Approximately 120,000 empty housing units are recorded in the capital—an amount equivalent to the entire housing stock of Patras, the country’s fourth-largest city.
In Central Athens, the share of vacant homes reaches 11.6%, with the areas surrounding the city center showing the highest concentration of such properties. In Northern Athens, the situation is somewhat better, with vacancy rates remaining below 20%; Vrilissia records the lowest rate at just 9%.
In Southern Athens, vacancy rates vary more widely, with Kallithea showing the highest rate (20%), while the remaining municipalities in the area display relatively stable levels. In Western Athens, vacancy rates are similar across municipalities, with Aigaleo standing out at 21.5%.
In the Piraeus region, the situation is also concerning, as vacancy rates range between 17% and 22%, placing the city among the areas with the highest concentrations of empty homes in Attica.
Outside Attica, the issue of vacant housing is equally severe. In several of the country’s major cities, vacancy rates range from 24% to 29%, with five municipalities recording exceptionally high levels.
This reality highlights the necessity for well-designed policies and strategic interventions that can bring these properties back into productive use and rejuvenate neighbourhoods experiencing stagnation or decay.
