Building permit extensions offer more time for development projects

The most significant amendment concerns the transitional provisions governing development outside approved urban planning zones. The deadline previously set to expire on 30 June 2026 has now been extended to 30 June 2027, providing additional time for thousands of landowners who have already initiated the process of obtaining building permits. The extension applies to properties falling within the special transitional regime established under Law 4759/2020, for which either an application for preliminary building permit approval has been submitted or the relevant certification has been issued by the competent Building Authority.

At the same time, the validity of preliminary building permit approvals already issued under these provisions is also extended until 30 June 2027. These approvals were otherwise due to expire earlier. This measure eliminates the need to resubmit application files and repeat lengthy administrative procedures for projects that are already underway.

In practical terms, the new regulation provides the market with additional time to adapt until the completion of the Local and Special Urban Plans currently being prepared throughout the country, which will establish the new framework for land use and development.

The legislation also extends the transitional arrangements governing the enforcement of demolition orders for unauthorized structures. The authorities responsible for carrying out demolitions prior to 1 May 2024 will continue to administer the relevant cases until 30 June 2027. The extension applies to final inspection reports and demolition orders issued up to that date, ensuring continuity in enforcement procedures until the new system is fully implemented.

Particular importance is also attached to the extension of the special review procedure for building permits within the Santorini Caldera area. The relevant deadline has been extended until 31 December 2026, maintaining the enhanced oversight regime in one of the country’s most environmentally and urbanistically sensitive areas.

Finally, the terms of office of the Architectural Councils and the Councils for Urban Planning Matters and Disputes (SYPOTHA) are extended until the establishment of new bodies and, in any event, no later than 31 December 2026. This measure is intended to prevent any administrative gap and ensure the uninterrupted examination of applications, licensing procedures, and urban planning matters throughout the country.