New measures have been introduced by the Greek government in order to support its citizens and assist them in finding cheaper accommodation. During the last few years rental prices have increased at a faster rate than salaries, but despite this, demand for housing has reached historically high levels. According to recent data published by the Bank of Greece, prices in the housing market have almost returned to pre-crisis levels but are currently still 18% below the peak in 2008. According to the same data, in the last four years the housing prices in Thessaloniki, the second biggest city of Greece, have increased by 32% and in other big cities of Greece the average increase is 19%. In addition, the average rental price in Athens is €9.80sqm for an apartment of 80-110sqm, around €1,000 per month, excluding electricity and heating costs etc. 

In mid-September, the Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced a €1.8bn programme, which will benefit more than 100,000 citizens. The package increases the housing allowance from €1,000 to €1,500, and to €2,000 in all cases of cohabitation, which is expected to benefit around 50,000 students. Another key measure announced by the PM was the launching of a loan programme, which will ensure a very low interest rate, of 1% instead of 4%, for 10,000 first time buyers aged 25-39. These low interest loans will cover up to 90% of the commercial value of the property with a maximum limit of €150,000.