The government plans to address the country’s housing crisis by introducing, in 2025, measures that provide incentives for property owners to list currently unavailable properties on the rental market.  

A total of 14 new support programs are being launched to boost the number of properties available to prospective tenants. Tens of thousands of properties are currently estimated to be off the market.  

The initiatives include providing subsidies to owners of at least 100 flats in Athens or Thessaloniki – primarily banks – enabling them to offer below-market rent to individuals in need. 

Additionally, around 850 homes are set to be made available to individuals or families living in homelessness or unstable housing conditions in cities with populations over 100,000.

In another support measure, tax incentives are set to be introduced for e-payments related to home repair and maintenance. Under this scheme, 30% of expenses paid electronically, up to €5,000 per year, can be deducted from taxable income.

Greece recorded the highest housing costs in the EU as a percentage of total income in 2023, with households spending 35.2% of their disposable income on housing, significantly above the EU average of 19.7%, according to Eurostat data.

The housing crisis is deeply affecting Greek society, with its impact felt across various groups, including students, young adults, new families with children, elderly citizens, the unemployed, and the homeless.

Combined with the effect of the overall rising cost of living, the housing crisis has stretched many households to their limits.