Housing as an investment in Greece and Southern Europe

As housing markets across Europe face increasing pressures from financialisation, tourism-driven demand, and speculative investment, Greece’s housing sector presents both a unique case and a broader reflection of issues impacting the continent. Can housing be treated simultaneously as a profit-making investment asset in the “free” market and a human right protected by social policies within the same political agenda? What are the outcomes so far, and what are the alternatives?

In response, the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS), in collaboration with the Eteron, the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) and InSocial, have conducted a policy study focused on the housing crisis in Greece with comparative insights from Southern Europe. The research aims to document current challenges and propose policy recommendations for building a more inclusive and resilient housing system.

On Friday, 29 November 2024, this policy study was presented at the Eteron office in Athens in the presence of experts, policymakers, civil society, and housing stakeholders to discuss policy implications that can effectively address affordability and inclusivity in Greece and in the EU.

Among our speakers were:

• Nikos Chrysogelos, Deputy Mayor of Climate Governance and Social Economy, Athens 
• Yannis Maniatis, Member of the European Parliament, Vice Chair of the S&D Group and Head of the Greek Delegation to the S&D Group
• Irene Tinagli, Member of the European Parliament, S&D Group 
• Christos Alefantis, Editor in Chief and Founder, Shedia Magazine
• Dimitra Siatitsa, Postdoctoral researcher, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) and National Centre for Social Research (EKKE)
• Simone Tulumello, Assistant Research Professor, Institute of Social Sciences, Universidade de Lisboa
• Laura Colini, Researcher at the Housing in the city (H-City) cluster, Università Iuav di Venezia
• Thomas Maloutas, Professor Emeritus of Social Geography, Department of Geography, Harokopio University Athens and (EKKE)
• Meriç Özgüneş, Project Coordinator, Social Rental Agency of the Major Development Agency of Thessaloniki

The presentation of the policy study was in English, and a recording will be made available after the event concludes.

🏘️Just days after the confirmation of the new Commissioner for Housing @DanJoergensen FEPS is in Athens to unveil the latest policy study “Housing as an investment in Greece & Southern Europe” w/ @eteronOrg @insocialgr & @FESonline !🇬🇷

European housing markets are under… pic.twitter.com/orgMoMBaIP

— FEPS (@FEPS_Europe) November 29, 2024

For more information on the event, please do not hesitate to contact Vanessa Zwisele, FEPS Project Officer (vanessa.zwisele@feps-europe.eu).