The new, expanded “Renovate – Rent” program, which is expected to open in late May to early June, was discussed Monday morning by Family and Social Cohesion Minister Domna Michailidou.

Speaking to ERT, she explained that the new scheme will cover properties up to 120 square meters and will provide a subsidythat can reach up to 90% of €36,000, depending on the category of household. He clarified that for certain groups, such as single-parent families, young couples, couples with three children, large families and households with disabilities, the subsidy will be increased.

Ms Michaelidou also noted that only a small part of the total amount will be required to be allocated for energy upgrades, while the larger part can be used for basic renovation interventions such as kitchen, bathroom and other rehabilitation works.

According to him, properties that are at least 20 years old and have been closed for at least three years will be eligible for the programme. At the same time, there will also be an opportunity to intervene in older homes in which families already reside if they are deemed unviable in terms of occupancy.

In response to complaints from citizens about delays in repayments of the older “Renovate – Rent” scheme, the Minister of Family and Social Cohesion said that disbursements are going through a strict review of documents to prevent abuses or ineligible cases.

He said that in the past hundreds of applications had been identified that did not meet the requirements, which necessitated more intensive monitoring.

Regarding the social consideration process, Ms. Michaelidou disclosed that the necessary decisions are being made so that the first tenders can be launched in 2026. As she explained, the State will develop underutilized land and properties in areas such as Peania, Larissa, Pyrgos and Kalamata, granting them to private individuals on terms that will ensure that part of the houses that will be built will be returned to the State for social renting.

The aim is to make these new apartments available on social rent to vulnerable groups, while increasing the overall stock of available housing in the market.

The minister also attached particular importance to the utilization of three inactive camps in Athens, Thessaloniki and Patras, where, in cooperation with the Armed Forces, 2,300 social housing units will be built. As he said, the funding for this project amounts to 400 million euros from European funds and is considered of key importance for the substantial strengthening of the supply of housing within the urban fabric.

Finally, he announced that the “Nanny Neighbourhoods” project will be opened after Easter. The program provides for 500 euros a month in childcare support, based on the mother’s individual income. For one child the limit is set at 24,000 euros, for two children at 27,000 euros, while for three children and above there will be no income limit.

The minister noted that not only professional trustees, but also family members, such as grandparents, will be able to register in the system, provided they meet the requirements, so that a social practice that is already widely applied in the Greek family is also institutionally recognized.