Only 5.8% of approximately 90,000 squatters on public land have expressed interest in purchasing, forcing the Ministry of Finance to extend deadlines for another year, hoping that incentives will mobilize more interested parties.
Data from the Ministry of Finance shows that 5,260 applications have been submitted to date, of which only a few have progressed to the approval stage. The number falls far short of initial expectations, which were based on calculations for revenues of up to 500 million euros. Most applications, as expected, come from Attica Prefecture.
According to the original schedule, the process for submitting purchase applications for squatted land would be completed on September 30 or October 31, 2025, depending on the area. With yesterday’s ministry decision, the deadline for submitting applications to purchase public squatted land through the gov.gr digital platform is set for September 11, 2026. Officials from the Ministry appear cautiously optimistic that proper information campaigns will boost participation, allowing interested parties to legitimize their ownership and close decades-old pending issues with the State.
The process for purchasing squatted public land
Access to the AADE platform (aeda.apps.gov.gr) requires Taxisnet codes, with the option of submission by an authorized person. Each application requires a 300-euro fee, which is offset against the purchase price or refunded if the application is rejected.
Prerequisites
Eligible applicants are those who have occupied public property:
– for at least 30 years with title or
– for at least 40 years without title, provided the property is used as a primary residence or for professional activities.
Additionally, the property must have been declared on form E9 for the previous five years to establish presumption of ownership.
Price and discounts
The price is calculated based on objective values and social criteria (vulnerable groups, families with many children, people with disabilities). Discounts of up to 80% are provided, depending on the applicant’s personal and family situation. Specifically:
* 50% for those recognized as owners by first instance courts,
* 50% for those listed in initial cadastral records where State litigation exists or the deadline for filing is pending,
* 70% for those who filed legal remedies by December 31, 2022,
* 80% if the property covers housing needs from mass settlement before 1964.
Payment can be made either in full with an additional 10% discount or in up to 60 interest-free monthly installments, with a minimum payment of 100 euros.
Required documents
The application must include:
• Topographic diagram,
• Aerial photographs (1992 or older, depending on the case),
• Objective value determination sheet,
• Building terms certificate,
• Building permit (if available),
• Cadastral diagram extract,
• ENFIA determination document for the last 5 years.
