Illegal Buildings: Deadline for Legalization Approaching

The deadline for legalizing small to medium-scale illegal constructions (Categories 1 to 4) is March 31, 2026. Thousands of property transfers (sales, parental gifts, donations) risk being 'frozen' if the Ministry of Environment and Energy (ΥΠΕΝ) does not grant an extension.

In the Greek market, many properties have deviations from approved plans, building permits, and contracts. The issuance of an Electronic Building Identity reveals these urban planning violations, which must be settled for the process to proceed.

Over 1.7 million properties have been included in illegal building legalization arrangements. The ΥΠΕΝ is considering potential solutions, such as linking legalization to the transfer of the property. No legalization is permitted for illegal buildings constructed after July 2011.

Large illegal buildings (Category 5), including public buildings such as schools and hospitals, have been in a legal vacuum since 2020, preventing their inclusion in energy upgrade programs.

The possibility of a new extension is resurfacing, possibly with stricter controls and higher fines.