New “Exoikonomo” Programs

New "Exoikonomo" Programs

Applications for three new "EXOIKONOMO" programs are set to begin in the coming days. This new series of programs is a continuation of the "EXOIKONOMO 2023" program, which focuses on energy-efficient home upgrades, following in the footsteps of previous programs like "Exoikonomisi Kat' Oikon I & II," "Exoikonomo-Autonomo," and "Neo Exoikonomo."

The guide for the first "Exoikonomo" program, aimed at these vulnerable households, is expected to be released in early September. The second program focuses on the installation of heat pumps, while the third targets the improvement of external thermal insulation for homes.

Eligible homes for these programs can be either single-family houses or apartments, as long as they are primarily used as residences.

Now, the new programs extends eligible energy interventions with the following:

1. replacement of fenestration
2. thermal insulation installation / upgrade 
3. heating / cooling system upgrade
4. hot water system using Renewable Energy Sources
5. other interventions (smart home management system)

Rates of subsidizing may reach up to 75% of the eligible budget for interventions.

“Exoikonomo” Programs: Requirements

The requirements are expected to remain largely unchanged compared to the programs of previous years. Specifically, they are expected to include: (details not provided in the excerpt):

1. Lawfully established
2. Not declared due for demolition
3. Used as primary residence
4. Not being eligible through the use of short-term lease (.i.e. Airb’n’b and the like).
5. Classified under class lower or equal to C, according to the 1st Energy Performance Certificate (Α’ EPC), i.e. before interventions are applied.

Supporting Documentation for Exoikonomo Programs

Regarding the documentation for the program, we list below the documents required for the previous EXOIKONOMO program, which are expected to remain unchanged:

1. Applicant's Individual ID Card or Passport
2. Applicant revenue forms (Ε1, Ε2, Ε9 etc.)
3. Building Permit and / or other similar legalizing document.
4. Copy of Electricity Bill
5. Statement by the applicable Municipal Authority that identifies the Real Property (if the address stated on supporting documents is different from the actual building address)
6. Energy Efficiency Certificate, applicable before the interventions (“Α’ ΠΕΑ”)
7.  Photo documentation of the present condition of structure parts and surfaces where the proposed interventions are situated.
8. In case the property is leased or conceded free of charge, a relevant statement of compliance must be completed
9. In case the individual required for tax statement filling and/or the spouse is a foreign resident, the following documents should be submitted: Tax Residence Certificate; Tax Statement for the reference year of the tax residence country.
10. If the applicant is exempt from the obligation to submit a tax statement, a relevant notarized Solemn Statement should be submitted.
11. In case the applicant obtained beneficial rights on the real property after 31.12.2022, the following should be submitted in addition: property title; certificate of transfer by the competent Mortgage Registry, or certificate of filing in the cadastral records of the local Cadastral Authority Office; Solemn Statement to confirm that the real property is used as a main residence; filing / amendment of Real Property Statement (Ε9 form).
12. In case the party liable for tax payments or the spouse thereof or dependent minors are handicapped to a degree of at least 67%, a “Notice of Disability Status Result” should be submitted by the competent Disability Status Certification Centre, or a similar legitimate document by a Health Authority should be submitted instead.
13. In case of Large Families the applicant should submit a Certificate of Large Family Status bearing a valid digital signature by the Hellenic Large Family Association (ΑSPE), combined with a certificate of family status.

Why choose BIOCLIMA®

BIOCLIMA®, backed by the KRAFT Paints assurance, has developed two integrated groups of exterior thermal insulation systems, especially for the “EXOIKONOMO 2023” program. These are adapted to the Greek climate conditions; they are CE-marked and fully meet the requirements of the program.

Designed especially for the Greek Climate Conditions

The system allows comprehensive building coverage that includes energy upgrade, protection against weather effects and profound aesthetic upgrading!

All individual products constituting the BIOCLIMA® Systems are customized to the particularites of the Greek territory. These are the following, among others:

• Rich natural geographical diversity
• Intense temperature and humidity variation
• Expanded coastal areas where buildings are situated
• Frequent earthquake activity

Moreover, they participate in existing building energy upgrade programs, under a financial subsidy regime (e.g. “EXOIKONOMO 2023” by the Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Change), thus providing energy consumption savings up to 65% inclusive.

1. ClimaWall® exterior thermal insulation systems based on all common handling materials for application to vertical surfaces (exterior walls) and pilotis.
2. ClimaRoof® thermal and water insulation systems (the fruit of collaboration between 2 industry leaders: KRAFT Paints& FIBRAN) based on thermal insulating materials of premium insulating value (extruded polystyrene) as well as innovative cement based sealing and adhesive materials for application on horizontal surfaces (roofs, terraces).

Exoikonomo Program FAQ

When does Round Β of the Exoikonomo Program commence?

The Minister of Environment, Thodoros Skylakakis, recently stated in an interview that the application submission system will open in the Fall.

How can I submit an application for the program?

You can submit your application through the official government website at gov.gr in the designated "Exoikonomo" section. Follow the instructions provided on the site, and it is recommended to seek the advice of a relevant engineer or technical consultant to assist you with the process.

Can you process the submittal of applications to the program?

KRAFT Paints & BIOCLIMA® CANNOT process the submittal of the application to the program for you. For this service, you may refer to qualified engineers and Energy Auditors.

What are the income criteria for the Program?

The average subsidy for the first EXOIKONOMO program, targeting low-income households, is estimated to be around €12,500 per beneficiary. This subsidy covers interventions like external thermal insulation and window replacement. The program is expected to fund renovation projects for approximately 5,000 households, aiming to reduce energy costs and improve their quality of life.

A key difference from previous EXOIKONOMO programs is that the upcoming new "EXOIKONOMO" will not have income criteria, allowing many more individuals to participate. However, additional points will be awarded to vulnerable groups (e.g., people with disabilities, large families). The evaluation of applications will use the "degree days" system, similar to that used for heating allowance eligibility. For example, this system justified up to 25% higher expenses for households in areas with severe cold (e.g., Orestiada).

Is it necessary to take out a loan to participate in the Program?

No, it is not necessary. The remaining amount after the subsidy, depending on the income criteria, can be covered by the beneficiary's own funds.