Greece’s rent prices surge, staying among EU’s fastest rises in 2026

Eurostat data for the first quarter of 2026 shows Greek rents rising by 5 % year‑on‑year, the third‑largest increase in the European Union after Croatia (+21.9 %) and Bulgaria (+6.4 %). Across the EU, housing prices grew 5.1 % while rents rose 3.0 %.

The Bank of Greece reports that apartment prices rose 5.7 % in the same period, with rent hikes of 5 % on average – 5.2 % in Athens, 6.4 % in Thessaloniki and up to 6.9 % in other regions. Despite a slower pace than previous years, the market remains upward‑trending, putting pressure on households.

Greek tenancy law (Law 1703/1987) requires a minimum three‑year term for residential leases. Rent can be increased only if the contract contains an escalation clause, a new agreement is reached, or after the three‑year period. Unilateral hikes before the term or without contractual basis are illegal, giving tenants the right to refuse.