21 Oct 2026
Greece unveils €500M renovation scheme prioritising vacant homes
- RE+D Magazine
Grants covering between 70% and 95% of eligible costs, with a maximum amount of €36,000 per property, are available under the new “Home Renovation” scheme of Greece’s 2021–2027 Partnership Agreement (ESPA). The programme supports home renovations and energy-efficiency upgrades, with priority given to vacant properties, and has a total budget of €500 million.
The Implementation Guide has been published, enabling interested applicants to prepare their applications. The dates for the opening of the application process will be announced at a later stage.
What the Implementation Guide Covers
The Guide sets out the participation process in detail, from application preparation and online submission to assessment, funding approval, implementation of the works and payment of the grant.
It also specifies eligible works and expenditure, required supporting documents, deadlines, and the procedures for inspecting and certifying the completion of the interventions.
Which Works Are Eligible for Funding?
The scheme covers a wide range of renovation and repair works, including:
- Kitchen and bathroom renovations, including the replacement of sanitary fittings.
- Replacement of flooring, entrance doors and internal doors.
- Repair or replacement of electrical and plumbing installations.
- Repairs to structural elements, plastering, tiling and painting.
- Internal layout modifications and accessibility improvements, where applicable.
Funding is also available for energy-efficiency upgrades, including the replacement of windows and doors, thermal insulation, heating and cooling system upgrades, and the installation of domestic hot water production systems.
Each application must combine renovation works with energy-efficiency improvements and achieve an upgrade of at least one energy performance class.
Priority for Vacant Properties — When Will Applications Open?
The application platform will open in two phases: initially for vacant properties and subsequently for homes already used as primary residences.
The publication of the Implementation Guide does not mean that applications are now open. The platform activation dates and deadlines for each phase will be announced at a later stage.
In the meantime, homeowners can review the scheme’s requirements and prepare a complete application file in advance.
How Applicants Can Prepare
A prerequisite for applying for funding is obtaining an Eligibility Certificate for the specific property. This certificate constitutes the first step in the application process and does not automatically guarantee approval for funding.
Applications must be submitted exclusively online through the scheme’s information system, managed by the Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE), without the need to submit a physical file.
A key component of the application is the Intervention Plan, which must describe the proposed works and their corresponding budget. The requested grant amount will be determined on the basis of this plan, which will also be used to verify compliance with the funding requirements.
The assistance of a technical consultant is not mandatory for submitting an application, but it is recommended to ensure that appropriate interventions are selected, the Intervention Plan is correctly prepared and costs are realistically estimated.
At the initial submission stage, applicants will be required to provide the Intervention Plan, the prescribed declarations of responsibility and, where applicable, additional supporting documents.
The initial Energy Performance Certificate and the Electronic Building Identity or Electronic Identity of the Separate Property Unit will be submitted at a later stage, following a positive assessment of the application and within the applicable deadline.
All relevant supporting documents and declarations of responsibility are included in the appendices to the published Implementation Guide.
Applicants are encouraged to use the preparation period to verify their property’s details, obtain any necessary co-owner consents, resolve outstanding legal or property regularisation issues, and prepare their Intervention Plan.
Supporting Housing and Energy Efficiency
Through the new “Home Renovation” scheme, Greece’s 2021–2027 ESPA programme aims to contribute to addressing the housing challenge, improving citizens’ quality of life and bringing vacant properties back into use.
The initiative combines housing policy with energy-efficiency improvements and sustainable development, supporting the renovation and productive use of the existing housing stock.
The Implementation Guide is available on the official website of the Environment and Climate Change Programme 2021–2027: