The Ministry of National Defense is prioritizing the housing policy for Armed Forces personnel through an ambitious program that envisions the construction of thousands of new homes. Institutional reforms in military real estate management aim to eliminate bureaucracy and optimize procedures.
Priority for border and island regions
The Defense Ministry’s housing program focuses primarily on remote border areas and islands, where high rental costs and limited housing availability create serious problems for military personnel. The strategic approach adapts to the specific needs of each geographical area separately.
As emphasized by Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, the program’s philosophy is summarized in providing keys to housing for every officer who is transferred, following the practices of progressive armies worldwide.
Implementation timeline and numerical data
The program plans to deliver the first new homes by 2026, followed by the construction of at least 4,000 additional homes by 2030. The goal is to significantly reduce the percentage of Armed Forces personnel living in rented accommodation, which currently reaches 41%.
According to exclusive information, the first and second phases include 1,059 homes, with 80% targeting single personnel and lower-ranking officers. Most of these will have an area of 50 square meters.
Family housing and broader social policy
The third and fourth phases of the housing program focus on military families with the construction of 1,000 homes, mainly three-room apartments of 80 square meters. A significant innovation is directing these homes to border “fighters” rather than senior officers, as was traditionally the case.
Additionally, 15% of the homes will be allocated to public school teachers and National Health System staff in these specific areas. In case of funding from the Public Investment Program or National Development Program, 15% to 30% of the buildings are planned for lease to public sector employees.
Real estate utilization and structural changes
Optimal utilization of military real estate is key to financing the housing program. A characteristic example is the apartment building on Americas and Akademias streets, whose rental generates monthly income of 800,000 euros, while previously it was used by only one officer.
Within the framework of the “Agenda 2030” reform, two basic structural changes are being implemented:
• Establishment of a unified National Defense Real Estate Fund (TADEA) from the merger of existing funds
• Creation of the Armed Forces Real Estate Development Agency (FAAED) as a private law legal entity
Upcoming tenders and future prospects
The Armed Forces Real Estate Development Service has already completed 22 successful tenders for high-value military properties. Upcoming tenders include significant properties such as the former “Manasis” Camp in Paleokastro Serres, part of the “Oropos Estates,” the former “Tabakopoulos” Camp in Veria, and other strategically important properties in Crete, Patras, and central Athens.
Additional resources from military property development will enable the creation of a stable funding mechanism for further expansion of the Armed Forces housing program.
