Greece Tackles Housing Affordability with New Government Programs

Greek Minister Christos Staikouras outlined a comprehensive housing policy aimed at improving affordability amid rising property and rent prices. The government’s measures include the "My House I and II" programs, renovation‑to‑rent schemes, tax incentives for long‑term leases, rent‑return initiatives, social housing projects, and stricter regulation of short‑term rentals. While the country boasts one of Europe’s highest home‑ownership rates, a significant portion of households struggle with housing costs, exacerbated by rising construction expenses, demographic shifts, and the energy crisis. The policy seeks to activate vacant homes, accelerate renovations and energy upgrades, bolster long‑term leasing, and streamline the use of existing property stock to increase the supply of affordable dwellings.

Challenges highlighted include underutilised housing stock, high renovation costs, complex ownership structures, planning hurdles and limited access to financing. Addressing these issues is presented as essential for social cohesion, labour mobility and the overall competitiveness of the Greek economy.