The Greek Rental Market 2026: Stability, Energy Efficiency, and Smart Investing

1. From Price Surges to Market Stability

After several years of rapid increases, Greece’s rental market in 2026 is entering a period of stability.
Between 2019 and 2024, rents in major cities like Athens and Thessaloniki rose by 35–45%, driven by low housing supply, growing demand, and the boom of short-term rentals.

In 2026, the pace has slowed. Prices are leveling out, and tenants are now prioritizing quality, comfort, and energy efficiency over sheer size or location.
This new reality is bringing balance — and new investment opportunities.

2. Current Rental Prices by Property Type

Rental prices in Greece now depend more on property age, energy class, and renovation quality than ever before.

• Newly Built (A+ / A++) Apartments
  Rents range between €12 and €18 per m², depending on area and view.
  They attract professionals, expats, and families seeking modern design and lower energy bills.

• Renovated Apartments
  Currently renting for €8–€13 per m², these properties offer the best cost-to-quality balance.
  They remain the most in-demand category in 2026 — affordable, functional, and efficient.

• Older, Unrenovated Apartments
  With rents around €5–€9 per m², these homes appeal mainly to lower-budget tenants.
  However, their energy inefficiency and maintenance costs are limiting demand.

3. Rental Prices by Area: The Athens Landscape

Greece’s capital remains the main driver of the rental market.
Here’s how rents compare across regions in 2026:

AreaAverage Rent (€ per m²)2026 TrendNorthern Suburbs (Marousi, Kifisia, Chalandri)11–18 €/m²StableSouthern Suburbs (Glyfada, Alimos, Palaio Faliro)12–19 €/m²Slight increaseCentral Athens (Kolonaki, Pangrati, Kypseli)8–15 €/m²Minor fluctuationsPiraeus & Western Suburbs6–12 €/m²Gradual riseThessaloniki (Center)8–14 €/m²Stable

Demand remains strongest for smaller apartments (50–90 m²) — ideal for singles, couples, and remote workers returning to city life after the work-from-home era.

4. The Shift Toward Energy Efficiency

The rental market in 2026 is defined by one major factor: energy performance.
Tenants no longer focus solely on rent levels — they calculate total living costs, including energy consumption.

An apartment with an A+ energy rating can save residents €100–€150 per month in utilities compared to older properties.
As a result, landlords who invest in insulation, double-glazing, and efficient heating systems are achieving premium rents and near-zero vacancy.

This is especially evident in new developments by Poli Real Estate, where energy-efficient designs and high-quality materials attract long-term tenants within days of listing.

5. Why Rents Are Stabilizing — and What It Means for Investors

Several forces are driving the stabilization of Greece’s rental market in 2026:

• Supply Increase: New residential projects have gradually entered the market since 2024.

• Interest Rates: High borrowing costs make property purchases harder, keeping rental demand strong.

• Short-Term Rentals Regulation: New laws are reducing the number of Airbnb-style listings, redirecting units to long-term rentals.

For investors, this environment creates predictable income and steady 4–6% gross yields, with potential for 7–8% in off-plan or renovated units.
Energy-efficient homes also maintain higher resale values, adding an extra layer of security.

6. Negotiating in a More Mature Market

As the market matures, rent negotiations have become more professional and data-driven.
Both landlords and tenants now understand that fair agreements create long-term value.

Tips for tenants:

• Offer a longer lease (3+ years) for a small monthly discount.

• Show financial reliability — steady employment or advance payment builds trust.

• Look for properties that have been vacant for more than 2 months — owners are often open to 5–10% flexibility.

Tips for landlords:

• Prioritize energy upgrades and modern finishes — tenants will pay more for efficiency and comfort.

• Use professional management to minimize downtime and ensure proper maintenance.

• Focus on location and building quality, not just surface area.

7. Renting vs. Buying: The 2026 Calculation

With prices stabilizing, many residents are comparing the cost of renting versus buying.

Example scenario:

• Renting a 90 m² apartment in a good area: €1,000–€1,300/month

• Buying the same property: €400,000–€500,000

• Mortgage (25 years at 4% interest): ~€2,000/month

In short: renting remains more affordable in the short term, but owning offers stronger long-term gains, especially if you buy off-plan or in an emerging area before prices rise.

8. The Investor’s Perspective: Where the Smart Money Goes

The 2026 rental market rewards strategic investors who look beyond short-term returns.
The most successful investors combine:

• Location selection (Northern & Southern Athens suburbs are outperforming).

• Energy-efficient upgrades to command higher rents.

• Professional property management to reduce vacancy risk.

Yields of 5–8% are realistic for well-positioned, energy-rated apartments.
Moreover, with inflation moderating and economic stability improving, Greece remains one of Europe’s safest property investment markets.

9. How Poli Real Estate Supports Owners and Investors

At Poli Real Estate, we monitor rental trends across Attica and key coastal regions.
Our team provides leasing, management, and investment advisory services tailored to each client’s goals.

Whether you’re seeking to rent your apartment, buy a property for rental income, or enter the market through an off-plan project, Poli Real Estate ensures you achieve optimal ROI with transparency and professionalism.

The Tymfristou project in Marousi is a perfect example — a boutique development of energy-efficient residences designed for modern living and high rental yield.
Such projects represent the future of smart, sustainable investing in Greece.

Conclusion

The Greek rental market in 2026 is stable, efficient, and full of opportunity.
Energy upgrades are reshaping tenant preferences, while investors enjoy predictable yields and rising long-term value.

For tenants, this is a market of better options and smarter choices.
For investors, it’s a time to act strategically — not speculatively.

And for property owners, partnering with experts like Poli Real Estate ensures your asset performs at its full potential — combining high occupancy, strong ROI, and peace of mind.