Greek Government Launches Free Housing Program for Doctors and Teachers on 12 Islands

The Ministry of Interior, led by Minister Thodoris Livanios, has started a state‑funded scheme to build or renovate 100 apartments across 12 Greek islands. The homes will be offered free of charge to newly assigned public‑service staff such as doctors, nurses, teachers, security personnel and Coast Guard members, aiming to ease the severe housing shortage that has discouraged professionals from moving to remote islands.

The first phase covers seven islands—Lipsi, Astypalaia, Ithaca, Agios Vasileios (Rethymnon), Tinos, Amorgos and Patmos—with budgets ranging from €620,000 for five houses on Amorgos to €4 million for 16 homes on Karpathos. A second phase will add 35‑40 units on five further islands, including Karpathos, Agathonisi, Serifos, Sifnos and Syme. The program is part of a broader regional development strategy that also includes monthly medical bonuses, local municipal allowances, and increased point allocations for island municipalities, encouraging long‑term service of at least 15 years.