Greek real estate and housing regulatory reforms

Greece is introducing several legislative reforms targeting real estate, debt management, and urban housing.

New regulations regarding auctions and primary residence protection are set to take effect in late 2026. A new electronic platform will facilitate the re-determination of stays of execution to address thousands of pending cases. Furthermore, a mechanism allowing debtors to separate their primary residence from other assets will be introduced, using an algorithm to calculate debt reductions while preserving the home and liquidating other assets through electronic auctions.

In parallel, the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family has passed legislation allowing the conversion of commercial and industrial buildings into residential housing. This measure targets abandoned workshops and vacant shops in areas such as central Athens, Piraeus, and Thessaloniki to revitalize urban zones. These changes coincide with the development of a new ownership code by the Ministry of Justice intended to modernize co-ownership and horizontal ownership frameworks.

As part of the National Housing Policy Strategy 2026-2035, the government is also planning dual tax relief measures to increase housing availability, specifically for social housing. Proposals include reducing Value Added Tax (VAT) and freezing the 24% VAT on the sale of new properties through 2027. This aims to incentivize construction companies to build homes for long-term, affordable, or social rental rates. Supported by an EU directive allowing reduced VAT for social policy housing, these measures could leave buyers subject to only a 3% transfer tax, reducing overall purchase costs.