Greece to lower ownership threshold for “Ανακαινίζω” renovation scheme

The Greek government is reviewing the minimum ownership share required to join the “Ανακαινίζω” (Renovate) programme. Under the current rules, applicants must hold at least 50 % of full ownership or usufruct of a vacant property. Deputy Minister of Finance Nikos Papathanasiou said many co‑owned homes fall below this limit, leaving most of the 1 500 eligibility certificates issued for closed homes unused.

More than 100 000 potential beneficiaries have entered the online platform and 41 000 eligibility certificates have been issued, but uptake remains low because numerous co‑owners cannot apply individually. The ministry is discussing a reduction of the 50 % threshold with the Ministry of Family and Social Cohesion, pending approval from the European Commission, to allow more jointly owned vacant houses to qualify. The programme offers subsidies up to 95 % of renovation costs, with income limits of €45 000 for a four‑person family and an asset ceiling of €300 000. The first phase targets vacant homes; a second phase will later include occupied dwellings. Applications for eligibility certificates remain open until the end of July, with final submissions to start on 1 September.