Home Renovation Guide: A Detailed Overview of All Subsidy Programs for 2026

It is a fact that in recent years there has been a housing crisis in our country, mainly in large urban centers due to population concentration. According to market experts, the housing shortage is estimated to exceed 250,000 homes across Greece. At the same time, many residences are old constructions built before 1990, which have deteriorated over time and require renovation in order to be usable.

However, the majority of property owners do not have the financial capacity to carry out the necessary repairs and are therefore seeking ways to obtain subsidies for the required works. This is clearly reflected in the increased public interest in renovation programs, particularly the “Exoikonomo” program.

Within this framework, the state currently provides property owners with the opportunity to receive subsidies through various schemes for renovation and energy upgrading works. The objective of these programs is to address the housing problem by increasing the supply of homes on the market, either for owner-occupation or for long-term rental.

What are the available housing renovation subsidy options?

The current subsidy schemes for achieving a subsidized renovation are the following:

A. New program for the renovation of old residences and small-scale energy efficiency worksB. Inclusion in the “Exoikonomo” program for energy upgrading of homes, aimed at reducing energy consumption and costsC. “Renovate – Rent”D. “Upgrade My Home”E. “My Home II”F. Energy upgrade and reduction of fines for legalized buildings that are unauthorized or include unauthorized additions

Which energy interventions are subsidized?

Roof insulation

Roof insulation ensures not only waterproofing but also thermal insulation, providing more warmth in winter and cooler indoor conditions in summer.

External wall insulation

Comprehensive insulation of walls, columns, and partitions reduces energy consumption and eliminates damage caused by moisture and mold. It protects the building structure while improving indoor thermal comfort. Insulation maintains a stable indoor temperature during both winter and summer, significantly reducing heating and cooling costs.

Replacement of window and door frames

Replacing old frames with modern systems can result in energy savings of up to 30%.Modern frames feature double glazing and provide enhanced security and sound insulation.

Installation of a heat pump

Heat pump installation offers significant benefits, including major energy and cost savings, combined heating and cooling through a single system, environmental friendliness, and an increase in property value.

Air conditioning

The benefits of air conditioning include efficient cooling and heating, improved air quality through filters that trap dust and allergens, and humidity control for greater comfort.

Shading with awnings

Shading building façades with awnings significantly improves energy efficiency by reducing energy consumption while creating a pleasant environment with adequate lighting and ventilation.

Installation of a solar water heater

Solar water heaters are a key component of energy-efficient homes, providing abundant and free hot water throughout the year. Their use can achieve energy savings of 40% to 80%, resulting in substantial cost reduction. They are environmentally friendly as they use renewable solar energy.

A. New program for renovating old residences and small-scale energy upgrades

This new program provides subsidies of up to 80% of the total cost, and under certain conditions up to 90%, covering expenses of up to €300 per square meter and a maximum total of €36,000.

The program allows the inclusion of residences built up to 1990, with a maximum surface area of 120 sq.m.

Eligible renovation works include:

• Plumbing and electrical installations

• Kitchen and bathroom renovation

• Replacement of floors and tiles

• Installation of new frames and heating systems

• Solar water heaters, roof insulation, or awnings

In addition, the renovation must include an energy upgrade of at least one energy class, enhancing sustainability and reducing energy costs.

B. “Exoikonomo”

This program subsidizes energy upgrades for residential properties (apartments or houses). Depending on the beneficiary’s category, financial support ranges from 50% to 100%, based on income criteria, for works such as:

• Thermal insulation

• Heating system upgrades

• Replacement of frames and shading systems

• Installation of awnings

• Installation of solar water heaters

To qualify, the residence must:

• Be used as a primary residence

• Exist legally and have no unauthorized constructions

• Be classified, based on the First Energy Performance Certificate (A’ EPC), in an energy category equal to or lower than category C

C. “Renovate – Rent”

The “Renovate – Rent” program targets owners of vacant residences up to 100 sq.m., offering subsidies of up to 60% of expenses, with eligible costs reaching €13,500 and a maximum subsidy of €8,100.

Beneficiaries must have an annual family income of up to €40,000 and total property assets of up to €300,000. The property must be vacant, declared as such in tax returns for the past three years, and rented out under a three-year lease, ensuring tax benefits. Renovation must be completed within six months, with penalties applied if the property is not rented.

D. “Upgrade My Home”

This program provides loans ranging from €5,000 to €25,000 with full interest rate subsidization, for the energy improvement of existing residences through eligible energy interventions.

Eligible participants are individuals who own a primary residence or an unleased secondary residence.

Covered expenses include thermal insulation, frame replacement, photovoltaic systems, and green technologies.

E. “My Home II”

“My Home II” is a housing policy program aimed at purchasing a first home through low-interest loans, targeting individuals aged 25–50. Program eligibility has been extended until May 2026, while loan disbursement can take place until June 20, 2026.

Updated income criteria include:

• Single applicants: Maximum income €25,000

• Married / Civil partnership: Maximum income €35,000, plus €5,000 per child

• Single-parent families: Maximum income €39,000, plus €5,000 for each additional child beyond the first

F. “Energy upgrade and 50% reduction of unauthorized construction fines”

Property owners who declare unauthorized constructions are entitled to a reduction of the imposed fine if energy upgrade works are carried out simultaneously.

For example, if a property owner must pay a €10,000 fine for violations recorded after legalization, they may upgrade the property by at least one energy class and receive a fine reduction. Installing, for instance, an individual natural gas boiler, a solar water heater, and an awning could fully offset the cost of these installations, as the total amount would be deducted from the fine. Structural reinforcement works may also be carried out where necessary.

How do I begin the energy upgrade process for my home?

The first step is to consult a Mechanical Engineer – Energy Inspector, who will carry out the following:

• Building survey of the property to be energy upgraded

• Energy study of the building

• Presentation of the required interventions based on the energy study

• Cost estimation of energy interventions

• Implementation of the energy upgrade

• Issuance of the Energy Performance Certificate

DM General Constructions undertakes comprehensive renovation and energy upgrading of residences, ensuring construction quality, strict adherence to timelines, and full utilization of all available subsidy programs.

Contact

📞 +30 2392 111 178 📧 info@dmgeneralconstructions.comm