Greece implements law to convert commercial buildings into housing

A new legislative regulation from the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family allows for the exceptional conversion of commercial and industrial buildings into residential housing in Greece. Following the law's passage in late July 2026, thousands of abandoned workshops, industrial sites, and vacant ground-floor shops can now be legally transformed into modern homes.

Targeted areas include the historic center of Athens—specifically Psirri, Metaxourgeio, and Gazi—as well as Piraeus, Tavros, Botanikos, Athens Avenue, the western suburbs, and the western entrance of Thessaloniki. The measure aims to revitalize degraded urban and industrial zones by utilizing existing building shells without adding new construction.

This urban shift coincides with an upcoming new ownership code being developed by the Ministry of Justice. Expected to be finalized by the end of the year, this reform aims to modernize co-ownership and horizontal ownership frameworks to further unlock the potential of vacant spaces.