Reform proposal to enable development of jointly owned land
Reform proposal to enable development of jointly owned land

Reform proposal to enable development of jointly owned land

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RE+D magazine
17.10.2025

The Hellenic Property Federation (POMIDA) has submitted a letter to the political leadership of the Ministry of Justice, requesting a legislative intervention that would allow the absolute majority (51%) of the undivided co-owners of a property to initiate the process of obtaining a court-issued permit for its development.

The aim of the proposal is to unlock thousands of buildable land plots that remain unutilized, primarily due to the obstructive stance of minority co-owners, who often act in an abusive manner, undermining the interests of the majority.

The Hellenic Property Federation (POMIDA) underscores the need to shorten the time-consuming procedures currently prescribed by law, so that the system may become truly functional and contribute meaningfully to the acceleration of residential development and the increase of the housing stock — a matter that has become urgent for the country.


Current Legal Framework

According to Law 1562/1985, a court permit for construction on jointly owned land may only be requested if 65% of the co-owners agree and provided there is an “unavoidable necessity or clear benefit” for all parties. However, the process is complex, lengthy, and inefficient, as it involves:

  • A six-month preliminary phase, requiring the submission of documentation, proposed property exchange or co-development plans, building regulations, etc., to a notary.

  • A two-month deadline to serve the lawsuit to the dissenting minority.

  • The right of the minority to submit counterproposals or initiate legal remedies.

In practice, this process is almost never implemented, leaving thousands of properties trapped in inactivity and legal inertia.