# Greek economic and insurance market trends > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/greek-economic-and-insurance-market-trends > Updated: 2026-09-14T12:10:00.000Z. Sources: 41. Developments: 2. The Greek economy showed signs of growth and shifting price pressures during the first half of 2026. The insurance market saw a 12.1% increase in total premium production, reaching €3.256 billion, driven by a 20.1% rise in life insurance and a 5.5% increase in non-life insurance. Regarding inflation, the Bank of Greece predicts that harmonized inflation will rise to 3.5% in 2026, up from 2.9% in 2025, due to high energy costs and persistent service sector inflation. A gradual decline is expected to begin in 2027, with a projected rate of 2.2% by 2028. This aligns with Eurozone projections of a 3.6% inflation peak in late 2026. The real estate sector continues to see rising costs. Apartment prices increased by 5.5% annually in the second quarter of 2026, with new builds rising by 6.2% and older properties by 5.0%. Geographically, price increases were most significant in other regions of the country at 7.1%, compared to 5.0% in Athens and 4.7% in Thessaloniki. Additionally, student housing rents in major university cities such as Athens and Thessaloniki have doubled over the last decade. Energy and fuel costs remain volatile, with gasoline prices reaching between 2.16 and 2.20 euros per liter due to global supply constraints. In contrast, the Greek electricity market saw a 27.5% drop in wholesale prices, supported by high renewable energy participation. Labor market data from ELSTAT for the second quarter of 2026 indicates mixed results. While industrial employment rose by 1.2% and the service sector by 1.1%, the energy and water sectors experienced declines. Wage costs rose by approximately 4% across the economy, and the number of job vacancies increased by 19.4% annually to 46,368, though this figure remains below 2024 levels. ## Claims - The Bank of Greece estimates harmonized inflation (HICP) will rise to 3.5% in 2026. (single source) - Inflation in Greece is expected to be 2.9% in 2025. (single source) - Energy prices and the services sector are driving inflationary pressures. (single source) - Inflation in the eurozone is projected to peak at 3.6% in the fourth quarter of 2026. (single source) - Western Greece achieved a tourism experience score of 9.4 out of 10 in Q2 2026. (single source) - Western Greece's sustainability score is 7.0, significantly lower than the national average of 8.4. (single source) - Staff and service quality in Western Greece received a score of 9.8. (single source) - International arrivals to Greece increased by 38% in the first months of 2026. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-14: Greece economic outlook: Inflation and real estate trends The Bank of Greece forecasts inflation rising to 3.5% in 2026 due to energy and service costs. Meanwhile, real estate prices grew 5.5% in Q2 2026, and labor vacancies increased by 19.4% annually. 41 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greece-economy-and-tourism-inflation-rises-as-arrivals-surge ### 2026-09-07: Greek insurance market production reaches €3.26 billion in H1 2026 The Greek insurance market grew 12.1% in the first half of 2026, reaching €3.256 billion, driven by a 20.1% surge in life insurance production. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greek-insurance-market-production-reaches-326-billion-in-h1-2026 --- Cite as: Greek economic and insurance market trends. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/greek-economic-and-insurance-market-trends