The Ministry of Economy and Finance has announced that the first round of tenders for 2,500 social housing units in Attica and other Greek cities is underway and will be issued by the end of 2024, with construction to be completed by 2026, in an effort to alleviate the ongoing housing crisis for low income households and large families.

The tenders will be managed by the the Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (also known as TAIPED), through its Project Preparation Facility operational unit, with the program aiming to build 2,500 dwellings for 5,000 beneficiaries up to 39 years of age.

Inventory data suggests that 98 suitable plots of land have been identified, totaling 6,748,971 square feet, with one-third located in the region of Attica, namely Kifissia and Paiania, and another 10 plots, complete with building permits at 807,293 square feet in Larissa, Xanthi and Volos. The Public Employment Service (DYPA) will provide the aforementioned undeveloped plots and subsequently, a contractor will be chosen through the tender process. The public entity will maintain ownership of the properties, while the contractor will be allowed to exploit the properties until construction costs are recouped. Private developers will begin the construction process in 2025, while DYPA will extend invitations and select beneficiaries based on established social criteria, with special allocation for large families of three or more children and young individuals.

Minister Kostis Hatzidakis has stated that the new residencies will be modern apartments, closer to the standard European style accommodations and not reminiscent of older social housing units, according to the tender specifications.