11 May 2026
Greece activates first social housing compensation projects in four areas
- RE+D Magazine
Under a Joint Ministerial Decision, the first eight properties owned by the Public Employment Service (DYPA) are being transferred to the Greek State and placed under the exclusive management of the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family for development through social housing compensation agreements (“social antiparochi”).
Through this decision, the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family is now empowered to proceed to the next stages of the process and launch invitations to the market, enabling interested construction companies to submit bids for the development of the properties. The objective is the creation of new housing units, part of which will be allocated as social housing.
The eight properties included in the Joint Ministerial Decision are located:
- in Paiania, in the Agia Triada area,
- in Larissa, in the Agios Thomas area,
- in Pyrgos, in the Palmandoura area,
- in Kalamata, in the Agios Konstantinos area.
It is recalled that the law passed last September defines “social antiparochi” as an agreement concluded between the State or local authorities and a private contractor for the purpose of utilizing public real estate assets for the construction or renovation of socially oriented housing.
Under the framework, the contractor undertakes all construction works at its own expense and responsibility and, in return, may commercially exploit up to 70% of the properties through sale, lease, or temporary operation, provided that at least 30% of the newly developed housing units are allocated for social housing purposes.
The contracting authority may also assign the management of the housing units to the contractor. Where the agreement concerns an existing building, it may include a change of use, demolition, or structural additions. In all cases, the transfer of property rights is carried out through a notarial deed and registered with the Hellenic Cadastre free of charge. Upon termination of the management period, the property reverts to the Greek State, even if active lease agreements remain in force.
Eligible tenants for social housing units are selected by the Organisation for Welfare Benefits and Social Solidarity (OPEKA) on the basis of social criteria, including, in particular, income, property and family status, and the age of beneficiaries’ children.