According to Greece’s Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE), data from 6,720,037 processed tax declarations reveals much about the country’s financial footprint. One in three Greeks lives in an owner-occupied home, two in ten rent, and over 83,000 have assets abroad.
Despite high borrowing costs, over 1.65 million people are paying off housing or consumer loans, indicating both financial strain and continued commitment to homeownership – a deep-rooted priority in Greek society linked to security, social advancement, and family.
More than 116,000 taxpayers either acquired or built real estate in 2024, while 2,335,187 households declared that they live in a primary residence they own. Meanwhile, nearly one in four taxpayers is burdened with loan obligations.
Additionally:
- 1,081,634 taxpayers reported €4.69 billion in rental income (an average of ~€4,300 per person).
- 1,672 individuals declared property income from abroad, with an average annual yield of €12,000.
- 83,216 taxpayers declared foreign assets (real estate, bank accounts, investments).
- 21,277 declared €207.75 million in interest from foreign banks.
The Lifestyle Snapshot
Tax filings reveal an emerging high-consumption lifestyle, marked by private schooling, yachts, luxury cars, and domestic help:
- Over 5.4 million cars, 96,886 boats, and 18,699 swimming pools were declared as living expenses – including 377 indoor pools.
- 131,031 families paid over €600 million in private school tuition.
- Hiring domestic workers, chauffeurs, or private tutors accounted for €34.6 million in total expenses, with an average of €13,787 per taxpayer.
- Electronic and card payments reached €59.47 billion, reflecting the shift to digital transactions and increased tax oversight.
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