Extension of permits for self-construction until 2028: who was given a deferment and why

The Ministry of Ecology has extended the deadline for legalization buildings and changes in use. Why did the authorities again make concessions to the real estate market? – in the material.

Extension of deadlines is a kind of “breathing space” for the legalization of unauthorized buildings and changes in the purpose of small and medium-sized objects (so-called categories 1–4) up to March 31, 2028 provided by the Greek Ministry of Environment and Energy as part of a recently introduced amendment.

The same regulation introduces additional urgent extensions for urban planning deadlines and energy storage projects. As the ministry emphasizes, the goal of the initiative is alleviate the situation of citizens and prevent new dead ends in the real estate market.

Extension of urban planning deadlines

In particular, the amendment extends the period of suspension of the application of sanctions under Article 125Θ of Law No. 4495/2017 in relation to buildings whose construction permits were canceled in whole or in part due to the use of incentive mechanisms in Articles 66 and 71 of Law No. 5197/2025.

The period of non-application of restrictions on real estate transactions provided for in Article 82 of Law No. 4495/2017 is also extended. The new date is linked to the deadline for re-submitting an application for a building permit through the electronic system “e-adeies”.

Additionally:

• The deadline for preparing and submitting a “building identity” for Category I properties has been extended to February 1, 2028;
• the period for inclusion of unauthorized buildings and changes in purpose of categories 1–4 (until July 28, 2011) was extended to March 31, 2028;
• The previous legalization period expired on March 31, 2026.

In addition, the following is extended:

• permitted period of operation of land-based winter mooring facilities and minor repairs of ships – up to March 31, 2027;
• powers of authorities to execute demolition protocols – up to June 30, 2026.

Energy Storage Projects

A separate clause provides for the extension of the connection time for electricity storage stations selected to receive state support through competitive procedures.

The measure is aimed at ensuring the stable implementation of Electric Energy Storage Station (S.A.H.E.) projects that have encountered delays during the construction phase.

In particular, before June 30, 2026 the obligation to commission facilities selected as part of the third competitive selection is extended.

According to the official statement, these extensions provide real support to hundreds of thousands of property owners, preventing the emergence of new barriers to the market and facilitating a smooth transition to an updated urban planning system.

“In this way, legal certainty and confidence in the urban planning system are enhanced during a period of increased demands on the real estate market,” — the ministry’s message emphasizes.

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