Greece sees soaring rents for students and teachers

Rising rental prices are straining families of university students in Thessaloniki and Athens. Real‑estate consultants report that two‑room apartments near the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki now cost €500‑650 per month, with central locations reaching €600‑700. Studios and renovated garsonières start at €400‑450, while demand is expected to peak after the university admission bases are published in late July. The upcoming metro extension to Kalamaria is expected to broaden the market, but fraud cases involving prepaid deposits have also increased.

A nationwide study shows rental rates for small apartments have risen 70‑75 % since 2017, with 80 % of student housing in Thessaloniki priced above €400 per month. In Athens, central rents have jumped over 20 % this year, with many units exceeding €500. The high costs add substantially to the overall living expenses of students, many of whom travel from other regions.

A parallel housing crunch is emerging for newly appointed teachers. Mandatory two‑year postings far from their home towns force many educators to maintain two residences, doubling rent and travel expenses amid a broader cost‑of‑living surge. Teachers and unions are calling for reforms to the posting system to alleviate the financial burden.