Municipality of Athens: Pilot Program for Renovation of 70 Homes for Vulnerable Families

Photo source: Municipality of Athens

The Municipality of Athens is launching a new funding pilot program aimed at enabling 70 homeowners in the city to renovate their properties, which will then be made available for rent by vulnerable families.

Titled “Social Housing for Vulnerable Groups”, the program provides funding that can cover up to 100 percent of renovation costs for each housing unit (home or apartment), allowing owners to undertake upgrades without any financial contribution.

The maximum grant available is 10,055 euros, contingent upon the property owner agreeing to rent the renovated unit to vulnerable families for a minimum of four years, according to the program’s terms.

“With the ‘Social Housing’ program, we stand by vulnerable families at risk of homelessness while enabling property owners to renovate and utilize their properties once again,” said Athens Mayor Haris Doukas.

Prerequisites for the Social Housing program

Applicants must meet the following requirements to qualify for funding:

– The applicant must own the property or hold at least 50 percent of the equitable title.
– The property must be between 35 and 120 square meters and located in a residential area.
– The property must be legally constructed and not designated for demolition.
– The property must be declared as “inactive” or “non-available” in the documents attached to the owner’s last tax return, indicating it is not their primary residence and is not rented out.

Athens Mayor Haris Doukas. Photo source: Municipality of Athens

“Given that the poorest households in Greece are spending 55.8 percent of their income on food and housing, the need for decent and affordable housing has never been more urgent,” Mayor Doukas stressed.

He noted that this spending is particularly pronounced in Athens due to the “rapid increase in rents”.

According to Athens Development and Destination Management Agency (ADDMA) CEO Ioannis Georgizas, the program offers “a new chance” for older properties.

“This initiative allows property owners in Athens to renovate their vacant apartments, upgrade their energy efficiency, and bring them back into use,” Georgizas explained.

How to apply

For more information about the Municipality of Athens’ “Social Housing” program, press here. Applications for funding will be accepted electronically until 5pm on January 31, 2025.