The Greek political group ELAS has accused the government of failing to meet its housing goals, warning that its flagship Home Renovation scheme is running far below target ahead of an August 31 deadline.
According to the latest published data cited in a statement by ELAS on August 19, 2026, approximately 9,000 eligibility certificates have been issued for vacant properties so far. The government estimates the final total will reach around 11,000 certificates, falling short of the political benchmark of 25,000 reopened homes recently set by the government spokesperson.
Widening Gap in Housing Target
With only days remaining before the first phase closes on August 31, 2026, ELAS noted that the gap between government promises and actual progress remains substantial. The group warned that the final number of revived properties will likely be even lower, as eligibility certificates represent only an initial administrative verification step rather than completed renovations.
ELAS also pointed out that despite a high budget allocation, the scheme has failed to produce a matching increase in the overall housing supply. The group said funds can also be directed toward open, already occupied residences rather than strictly returning closed properties to the market. In addition, digital bureaucracy has created significant obstacles for property owners trying to complete the application process.
Demands for Application Deadline Extension
To address the shortfall, ELAS called on the government to take immediate corrective measures. First, the group urged ministers to extend the eligibility application deadline for closed properties beyond the current August 31, 2026 cutoff.
Second, ELAS demanded that the program explicitly cover vacant properties acquired during 2026, which are presently excluded from participation. Third, the group called for an immediate resolution to technical glitches and a reconfiguration of the digital platform. ELAS argued that authorities must re-examine all applicants excluded due to administrative or technical errors to ensure no eligible beneficiary is left out because of IT system flaws.
Fourth, ELAS requested the monthly publication of detailed progress metrics. The group specified that these reports should separate eligibility certificates for closed and open housing, while tracking funding applications, formal approvals, completed renovations, and properties successfully reintroduced to the housing market.
Critique of Government Housing Strategy
In its statement, ELAS argued that the problems facing the scheme highlight a fundamental flaw in the administration's broader housing strategy. The group said current policies almost exclusively subsidise demand, which drives up property prices across Greece without expanding the permanent supply of affordable housing.
Guaranteeing a change of course, ELAS outlined its own comprehensive proposal for progressive housing transformation. The group said its framework focuses on protecting primary residences, creating a permanent stock of public and social housing, and establishing fairer conditions for private leases. It also aims to activate small property holdings, place greater responsibility on major economic interests, and align state institutions, local authorities, universities, the social economy, and productive sectors toward long-term affordable housing for all.
Related Political Developments
The announcement from ELAS comes amid several other political developments reported alongside the housing debate. Turkish authorities issued a new challenge against Greece's spatial planning framework for renewable energy sources in the Aegean Sea. Meanwhile, government official Th. Kontogeorgis rejected criticism surrounding Greece's national debt repayment strategy, describing the opposition's stance as incomprehensible while detailing current fiscal policy.
Separately, Minister Takis Theodorikakos highlighted government efforts to curb living costs, noting that food inflation turned negative in July. Elsewhere, officials G. Kotsiras and K. Gioulekas held a joint teleconference to review ongoing railway infrastructure projects across Northern Greece as well as urban transit operations in Thessaloniki.
