New program "Renovate – Rent": Who is eligible for a subsidy up to €36,000

A new, ambitious chapter for the country’s housing stock is expected in May 2026, as the government has announced an extensive home renovation program. With the primary goal of bringing thousands of properties back to the market, the program offers unprecedented grant rates reaching up to 90%, with the maximum aid amount reaching 36,000 euros per residence.

The program's philosophy clearly focuses on the energy upgrade of old houses, a sector in which BIOCLIMA has been active for years, offering integrated solutions for external thermal insulation and energy upgrading tailored to the needs of Greek housing.

Eligible Beneficiaries and Objectives

The program aims to activate approximately 750,000 vacant properties, with the first phase targeting 20,000 owners. For the first time, the following are eligible to participate:

1. Vacant Properties:

• Properties that have been declared as vacant on the E2 tax form during recent fiscal years.
• Obligation to be occupied or rented for at least five years following the renovation.

2. Owner-Occupied Properties:

• Properties to be used as a primary residence for a five-year period after the completion of the works.
• Priority will be given to young couples and owners up to 45 years old.

Basic Criteria

• Property Age: Properties with a building permit issued up to December 31, 1990.
• Property Size: Total floor area up to 120 sq.m.
• Income Limits: Annual family income up to €35,000 (for couples), with an additional €5,000 for each child.
• Subsidy Bonuses: The subsidy rate can be increased by 5% for properties in mountainous or island regions, and an additional 5% for families with three or more children, reaching a maximum of 90%.

The majority of these properties were constructed without any thermal insulation provisions, leading to increased energy losses and high heating and cooling costs. In such cases, solutions such as BIOCLIMA external thermal insulation systems constitute a decisive intervention for program inclusion and the improvement of the property’s energy class. BIOCLIMA® by KRAFT Paints develops innovative proposals for the energy improvement of buildings. It provides integrated external thermal insulation solutions with CE marking, which are harmonized with the Greek climate and fully cover the program's requirements. BIOCLIMA® ClimaWall® systems are ideal for the renovation of existing homes, as their flexibility allows application to any structure, without restrictions regarding age or location. These certified energy upgrade systems are applied to the external side of walls, having been specifically designed for the architectural particularities and diverse microclimates of Greece. In reality, the installation of external thermal insulation forms the basis for a proper renovation and the creation of a more sustainable home.

Subsidized Works: From Thermal Insulation to General Renovation

The program is particularly flexible, as it combines energy shielding with functional upgrading. Subsidized works include:

1. Energy Interventions (20% – 40% of the budget):

• Thermal insulation of facades and rooftops: The most efficient intervention for energy saving.

External thermal insulation is the most effective energy intervention. At BIOCLIMA, we apply certified ETICS systems with high-performance insulating materials, which reduce energy losses by up to 65% and contribute directly to the property's eligibility for the program.

• Replacement of window frames and installation of heating systems or solar water heaters.

2. General Renovation Works (60% – 90% of the budget):

• Upgrade of plumbing and electrical installations.
• Replacement of floors, sanitary ware, and kitchen renovation.

The combination of general renovation with targeted energy interventions leads to homes of a higher energy class, with reduced operating costs and increased market value.

Application Period

The digital platform for submitting applications is expected to open in May 2026. Due to funding provided by the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), all works must, as a rule, be completed and invoiced by August 2026. In the event of non-compliance with the five-year property use obligation, the return of part or all of the subsidy is foreseen, in accordance with the terms of the official call for applications.

At BIOCLIMA, we are already preparing to support owners who wish to take advantage of the program by providing technical guidance, selection of suitable insulation products, and correct energy planning, from the initial stage to the completion of the works.