In an upward trajectory prices continue to move in rents, with the housing crisis having evolved into one of the most important economic and social issues for Greek households.
A study of the JEFIM attempts to illuminate the deeper causes of the problem, concluding that the key factor behind the increase in housing costs is the large and persistent deviation between supply and demand of housing.
At the same time, Eurostat figures show that in the first quarter of 2026, EU housing prices increased by 5.1% while rents increased by 3% compared to the first quarter of 2025.
Compared to the fourth quarter of 2025, housing prices increased by 1.2% and rents by 0.7%. Between 2025 and the first quarter of 2026, EU housing prices increased by 2.9% and rents by 1.8%.
Greece appears in the first trinity of the countries with the largest rent increase, of 5.0%, with the highest registered long in Croatia (+21.9%), followed by Bulgaria (+6.4%).
Prices in rent
According to Spitogatos data in the 2nd quarter of 2026 in the country as a whole, there is an increase in average price (MZT) for renting a residence by 1.3%, an annual increase significantly lower than last year's equivalent of 7.2%.
In the urban centers of Athens and Thessaloniki, as well as in their surroundings, the average prices (MZT) for rent continued to rise.
MZT rented housing in Attica was strengthened annually by 4.5% compared to the 2nd quarter of 2025, a change similar to the previous year (4.4%). This development highlights the fact that the demand for housing for rent in Attica remains strong, maintaining constant upward pressure on the prices requested.
In the houses for rent, Cyclades is the most expensive area of the country, with MZT 14.4 euros/sq.m. They follow the South Suburbs of Athens, the Center of Athens, as well as the P.E. Lefkada and the Northern Suburbs of Athens, with a joint MZT 11.8 euros/sq.m. It is worth noting that Halkidiki presents a particularly high MZT rental which is related to tourism activity in the area and the strong presence of houses available for short term rental.
Instead, the lower rental MZTs are recorded in Pella, followed by P.E. Kilkis, the rest of the P.E. Thessaloniki, Grevena and Imathia.
The Southern Suburbs keep the MZT primary stable in housing rental. At the same time, areas with a lower price level continue to record strong annual increases.
Vouliagmeni maintains first place with MZT 22.0 euros/sqm, while the first five complement Kolonaki-Lykavittos, Old Psychiko, Voula and Glyfada.
In the houses for rent, the lowest MZT is recorded by Agios Stefanos, with MZT 7.5 euros/sq.m., followed by Spring, Kamatero, Perama and Paiania.
The largest annual increase is recorded by Drapetsona 29.1%, followed by Hymettus, Penteli, Melissa and the New Psychic.
The housing market in Thessaloniki continues to show strong mobility in the 2nd quarter of 2026.
The highest MZTs are jointly recorded by Vardaris – Lahanokipi and the Center of Thessaloniki, with MZT renting 12.0 euros/sqm, followed by the 40 Churches – Evangelistria, Xerokrini – Panagia Faneromeni and Triandria – Glory – Cryoneri area.
The largest annual increase in MZT was recorded by Mygdonia with 25.0%, followed by Reynome with 23.3% and Thermaikos with 16.7%.
The lower MZT is recorded by Hortiatis, with an MZT rent of 4.9 euros/sq.m., followed by Mygdonia, the Royals, Oreokastro and Mikra.
Source: OT
