Renovating an Apartment in Greece in 2026: Costs, Mistakes to Avoid and What to Consider
Renovating an apartment in Greece can be one of the best ways to improve your quality of life and increase the property's long-term value. Whether you are renovating an older apartment in Athens, preparing a property for long-term rental, or upgrading a home before selling it, careful planning is essential.
In 2026, renovation costs in Greece can vary considerably depending on the age and condition of the property, the quality of materials, the extent of the works and, importantly, whether the renovation involves plumbing, electrical installations, windows, heating or changes to the layout.
A successful renovation is not simply about choosing attractive tiles and a new kitchen. The most expensive mistakes are usually the ones that are hidden behind the walls.
How much does it cost to renovate an apartment in Greece in 2026?
There is no single price per square metre that applies to every renovation. Two apartments of the same size can have completely different budgets.
As a general planning guide for 2026, homeowners should consider approximately:
- €400–€600 per m² for a basic renovation, where the apartment is in relatively good condition and the works are mainly cosmetic.
- €600–€1,000 per m² for a more substantial renovation involving kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, electrical or plumbing upgrades and other improvements.
- €1,000–€1,500+ per m² for a high-quality or comprehensive renovation using premium materials, extensive custom work and significant technical upgrades.
These figures are indicative rather than quotations. Location, accessibility, building conditions, contractor availability and the specification of the project can all have a significant effect on the final price.
For example, a 70 m² apartment could potentially require anywhere from €30,000 to €70,000+, depending on the scope and quality of the renovation.
It is therefore much safer to prepare a detailed budget based on the actual apartment rather than relying on a simple "cost per square metre" calculation.
Where does the renovation budget go?
The largest expenses will normally be concentrated in a few key areas.
Kitchen
A new kitchen can represent a significant part of the renovation budget. Costs depend on the size of the kitchen, cabinetry, worktops, appliances, plumbing, electrical work and the quality of fittings.
If the existing kitchen layout works well, keeping the plumbing and electrical points in their current locations can sometimes save a substantial amount of money.
Bathroom
Bathrooms can become surprisingly expensive because several trades are involved.
A complete bathroom renovation may include demolition, waterproofing, plumbing, electrical work, tiling, sanitaryware, shower or bathtub, cabinetry, lighting and ventilation.
This is an area where it is usually worth investing in quality workmanship. A beautiful bathroom with poor waterproofing can quickly become an expensive problem.
Electrical installation
Older Greek apartments may require substantial electrical upgrades.
Before installing new lighting, kitchen appliances, air-conditioning units or other equipment, have an electrician assess whether the existing installation is adequate.
It is often better to upgrade the electrical infrastructure during the renovation rather than discover later that the installation cannot safely support the requirements of the renovated property.
Plumbing
Old pipes can be one of the biggest hidden risks in an older apartment.
If walls and floors are already going to be opened, replacing old plumbing can make sense. It may add to the initial budget, but repairing a leak after the renovation is completed can mean paying twice.
Flooring
Flooring costs vary enormously depending on whether you choose laminate, vinyl, ceramic tiles, porcelain, natural stone, engineered wood or solid wood.
Existing floors should also be inspected carefully. In some older Athens apartments, original wooden floors can potentially be restored rather than replaced, creating a very different aesthetic while preserving some of the property's character.
Windows and insulation
Replacing old windows can be a significant investment, but it can also improve comfort, heating and cooling efficiency and the property's overall energy performance.
Government energy-efficiency programmes have historically supported measures such as window replacement, insulation and heating/cooling upgrades. In 2026, homeowners should check the current eligibility requirements of any available programme before committing to works.
The most important thing to check before starting
Before discussing colours, flooring or kitchen cabinets, inspect the apartment properly.
This is particularly important when renovating an older property.
A professional should assess, where relevant:
- Electrical installation
- Plumbing
- Moisture and water damage
- Waterproofing
- Windows and external doors
- Heating and cooling systems
- Walls and ceilings
- Floors
- Structural issues
- Existing alterations
- Building legality and planning status
The last point is particularly important in Greece.
If an apartment contains unauthorised alterations or other planning issues, these should be investigated before major works begin. Depending on the nature of the proposed work, different administrative procedures may apply. Greek authorities distinguish between works requiring a building permit and works that fall under smaller-scale building approvals.
Do not assume that every renovation is simply an interior decoration project.
A qualified engineer should determine what approvals, declarations or other technical documentation are required for the specific project.
Don't choose a contractor based only on the lowest price
One of the most common renovation mistakes is accepting the cheapest quotation without comparing what is actually included.
Two contractors might give you quotations that differ by €10,000, but that does not necessarily mean one is cheaper.
