Greece has emerged as one of the most apartment-dependent nations in Europe, with a significant majority of its population residing in flats. Recent data from Eurostat indicates that 59.8% of the population lived in flats in 2025.
European Housing Rankings
This figure places Greece fourth among European Union member states. The rate is roughly 12 percentage points higher than the bloc’s average of 47.9%, which is based on 2024 data.
Only three EU nations rank higher than Greece in terms of apartment living: Latvia at 65.1%, Spain at 64.7%, and Estonia at 61.3%. Greece’s own rate has seen a steady increase, rising from 59.4% in 2023 and 2024 to the current 59.8%.
Urban vs. Rural Distribution
The dominance of flats is most visible in Greek cities, where approximately 84% of residents live in apartments, compared to a 73% average across the EU. In towns and suburbs, the share is around 67%, far exceeding the EU suburban average of 43%.
Rural areas are the only exception to this trend. In these regions, about 14% of residents live in flats, which is slightly below the EU rural average of 16%.
The Financial Burden of Housing
Although flats are the primary dwelling type, Greece also faces the highest housing cost burden in the European Union. Eurostat data from 2024 reveals that 28.9% of Greeks spend more than 40% of their income on housing.
This figure is nearly three and a half times the EU average of 8.2%. A January 2026 analysis found that Greek households spend an average of 35.5% of their after-tax income on housing, the highest rate in the bloc.
Energy costs have added further strain. In 2024, approximately 19% of Greek households reported they could not adequately heat their homes, a figure that ties Greece with Bulgaria for the worst rate in the EU.
Future Outlook
Homeownership in Greece, which currently stands at around 70%, has decreased by approximately 8 percentage points since 2010. This downward trend could potentially continue if housing costs remain at their current EU-leading highs.
Given that energy costs are already a critical issue for nearly one-fifth of the population, further increases in utility prices may likely intensify the financial squeeze on urban households.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which EU countries have a higher percentage of people living in flats than Greece?
Latvia (65.1%), Spain (64.7%), and Estonia (61.3%) all have higher rates of flat-living than Greece.
What is the “polykatoikia” and why was it significant?
The polykatoikia is a mid-rise building type that became prominent in Greek cities between the 1950s, and 1980s. It was significant because a 1929 legal arrangement allowed for separate ownership of apartments within one building, making property ownership more affordable for middle-class families.
How does Greece’s housing cost burden compare to the rest of the EU?
Greece has the highest housing cost burden in the EU, with households spending an average of 35.5% of their after-tax income on housing. 28.9% of Greeks spend over 40% of their income on housing, which is nearly 3.5 times the EU average of 8.2%.
Do you think urban planning should shift away from high-density apartment living to address these cost burdens?
