Greece Leads Europe Again in Housing Cost Overburden
New Eurostat data for 2026 places Greece at the top of the European list for the highest proportion of household income spent on housing.
- 26.4% of people in Greece spend more than 40% of disposable income on housing.
- The rate is more than three times the EU average of 7.7%.
- Despite dropping from 28.9% in 2024, Greece remains far ahead of other nations.
For Israeli investors and buyers looking at the Greek property market, these figures highlight the heavy financial strain on local renters alongside rising housing prices. It is essential to thoroughly calculate yields, ongoing maintenance and utility costs, and consult local professionals before purchasing.
Housing Cost Overburden Rates Across Europe
Greece once again records the highest housing cost overburden rate in Europe, according to Eurostat data analysed for late 2026. The figures indicate that 26.4% of the population in Greece spends more than 40% of their disposable income on housing. This rate is more than three times the European Union average, which stood at 7.7% in 2025.
Despite holding the top position, the Greek housing cost overburden rate did experience a slight decrease, falling from 28.9% in 2024. Nevertheless, Greece maintains a wide gap ahead of every other country included in the dataset, which covers 27 EU member states, two EFTA states, and five candidate countries.
International Comparisons and Key Cost Drivers
When comparing rates across Europe, Denmark follows in second place at 14.7%, with Germany at 11.2% and Sweden at 10.8% well above the EU average. Conversely, Cyprus records the lowest rate in the region at just 2.4%. Overall, more than 34 million people across the EU live in households facing severe housing cost pressures.
Experts explain that housing costs calculated by Eurostat include rent or mortgage interest, alongside utilities, insurance, maintenance, and taxes, minus housing allowances. Researchers point out that the primary driver of this overburden is that housing costs continue to rise at a faster pace than modest income growth, particularly affecting lower-income earners.
Impact on the Local Market and Investors
For Greek households, these economic pressures arrive as house prices continue their upward trajectory, while average wages remain well below the EU average. Wider Eurostat figures show that EU house prices rose by an average of 69% between 2015 and the second quarter of 2026.
For real estate investors and market participants, understanding these dynamics requires careful evaluation of purchasing expenses, potential long-term or short-term rental yields, and recurring utility and maintenance costs. Analysts warn that rising energy costs are also likely to remain a central factor driving up housing expenditures moving forward.
FAQ
Where do the housing cost statistics come from? The data is based on official Eurostat figures covering EU member states and partner countries.
Are house prices continuing to rise in Greece? Yes, house prices across the European Union and Greece have seen substantial overall increases since 2015.
Who should investors consult before buying property in Greece? It is recommended to speak with qualified local legal, tax, and real estate professionals to review all costs and regulations.
Yavanet will keep updating from official sources.
