Parents of students admitted to universities far from home are facing skyrocketing rental costs this summer, as the annual scramble for student housing intensifies. This year, the challenge of securing affordable accommodation is proving even more difficult than in previous years, especially for small apartments located near university campuses.
According to Kosmas Theodoridis, General Secretary of the Real Estate Agents Association of Attica, the surge in demand is overwhelming the market. “When you suddenly have a large number of people entering the market, you face a problem because there simply aren’t enough properties available at low prices,” he said in an interview with Greek broadcaster MEGA.
While Theodoridis noted that there is technically a sufficient number of properties on the market, he emphasized the critical role that student housing plays in the broader housing crisis. “Student dormitories and student housing are key factors in addressing the overall issue,” he stated.
Major Cities and Tourist Areas the Hardest Hit
The search for housing is most difficult in Greece’s largest cities and popular tourist destinations, Theodoridis added. These areas often see properties diverted toward short-term rentals, making long-term options for students scarce and unaffordable.
Stavros Trilyrakis, Vice President of the Parents’ Federation of Central Macedonia, painted an even starker picture. “The grim reality is that student housing, which should be a basic condition for pursuing higher education, has become a commodity — one that is exploited for excessive profit,” he said.
Parents and students are often forced to rent overpriced, substandard apartments — some described as “holes” or even “ruins” — particularly in areas where short-term rentals are dominant.
Criticism Over Lack of State Action
Trilyrakis also criticized the government for failing to utilize university-owned properties and modern resources to create new dormitories. “Every year we hear announcements, see cosmetic renovations, and watch millions handed over to contractors — yet the actual living conditions never improve,” he said.
As the start of the academic year approaches, families across Greece are left navigating a rental market that offers few options, high prices, and little hope for change.
Source: Tovima.com