Ask each contractor to specify:
- Materials included
- Labour included
- Demolition and disposal
- Electrical work
- Plumbing
- Painting
- Waterproofing
- Flooring
- Kitchen installation
- Bathroom installation
- Transport
- Scaffolding or other equipment, if required
- VAT and other applicable charges
- Estimated completion time
A detailed quotation makes it much easier to compare offers.
It also reduces the possibility of discovering halfway through the project that an apparently inexpensive quotation excluded important work.
Always keep a contingency budget
Even with careful planning, renovations frequently uncover unexpected problems.
A sensible approach is to keep approximately 10–15% of the renovation budget as a contingency.
Older apartments may justify an even larger reserve.
Once walls, floors or ceilings are opened, you may discover damaged pipes, outdated wiring, moisture, uneven surfaces or previous alterations that were not visible during the initial inspection.
Having a contingency fund prevents these discoveries from bringing the entire project to a halt.
Think carefully before changing the layout
Open-plan kitchens and larger living spaces are popular, but removing walls is not always straightforward.
Before changing the layout, you should establish whether a wall is structural, whether services run through it and whether the proposed modification is legally permissible.
Even when a wall can technically be removed, consider whether doing so actually improves the property.
A renovation should improve functionality, not simply follow a current design trend.
This is particularly important if the apartment may eventually be sold or rented. A layout that appeals to one owner may not appeal to the broader market.
Renovate with the property's future value in mind
If you are renovating an apartment as an investment, the goal should not necessarily be to create the most luxurious apartment possible.
The objective is to achieve the best balance between:
Renovation cost + rental income + resale value + durability.
For example, spending €40,000 on a renovation does not automatically mean that the property will be worth €40,000 more afterwards.
Before starting, consider the property's location and its likely target buyer or tenant.
A premium renovation may make sense in a high-demand central Athens neighbourhood, while a simpler, durable and practical renovation may produce a better return in another part of the city.
Energy efficiency deserves more attention in 2026
Energy efficiency is becoming increasingly important for both homeowners and investors.
When renovating an older apartment, consider whether it makes sense to improve:
- Windows and glazing
- External or internal insulation where appropriate
- Air-conditioning and heating systems
- Hot-water systems
- Lighting
- Smart-home controls
- Energy consumption generally
The Greek "Exoikonomo" programmes have included measures such as windows, insulation, heating/cooling systems, renewable-energy hot water systems and smart-home technologies. Eligibility and programme deadlines change, so owners should check the current official requirements before relying on a subsidy when preparing their budget.
There are also current government initiatives supporting residential renovation and mild energy upgrades. The 2026 "Renovation of Housing" programme, for example, provides support for eligible renovation and energy-efficiency works, subject to specific conditions.
Don't forget the small costs
Renovation budgets often focus on the major items but overlook smaller expenses.
These can include:
- Skip hire and waste removal
- Delivery charges
- Transport
- Minor plastering and repairs
- Light fittings
- Switches and sockets
- Shower screens
- Mirrors
- Handles
- Curtain rails
- Interior doors
- Skirting boards
- Waterproofing
- Building/common-area protection
- Cleaning after construction
Individually, these expenses may seem insignificant. Collectively, they can add thousands of euros to the final budget.
How long does an apartment renovation take?
The timeline depends heavily on the scope of the renovation.
A relatively simple cosmetic renovation may take several weeks. A complete renovation involving demolition, plumbing, electrical work, bathrooms, kitchen, flooring, windows and painting can take considerably longer.
Delays can arise from:
- Material availability
- Contractor scheduling
- Unexpected technical problems
- Changes requested by the owner
- Building approvals
- Deliveries
- Work in common areas of the building
For this reason, homeowners should establish a realistic schedule before starting and avoid planning around an unrealistically short completion date.
A renovation is an investment — but plan it carefully
Renovating an apartment in Greece in 2026 can significantly improve both the property's usability and its market appeal.
However, the best renovation is rarely the one with the biggest budget.
It is the one that solves the property's weaknesses, improves its functionality, uses durable materials and makes sense for its location and intended use.
Before starting work, obtain a professional inspection, clarify the legal and technical requirements, compare detailed quotations and keep a contingency reserve.
And most importantly, don't start demolition before you know exactly what you are dealing with.
Final thoughts
The Greek property market contains a large stock of older apartments with considerable potential. With the right planning, an outdated property can be transformed into a modern, comfortable and energy-efficient home.
For homeowners considering a renovation, the key is to look beyond the visible finishes.
Good renovation starts with good planning.
The tiles, kitchen and paint are the final layer. The real value of the renovation lies underneath — in the plumbing, electrical installation, waterproofing, insulation, layout, workmanship and overall quality of the project.
Renovation costs mentioned in this article are indicative 2026 planning ranges and should not be considered a quotation. Actual costs vary according to the property, location, materials, contractor and scope of works. Professional engineering, legal and tax advice should be obtained where appropriate.
