1. Culinary Scene: Athens has a vibrant culinary scene that goes beyond traditional Greek cuisine. The city is home to numerous modern restaurants and food markets that showcase innovative dishes and international flavors, often featuring locally sourced ingredients from nearby farms. 2. Secret Rooftop Bars: While Athens is known for its nightlife, many locals frequent hidden rooftop bars that offer stunning views of the Acropolis and the city skyline. These secret spots provide a unique ambiance and are often less crowded than popular tourist destinations. 3. Historical Underground: Beneath the bustling streets of Athens lies a network of ancient ruins and tunnels. Some of these underground passages date back to the Roman era and can be explored through guided tours, revealing a different perspective of the city's rich history.
Athens, the capital of Greece, is experiencing a dynamic housing market characterized by rising prices and increasing demand. As of 2024, the city's metro area population reached 3,155,000, putting pressure on the limited housing supply. The total number of housing units in Athens is approximately 55,000. The homeownership rate in Greece is 72.8%, suggesting that about 27.2% of residents are renters. However, in Athens specifically, the rental market is more prominent, with estimates suggesting that over 50% of residents rent their homes. As of late 2024, the average price to buy an apartment in Athens was €2,416 per square meter, representing a 2% increase over three months but a 9% decline year-over-year. The rental market saw an average rent of €19 per square meter, a 2% increase in the last quarter. Public and social housing play a minimal role in Athens' housing market, with no significant government-led affordable housing initiatives. Cooperative housing is also limited, with only one known housing cooperative in the city. The lack of these alternative housing options contributes to the pressure on the private rental and ownership markets. The housing market in Athens faces challenges due to limited supply, increasing population, and rising prices, making affordable housing a growing concern for many residents.
The Athens city administration is actively addressing housing challenges through several initiatives: 1. Short-term rental restrictions: A one-year ban on registering new apartments for short-term rentals was implemented in January 2025 to alleviate housing shortages for permanent residents. 2. Future Land Use Plan: The city is developing a plan to accommodate an expected population increase of 30,000 residents over the next 20 years. 3. Affordable Housing Fund: Mayor Kelly Girtz proposed a $1 million fund for affordable housing in the 2024-2025 fiscal year budget. 4. Athens Resilience Strategy 2030: This plan aims to create an open, green, proactive, and vibrant city by addressing challenges like homelessness and utilizing abandoned buildings to accommodate vulnerable populations. 5. Energy Poverty Alleviation: Athens became the first European city to eliminate municipal fees for energy-poor households and established an Energy Poverty Alleviation Office to provide support and guidance. 6. Social Housing Estates: Although not a current initiative, these estates were historically used to provide housing for urgent temporal needs. The city's approach focuses on balancing the needs of residents, tourists, and property owners while promoting sustainability and affordability. Athens is working to create more affordable and sustainable housing through a combination of regulatory measures, financial investments, and targeted programs to support vulnerable populations.