With a new provision, all responsible affiliated individuals of businesses—i.e., managers, consultants, shareholders, and company members with up to 5% ownership—will now be able to sell or donate their real estate (e.g., through parental transfers), even if the company they are associated with owes money to the state, provided those debts are under a settlement arrangement.

This was announced by the Minister of National Economy and Finance, Kyriakos Pierrakakis, speaking at the “Greece 2025–2030” conference. He added, “For those with a shareholding above 5%, a more flexible process will be foreseen, ensuring the state is protected.” The amount previously required to be paid, which could reach up to 70%, may be reduced to 7%, provided the managers offer another property as collateral.

“The state should offer a helping hand, not wag its finger,” said Mr. Pierrakakis, adding that “settlements should not be punitive.”

Rent refund only for those who pay electronically

According to Mr. Pierrakakis, rent refunds will now be processed through the banking system.

– For individuals, paying rent via a bank is a prerequisite for receiving housing-related financial support.

– For businesses, paying commercial rent through a bank account is required for the rental invoice to be deductible from expenses.

– Also, for property owners, the 5% expense deduction (e.g., for renovation costs) will only apply if the payment is made digitally.

Incentives to activate closed properties

Among the incentives aimed at encouraging owners to bring closed properties back onto the market, the Minister of National Economy spoke about a package of measures. Beyond the tax-related aspects—which will be announced by the Prime Minister at the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF)—Mr. Pierrakakis mentioned social exchange mechanisms and full documentation of state-owned properties.

“Through ETAD (the Hellenic Public Properties Company), about 36,000 properties will be released into the market, along with properties held by banks and servicers,” said the Minister, emphasizing the need to create a regulatory framework that makes use of inactive charitable foundations. “We need a supply shock,” he stated. “The institutional framework and management of public real estate must happen all at once and swiftly,” he added.