Athens housing crisis: Rents rise as affordable family homes vanish

Greece is facing significant housing pressure as rising rents outpace wages, particularly in Athens. According to research by Deutsche Bank, the average rent for a three-bedroom home in Athens is approximately €1,164. With a median net monthly salary of about €1,156 per worker, a dual-income couple is left with only €1,148 for all other monthly expenses after paying rent, excluding utilities and other housing costs.

Data from the Panhellenic E-Real Estates Network highlights a severe shortage of affordable family housing in the Attica region. Between 2022 and 2026, the availability of homes measuring 80–110 square meters with at least two bedrooms and a monthly rent of up to €600 has plummeted by over 90% in most areas. In central Athens, only 1.2% of available properties meet these criteria, a 94% decrease from 2022 levels. This scarcity is affecting middle-income earners and young couples, as availability has dropped to near zero in neighborhoods such as Thymaraki and Sepolia.