Greece faces rising housing burden for elderly citizens

Data from the Panhellenic Association of Unemployment Organization Employees (PAN SYPO) reveals a growing housing crisis in Greece, particularly affecting the elderly. While the overall housing overburden rate in Greece decreased from 28.9% to 26.4% in 2025, the burden on citizens aged 65 and older has risen for the fourth consecutive year, reaching 31.8%. This is significantly higher than the EU-27 average of 8.5%.

The crisis is most acute among elderly individuals living alone, where the housing overburden rate reaches 62.1%, compared to 17.5% in the EU-27. For couples with at least one person aged 65 or older, the rate is 23.3% against an EU average of 5.1%. The data suggests that for many, the primary issue is not home ownership, but the high cost of maintaining a residence.

In response to these trends, PASOK spokesperson Kostas Tsoukalas referenced the international symbol Maricarmen Abascal to highlight the plight of Greeks facing the threat of foreclosure and eviction. Tsoukalas stated that housing, private debt, and the cost of living will be central issues in upcoming national elections, criticizing the government for the perceived removal of protective frameworks.