In Greece, over 900,000 properties are vacant, contributing to the country’s housing crisis. These properties are often tied up in legal disputes or owned by banks, hindering their availability in the market. At the 2024 Property Show, industry experts expressed concerns that current housing policies may not effectively lower prices.
Kosmas Theodoridis highlighted that 500,000 properties are abandoned inheritances, while another 400,000 are held by banks due to debt issues. Additionally, a significant number of properties are becoming uninhabitable each year, especially in rural areas.
The situation is dire in Athens, where legal disputes over properties are rampant and housing demand continues to rise. Experts argue that government programs like “My Home” may inadvertently drive up prices without addressing the root issue of supply shortages.
Lefteris Potamianos emphasized the need for job creation in rural areas to alleviate urban migration pressures. Stratos Paradias noted landlords’ distrust of tenants due to non-payment issues, while aging rental properties require costly renovations.
Addressing these challenges will require a multi-faceted approach to increase housing availability and affordability in Greece.