A Joint Ministerial Decision (JMD) issued by the Ministries of National Economy and Finance, and Environment and Energy sets out the terms, clauses, and content of contracts governing Greece’s social counterpart scheme — a new instrument in national housing policy aimed at expanding the supply of affordable, socially oriented housing.
Public Assets Repurposed for Social Housing
The JMD establishes the contractual framework for constructing new residential buildings, renovating or repairing existing public properties, and — where applicable — managing social housing units developed on state-owned land. Previously idle public real estate can now be activated under clear rules, transparency, quality standards, and a defined social mandate.
Under the social counterpart model, the Greek state collaborates with private contractors to develop housing on public land. At least 30% of all newly built or renovated units must be reserved for social use — targeting low-income households, vulnerable groups, and those facing housing insecurity.
Two Types of Contracts Defined
The decision regulates two main contract types:
- Construction-only contracts: Covering new builds or the renovation and repair of existing structures;
- Construction-and-management contracts: Including not only development but also the ongoing management — either of part or all of the housing stock — on behalf of the contracting authority.
This dual structure ensures flexibility across the full lifecycle of housing projects: from design and construction through operation, maintenance, management, and monitoring.
Strict Quality and Sustainability Standards
All developments must meet rigorous quality criteria, including:
- Accessibility for people with disabilities;
- Environmental performance and energy efficiency;
- Adequate natural lighting and ventilation;
- Energy autonomy (e.g., solar integration);
- Fire safety and climate resilience.
Buildings must meet, at minimum, the ‘nearly zero-energy building’ (NZEB) standard. Construction quality and material specifications are uniformly mandated across all projects — whether individual buildings or larger complexes.
Contractual Details and Oversight
The JMD also defines key contractual elements, such as:
- The contractor’s compensation;
- Contract duration — with management agreements extendable up to 50 years beyond construction completion;
- Oversight mechanisms during construction;
- Procedures for establishing horizontal or vertical property rights;
- Regulations governing co-ownership;
- Rent agreements with social housing beneficiaries;
- Collection and allocation of rents and common expenses;
- Provision of maintenance and repair services.
Upon contract expiry, contractors are required to submit a full accountability report, followed by an official handover and acceptance process between the contractor and the contracting authority.