Managing Budgets, Realistic Timelines, and Restoration Advice

UPDATED ON AUGUST 6, 2026

If you are planning to renovate a home in Greece, the first thing to understand is that prices can vary significantly depending on location. In remote areas, small towns, or islands, there is often a shortage of skilled workers, which can increase costs and cause delays. In regions experiencing strong growth, such as the Cyclades, renovation crews are in very high demand and often hard to find. As a result, prices are higher and waiting times longer.

This piece offers very general information. The prices mentioned here apply to standard apartments of average age (around 50 years old) and do not refer to neoclassical buildings or traditional stone houses. The reference point is Athens, where access to materials and professionals is generally easier and more stable than in many other parts of Greece. Every property is different, so actual renovation costs may vary.

Average Price Ranges

In general, the cost of renovating a home in Greece starts at around €300 per square meter and can exceed €1,000 per square meter, depending on the extent of the work, the quality of materials, and whether major upgrades are needed for plumbing or electrical systems. For a full renovation, a common average range is €300 – €600 per square meter. With premium materials or extensive changes, costs can rise to €700 – €1,150 per square meter. For example, renovation packages for a 100-square-meter apartment often range between €18,000 and €30,000 or more.

The overall cost depends largely on how much work is required. Light renovations, such as painting or small repairs, are relatively affordable. Full renovations, including bathrooms, kitchens, flooring, windows, electrical wiring, and plumbing, require a much larger budget. The choice of materials also makes a big difference. Higher-quality tiles, cabinets, windows, and fixtures improve comfort and durability but increase the final cost.

In older apartments, infrastructure upgrades are often necessary and can significantly affect the budget. Replacing old plumbing and electrical systems, removing walls, or creating new layouts adds cost but is essential for safety and long-term living. It is also important to plan for unexpected expenses. Renovations in older buildings almost always reveal surprises, so keeping a financial buffer is strongly advised.

Beyond materials and labor, remember that structural changes and major updates carry legal requirements. In Greece, permits—ranging from standard Small-Scale Approvals to full building permits—must be submitted digitally by a licensed engineer via the state platform. Any project that alters internal layouts, sets up scaffolding, or involves deep insulation work will need this official sign-off. If your renovation includes significant energy upgrades, you will also need a certified inspector from the Ministry of Environment and Energy to issue a new Energy Performance Certificate (ΠΕΑ) upon completion.

To give a very rough idea of individual costs for a 100-square-meter apartment in Athens, plumbing work usually starts at around €6,800, while electrical upgrades often reach €7,000 or more. Demolition and debris removal typically begin at approximately €2,500. Renovating a bathroom usually costs between €3,000 and €6,000 per bathroom, while a kitchen renovation may range from €1,800 to €5,000, depending on size and finishes.

From Quotes to Completion

When requesting renovation quotes in Greece, clarity is key. Start by defining exactly what you want to renovate, whether it is a single room or the entire apartment, and settle on the target standard of materials. Clear specifications help professionals provide realistic estimates and minimize misunderstandings down the line.

To source multiple estimates quickly, dedicated online platforms connect homeowners with verified local crews, and general contractors (see References below). These marketplaces allow you to outline project details, read customer reviews, and compare competing offers before committing to an on-site visit. Note that these platforms operate exclusively in Greek, with no dedicated English-language interfaces, making in-browser translation tools or a Greek-speaking contact essential.

When reviewing quotes, property owners frequently encounter contractors offering two distinct figures: an official price including the standard 24% Value Added Tax (ΦΠΑ), and a reduced quote for unrecorded work paid in cash. Bypassing invoices is illegal under Greek tax law, and settling balances off the books carries serious penalties, as retail transactions exceeding €500 must be executed electronically. Beyond the legal liability, paying cash without official receipts leaves you with no enforceable warranty, paper trail, or legal recourse if construction is defective or left unfinished.

Protecting your investment requires formal documentation and local oversight. Insist on a detailed written contract defining the precise scope of work, material specifications, strict milestone deadlines, and a phased payment schedule tied directly to completed stages rather than upfront cash. For buyers navigating the process from abroad or without strong Greek language skills, retaining an independent project supervisor or a licensed local engineer to supervise the worksite regularly is critical to keeping the schedule on track and ensuring build quality matches the agreed standards.

SOURCES
Building Permits & Small-Scale Works Approval (ΕΕΔΜΚ): Law 4495/2017, Articles 28–30 (Gov. Gazette A' 167/2017)
Energy Performance of Buildings Regulation (KENAK): Law 4122/2013 & JMD* ΔΕΠΕΑ/οικ. 178581/2017 (Gov. Gazette B' 2367/2017)
Energy Auditors Registry & Building Energy Archive: Ministry of Environment and Energy, BuildingCert (in Greek) 
Building Energy Efficiency Data & Statistics: Gov.gr Portal
* JMD: Joint Ministerial Decision (Κοινή Υπουργική Απόφαση / ΚΥΑ)

REFERENCES & PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORIES
Contractor & Trades Marketplaces: Douleutaras and MyConstructor
Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE / ΤΕΕ): Official Registry for licensed civil engineers and architects 

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Premium Restorations and Budget Alternatives

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