The measure “is currently being considered, it is very mature, and we want to promote it in the immediate future,” said the Minister of Finance. “I think we all agree that the average rent in the country is not €255,” he said referring to tax evasion in rental income.

The government is considering the possibility of introducing mandatory rent payments through the banking system, announced the Minister of National Economy and Finance, Kyriakos Pierrakakis, during his speech at the 3rd Real Estate Conference titled “The Vision for Future Real Estate and Market Trends,” organized by Capital.gr and Forbes Greece.

When asked about measures being considered to tackle tax evasion in rental income, Pierrakakis replied: “Yes, one measure under consideration is the mandatory payment of rent through banks.”

“We want to generally implement many digital tools. Much more can be done about tax evasion. I think we all agree that the average rent in the country is not €255 for primary and student housing,” said the minister, adding that it is clear that real data deviates and that tools are needed to accurately reflect reality.

Mr. Pierrakakis explained that the rent refund measure aims to provide an incentive to reveal the real rent. “I think it will move the needle,” but other measures are also needed, he said.

“The mandatory payment of rents through the banking system is such a measure currently under consideration. It is very mature, and we want to promote it in the immediate future, with details to be announced later,” the minister added.

Referring to the taxation of income from rents, the Minister of National Economy and Finance emphasized that any related announcement will be made within the appropriate political and institutional framework, reminding that: “Such announcements traditionally come from the Prime Minister during the Thessaloniki International Fair.”

The minister stressed the importance of utilizing public assets, speaking of significant room for improvement both in speed and effectiveness: “As a country, we can do much more, much faster. We can unlock huge values that remain unused,” he said characteristically.