POMIDA calls for extension of home renovation scheme deadline for vacant homes

According to the Federation, only 10% of applications concern owners of vacant properties, while 90% come from owner-occupied homes. POMIDA argues that this indicates that the main obstacles lie elsewhere.

Rent Freeze Not the Main Issue

POMIDA estimates that limited participation is not linked to the programme’s provision for a rent freeze during the first three years, noting that most rental agreements do not include annual rent adjustments. It also argues that the restriction preventing renovated properties from being used for short-term rentals for five years is not a decisive deterrent.

Instead, the Federation emphasizes that property owners continue to face uncertainty regarding the tax and regulatory framework, discouraging them from investing in the renovation and reintroduction of vacant properties into the long-term rental market.

Four Key Obstacles

The Federation identifies four main factors that, in its view, are limiting participation in the programme:

1. Uncertainty over tax incentives
POMIDA notes that it remains unclear whether the three-year tax exemption on rental income from properties returned to the long-term rental market will be extended, or whether it will be expanded to cover all vacant properties regardless of specific eligibility conditions, as the Federation has proposed.

2. High taxation on rental income
The Federation is calling for further reductions in tax rates applied to rental income brackets, arguing that such measures would provide a meaningful incentive for more property owners to make homes available for rent.

3. Lack of tenant creditworthiness certification
POMIDA has expressed strong concerns over reports that the new Credit Assessment System will not cover residential rental agreements. According to the Federation, landlords still lack access to information regarding prospective tenants’ payment history and financial reliability, increasing the risk of dealing with unreliable tenants and abusive practices.

4. Bureaucratic procedures
The Federation also highlights ongoing administrative burdens, both within the specific programme and more broadly in procedures related to the utilization of real estate assets.

Request for Extension Beyond Thessaloniki International Fair

POMIDA believes that some of these issues may be addressed through government announcements expected during the upcoming Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF).

At the same time, it points out that during August, many engineers, accountants, and other professionals responsible for preparing application files are unavailable due to summer holidays.

For these reasons, the Federation is requesting that the deadline for issuing eligibility certificates for vacant properties be extended by at least two months. The current deadline expires on 31 August 2026, and the extension would allow more property owners to participate in the programme.