Greece is moving forward with a major housing policy response as the country grapples with a deepening housing crisis linked to demographic pressures and rising living costs. Policymakers and academics have highlighted that limited access to affordable housing is increasingly affecting family formation, while longer life expectancy is reshaping housing demand.
€7 Billion National Housing Strategy
At the center of the government’s response is a new national housing strategy that brings together more than 45 separate programs across different ministries. The total budget reaches approximately €7 billion, with the aim of expanding available housing stock and easing financial pressure on households.
Officials say the strategy is designed to coordinate fragmented housing measures under a unified framework, improving efficiency and access for citizens.
Renovation Subsidies Up to €36,000
From May, a new home renovation programs will be launched offering subsidies of up to €36,000 per apartment. The funding is intended to support energy upgrades and structural improvements, with the goal of bringing at least 20,000 homes back into use.
By renovating and reintroducing vacant properties into the market, authorities hope to increase housing supply and improve affordability.
Digital Platform for Housing Support
A central element of the reform is the creation of a digital platform, which consolidates more than 45 housing-related programs in one place. Through this system, citizens can access information on available subsidies and initiatives, covering a combined value of €7 billion.
The platform is intended to simplify access to housing support and make government programs more transparent and easier to navigate.
Social Housing Model with Lower Rents
The strategy also includes a new social housing framework based on public-private cooperation. Under this model, unused public land would be allocated to private developers, with a requirement that at least 30% of newly built properties are reserved as social housing.
These units would be offered at rents below market levels, aiming to increase access to affordable homes for lower-income households.
Authorities are also working to identify suitable public properties and complete the necessary legal procedures to accelerate project implementation.
Academic Concerns Over Housing Affordability
Experts contributing to the discussion warned that housing is increasingly treated as an investment asset rather than a basic social need, making access more difficult for ordinary citizens.
They also stressed the importance of decentralized housing policy, arguing that local authorities should play a stronger role in designing solutions tailored to different regions, from major cities to rural and mountainous areas.
