The year 2026 brings positive news for property owners in Greece, with two major government-funded home renovation programs available. The first is “Anakainizo – Noikiazo” (Renovate – Rent Out), which is primarily intended for vacant properties that will be offered for long-term rental. The second is “Anakainizo 2026”, a new renovation grant program targeting older residential properties, whether vacant or occupied.
These grant schemes provide an excellent opportunity to upgrade your property into a modern, energy-efficient and comfortable home while significantly reducing renovation costs. Below, we explain each program, the eligibility requirements and the financial support available.
Anakainizo – Noikiazo
The «Anakainizo – Noikiazo» program is currently open and is intended for homeowners or usufruct holders who own a vacant residential property and wish to renovate it before renting it out under a long-term lease.
The program covers 60% of eligible renovation expenses, including materials, construction products and labour. Eligible expenses can reach up to €13,500, meaning the maximum grant available is 8.100€.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the program, the property must meet specific requirements, including:
- The property must be a residential unit of up to 100 sq.m. located within a residential area.
- The applicant must hold at least 50% ownership or legal usufruct rights.
- Annual household taxable income must not exceed €40,000.
- The total value of the applicant’s real estate assets must not exceed €300,000.
- The property must not be declared as the owner’s primary residence or as an already rented property.
- It must have been declared as vacant in the Greek E2 tax declaration during the previous three years.
After completing the renovation, the owner must sign an electronic long-term lease for a minimum period of three years.
All invoices for materials and renovation works must be paid electronically. In addition, beneficiaries may receive an advance payment of up to 50% of the approved grant amount.
Αnakainizo 2026
“Anakainizo 2026” is a new government renovation grant programme for older privately owned homes. Its objective is to upgrade residential properties that are currently vacant, outdated or in poor condition, making them suitable for modern living.
According to the information announced so far, the eligibility process is expected to open through the Greek government portal (gov.gr), on 15 June, while the official application period is expected to begin in early September.
Available Funding
Based on the information released so far, the grant may cover up to 95% of eligible renovation costs for specific categories of beneficiaries, including families with three or more children, large families, people with disabilities and other applicants meeting certain social or geographical criteria.
The programme has also been reported to provide funding of up to 300€ per square metre, subject to income criteria. Indicative income thresholds include €25,000 for single applicants and 35,000€ for married couples, with additional allowances for dependent children.
Example Calculation
Suppose a property has a total floor area of 80 sq.m. and the programme sets a maximum eligible budget of €300 per sq.m.
The maximum eligible renovation budget would be:
80 sq.m. × €300 = €24,000
If the applicant qualifies for an 80% grant, the financial support could reach:
€24,000 × 80% = €19,200
This does not mean that every 80 sq.m. renovation project will automatically receive €19,200. Rather, it illustrates the maximum level of funding that may be available if the final programme confirms these conditions and all eligible expenses are approved.
Read also: How Much Does It Cost to Renovate a 50 sq.m. Apartment in Greece?
Αν ένα σπίτι είναι 80 τ.μ. και το πρόγραμμα βάζει πλαφόν 300€/τ.μ., ο ανώτατος επιλέξιμος προϋπολογισμός μπορεί να υπολογιστεί ως εξής:
80 τ.μ. × 300€/τ.μ. = 24.000€
Αν ο δικαιούχος πάρει επιδότηση 80%, η ενίσχυση μπορεί να φτάσει:
24.000€ × 80% = 19.200€
Renovation Works Covered by the Program
Home renovation grant programmes generally focus on improvements that make a property safer, more functional and suitable for everyday living.
Typical eligible renovation works include:
- Bathroom renovation
- Kitchen renovation
- Replacement of plumbing installations
- Replacement or upgrading of electrical installations
- Flooring, tiling, plastering and interior painting
- Replacement of windows and doors, together with thermal insulation improvements
- Installation of a solar water heater and other energy-efficiency upgrades
For “Anakainizo 2026”, the programme is expected to extend beyond energy improvements and also support practical renovation works such as plumbing, electrical installations, bathroom renovations, painting and repairs to damaged building elements.
Before You Apply
Before requesting quotations or starting any renovation works, it is advisable to organise all essential documentation. Proper preparation can save time, prevent delays and reduce the risk of your application being rejected.
- Verify Your Property Records. Before applying, make sure your property’s floor area is consistent across the Greek E9 Property Declaration, the Greek E2 Tax Declaration, and the property’s actual specifications. If there are any discrepancies, resolve them before submitting your application. Government grant programmes rely on cross-checking official records, and inconsistencies in your property information may delay or even prevent approval.
- Gather Your Ownership Documents. Ensure that you have all the necessary ownership documentation, including proof of ownership or usufruct rights, your ownership percentage, and your property’s ATAK (Greek Property Identification Number).
For example, applications for “Anakainizo – Noikiazo” are submitted through the Greek government portal (gov.gr) using Taxisnet credentials. Applicants simply select the property they wish to renovate and offer for long-term rental. - Request Detailed Quotations. Work with experienced renovation professionals and obtain detailed quotations before starting the project. A quotation for a grant-funded renovation should be practical and comprehensive, clearly specifying: the renovation works included, the materials to be used, the construction activities required, and a detailed cost breakdown for each category of work. Well-prepared quotations not only help you understand the project scope but also make it easier to justify eligible expenses during the application process.
- Do Not Begin Renovation Works Too Early. Many government grant programmes require eligible expenses to be incurred within a specific period and under clearly defined conditions. Starting renovation works before confirming the programme requirements could result in some or all of your expenses being deemed ineligible for funding.
- Keep Electronic Payment Records. Under “Anakainizo – Noikiazo”, all invoices for eligible renovation works must be paid electronically. Although this may seem like a minor administrative requirement, it is essential for grant approval. Failure to comply with the payment requirements could result in the loss of funding.
Common Mistakes That Could Cost You Your Grant
- Focusing Only on the Grant Percentage. The phrase “up to 95%” sounds impressive, but it does not mean that everyone is eligible for the maximum grant. In most cases, the highest funding rate applies only to specific beneficiary categories or applicants who meet particular combinations of eligibility criteria.
- Not Distinguishing Between the Programmes. “Anakainizo – Noikiazo” and “Anakainizo 2026” are two different government programmes. The first is an active programme that requires the property to be rented out under a long-term lease after the renovation. The second has a broader objective and focuses on the renovation of older residential properties.
- Incomplete Quotations If your contractor’s quotation does not clearly specify the renovation works included, it may make it more difficult to document eligible expenses during the grant application process.
- Leaving Property Documentation Until the Last Minute Your Greek E2 Tax Declaration, Greek E9 Property Declaration, ATAK (Greek Property Identification Number), property size, ownership details and declared property use should all be accurate and up to date before any renovation work begins.
Therefore, government home renovation grants available in Greece in 2026 can significantly reduce the overall cost of renovating a property. The key is choosing the right programme for the right property. If you own a vacant property and plan to rent it out, “Anakainizo – Noikiazo” is the programme to start with. If you own an older property that requires more substantial renovation works, keep an eye on the launch of “Anakainizo 2026” and start preparing your documentation, verifying your property’s details and obtaining detailed quotations in advance.