Greece’s housing market continued to record strong increases in property prices and rental rates in the first quarter of 2026, with no clear indication of a slowdown, according to market data.
Asking prices for residential properties rose 7.9% year-on-year nationwide, while increases in areas previously considered affordable reached between 20% and 30%. Average rents rose by around 4.9%, with some districts seeing significantly sharper gains.
In Athens, asking sale prices climbed by as much as 36.4% in the first quarter, with the suburb of Ymittos posting the steepest rise. Other areas, including Drosia, Tavros, Dafni, and Agia Varvara, also recorded increases exceeding 20%.
Nationwide, rent growth averaged around 4.2%, while Thessaloniki outpaced the capital in both property sales and rental markets, with prices rising 9.7% and rents 6.6%.
Rental pressures were most pronounced in lower-cost suburbs of Athens, narrowing options for affordable housing. In Ymittos, rents rose by 22.4%, while in Perama they rose by 20.2%. Notable gains were also seen in Acharnes and Haidari.
Property platform Spitogatos said the data reflected sustained demand, particularly in major urban centers, adding that stronger growth in sale prices pointed to increased investment activity that could further constrain affordability for renters.
Mortgage data showed borrowers were taking on larger loans relative to property values, reflecting rising prices. Loan-to-value ratios increased, particularly for smaller loans, while most borrowers secured the full amounts requested.
In Thessaloniki, several districts reported strong growth in both sales and rental markets, with high prices recorded in areas such as Kalamaria and the city center.
Analysts say the continued upward trend underscores persistent pressure on housing costs for households, particularly in urban areas, as demand remains robust and supply is constrained.