Greece housing crisis: Costs exceed 40% of household income

housing crisis real estate market Eurostat rental prices Greece economy

Greece is facing a severe housing crisis, with Eurostat and ELSTAT data indicating that 26.4% of the population lives in households where total housing costs—including rent, utilities, heating, and maintenance—exceed 40% of their disposable income. This figure is significantly higher than the European Union average of 7.7%.

Market dynamics show a growing imbalance between supply and demand. In the rental market, demand is approximately triple that of property sales, with high interest in low-cost units that are often in poor energy classes. In the sales market, there is a notable shortage of properties valued under €300,000, which represents the bulk of consumer demand.

Long-term underinvestment has exacerbated the issue. PwC reports a cumulative investment deficit of approximately €140 billion in the housing market since 2009. While investments in new residential buildings rose to 3.1% of GDP in 2025, this remains well below the historical average of 9.8% and the EU average of 6.3%.

Social consequences are evident as housing affordability declines, with indices approaching 2012 crisis levels. Young people are facing delayed independence, with the average age of leaving the family home reaching 30.9 years in 2025.

Entities

Athens · Bank of Greece · Deloitte · Eurostat · Greece · IOBE · IOVE · PwC Greece · Thessaloniki

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] In 2025, investments in new residential buildings were 3.1% of GDP. www.capital.gr
[● 2 SOURCES] 26.4% of the Greek population lives in households where housing costs exceed 40% of disposable income. cretaone.gr · odelalis.gr
[● 2 SOURCES] The EU average for housing costs exceeding 40% of income is 7.7%. cretaone.gr · odelalis.gr
[○ 1 SOURCE] Property prices in Greece increased by 5.5% in the second quarter of 2026. www.sbctv.gr
[○ 1 SOURCE] The cumulative investment deficit in the Greek housing market from 2009 to 2025 is approximately €140 billion. www.capital.gr
[○ 1 SOURCE] The average age for young people in Greece to leave the family home was 30.9 years in 2025. cretaone.gr
[○ 1 SOURCE] Rental demand in Greece is approximately three times higher than property sales demand. www.ilialive.gr
[○ 1 SOURCE] Greece has 316 dwellings per 1,000 inhabitants, compared to the European average of 475. karvasaras.gr