Inspections carried out as part of the program “Ανακαινίζω – Νοικιάζω” (“I’m repairing – I’m renting”), revealed numerous cases fraudincluding one egregious example where the same housing was declared as a subsidy twenty different people.
A program aimed at returning empty apartments to long-term rentals has faced a wave of bogus applications and fraudulent data. Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family in collaboration with ΗΔΙΚΑ strengthened control and started online checks in real time.
Scam with the “Repair – Rent” program: the same property was announced 20 times! pic.twitter.com/Br7OF20oKG
— Athens News (@russianathens) November 6, 2025
As of October 24 was approved 3,794 applicationswhereas 2,978 rejected due to false data, mainly in the tax return E9.
How the scammers acted
Checks revealed repeated email addressesidentical telephone numbers and fictitious owner data. Attempts even concerned properties outside the development planwhere ownership control is particularly difficult.
The most common violation is filing applications for houses, unsuitable for habitation or programs that do not meet technical standards. Similar cases have been recorded, in particular, in the region Evros.
Why was there temptation?
According to the rules, the state covers up to 50% of repair costs (maximum 10.000 euros), if the owner rents out housing for a certain period. This attractive scheme has become a source of abuse and counterfeiting.
How the state reacts
Technical consultant of the program together with ΗΔΙΚΑ blocks suspicious applications even before the payment stage. Officials are preparing automatic deflection system all applications with false information in E9.
The government emphasizes that program funds must go real ownerswho really intend renovate and rent out housingto increase supply in the market.
“We will not allow public money to go to scammers. The program will continue, but with the strictest possible control,” said a source in the ministry.
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