8.5% Annual Rent Refund for 948,000 Households – Detailed Examples

In response to the housing crisis and the heavy burden of high rents affecting hundreds of thousands of households, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced on April 22, 2025, a new measure providing an annual rent refund of 8.5% for eligible households starting in November. This initiative is part of a €1.1 billion package unveiled by the government for implementation in 2025, following announcements of a €11.4 billion surplus last year by ELSTAT and Eurostat. The other measures include a €250 annual increase for pensioners and a €500 million boost to the Public Investment Program after supplementary budget submission. The housing measure focuses on families struggling with rental costs. Eligibility will depend on specific income and asset criteria targeting those most in need. Starting this November, one month’s rent will be refunded annually, whether it’s primary or student housing. The refund amount equals 1/12th of the declared annual rent, capped at €800, with an additional €50 per dependent child. Around 948,000 households are expected to qualify, with limits similar to the ‘Spiti Mou 2’ program. Single individuals must earn less than €20,000 annually, while couples (or those in civil partnerships) cannot exceed €28,000, increasing by €4,000 per child. Single-parent families have a base limit of €31,000, rising by €5,000 per additional child beyond the first. Asset value limits based on ENFIA assessments are set at €120,000 for single households, increasing by €20,000 per additional household member. Detailed examples show maximum refunds: Families without children receive up to €800 for primary residence only or €1,650 including student housing. Families with one child get up to €850 for primary residence or €1,650 including student housing. Those with two children can receive up to €900 for primary residence, €1,700 including student housing, or €1,600 for two student residences. Notably, recipients of existing rental allowances can also benefit from this refund, doubling their support. For instance, a four-member family receiving monthly rental assistance of €175 could receive €2,100 annually. If they meet both criteria, combining measures could yield €2,600 annually. Additionally, those eligible for Guaranteed Minimum Income could receive €4,800 annually, totaling €7,400 when combined with housing benefits.