With restrained optimism the Prime Minister’s announcement (22.4.2025) was welcomed by the Prime Minister for Return rental up to 800 euros each November, a measure that concerns both the main residence as well as the student housing.
Although it is a relief for households, there is a wide estimation that it is not sufficient to stop the increasing mortgage pressure, which is constantly intensified in large urban centers. As the government announced yesterday, the maximum refund amounts to 800 euros, with an additional 50 euros for each dependent child. For example, a four -member family is entitled to 900 euros. If there is also a rent for a student house, the total amount can reach up to EUR 1,700, which is the maximum.
However, this initiative is characterized by much of the market as a temporary measure, which does not touch the main causes of the housing crisis. There is a view that such aids, without accompanying structural measures, do not cause any substantial change. Indeed, it is estimated that the purpose of the return is, in part, to strengthen the transparency in the rental statement to the tax office.
One of the main problems that are highlighted is the lack of regulation at rent. Many in the industry estimate that without any form of control or ceiling, the benefits end up being transferred to the owners, as long as they are not accompanied by wider political intervention. It is also emphasized that the offer of available houses for lease remains limited, and this is the main reason for pressure on prices.
The steady view is that the only effective response to the housing problem is the massive and targeted enhancement of supply, namely new incentives for construction, social housing, recording and activating unexplained real estate, and a comprehensive high -cost housing strategy.
The latest data from the Spitogatos platform reveal that in Athens, the southern suburbs remain the most expensive area, with the average cost reaching 12.86 euros/sqm, recording a 4.10% increase compared to 2024. In downtown Athens, prices are more intense, reaching 7.60% and € 11.60%. The northern suburbs follow with 11.24 euros/sqm, recording the smallest increase in Attica (2.70%).
The situation in Thessaloniki is subversive, where the central municipality is impressive 13.50%, reaching 9.93 euros/sqm, while the city’s regional municipalities show an even greater increase of 11.80%. Despite the increases, prices remain lower than those of Athens, with average prices ranging from 7.50 euros/sqm.
The most economical options remain in the rest of the municipalities of the prefecture of Thessaloniki, with prices at 4.35 euros/sqm, although there is an increase of 5.60%there. In the wider area of Piraeus, prices recorded 5.70%, with rents in Central Piraeus reaching 10.34 euros/sqm, while in the suburbs the average price stands at 8.59 euros/sqm.
The trend of renting rents is evident in all areas, with Thessaloniki recording the highest rise, while the southern suburbs of Athens continue to maintain their place as the most expensive area for renting a home in Greece.