Hardouvelis: Safety net for those at risk of losing their home

The economic team is considering the case of banks renting borrowers their homes, with the state subsidizing the rent

A “safety net” plans the government for those at risk of losing their home.
According to the Greek newspaper “Ta nea” the economic team is considering the case of banks renting borrowers their homes, with the state subsidizing the rent. Specifically, in addition to the arrangements to be made by banks for ‘red’ loans, the government directed to this solution so that borrowers can remain in their homes, at least for a while.

Under this scenario the banks will be able after gaining ownership of the property to rent it back to borrowers or to grant a financial lease, which may provide the possibility of repurchasing at the end. In the same context, the state will intervene a safety net, which will include rent subsidies, in accordance with rules processed by the Minister of Labour Mr. Yiannis Vroutsis.

The ‘red’ mortgages on households reach the 10 billion euro, while another 15 billion is problematic, ie in arrears. Finding a solution to the issue is urgent, as on the 31st of December ends the  ban on auctions and according to the Greek newspapers information, Troika is not willing to discuss an extension.

The Minister of Finance Mr Gikas Hardouvelis stated to the newspaper that: “The state should be thinking of the citizens, not just the numbers.  The state must give something in order not to drive the citizens out of their homes. For their part banks should consider ways to allow borrowers to stay in their homes, at least for some time.