challenges.
Participants agreed that no single measure can resolve the housing shortage, highlighting instead the need for a coordinated and multi-layered policy framework.
