The 2025 arrival of private universities in Greece is shaping up to be a milestone for the real estate sector, with iconic private institutions from abroad already in the market for properties to house their campuses.

Location and acreage are key criteria for foreign universities, with major Athenian avenues such as Mesogeion, Kifissias and Syngrou attracting the likes of Harvard, Columbia, MIT and University of Cyprus. Proximity to Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport as well as good public transport connectivity are two prerequisites for the areas to be selected.

The introduction of private universities is expected to bring substantial changes to the issue of student lodging, with sector executives emphasizing that a new segment in Greek realty is emerging, as indicated by numerous market players already planning to develop student housing complexes in Athens and other large cities across Greece. This segment of real estate, which has been underutilized for decades, seems to have kickstarted project development for student-targeted housing.

More specifically, investors are seeking out properties ranging from 30 to 60 square meters (322 to 645 square feet), ideal for student accommodation, echoing the size of student dwellings in other European countries, providing a significant fund injection in the real estate market.

Elliniko will be among the first areas to witness the development of private universities. This is due to the Hellenic Healthcare Group (HHG), owned by the investment fund CVC Capital Partners, advancing plans to establish Greece’s first private medical school in partnership with the University of Nicosia. HHG acquired the former Olympic Catering property for €10 million and plans to invest an additional €15 million for renovation and equipment purchase purposes, totaling a €25 million investment.