A roof over my head
CORFU. The housing market situation in Corfu. What applies to students. The Prime Minister΄s announcements from the Thessaloniki International Fair.
The parents of the first-year students who insisted on choosing the Ionian University, as there were many who avoided it due to the cost of living, have arrive stressed in Corfu. These situations are unpleasant but it doesn't help to sweep them under the carpet.
The housing problem concerns not only the students but also eveyrone who comes for work. When it comes to doctors, which is a hot topic, a provision in the summer law states that municipalities will provide accomodation. This initiative is an incentive for them to come to work at Corfu Hospital.
A small market survey shows the rental and property sales situation in the town. Something cheaper may be found away from the town.
Rents for studios start at 350 euros (reaching 450-500). Sales of small homes (usually one-bedrooms) can reach 200,000 euros (starting from 3,000 euros per square metre).
Student accomodation
The Ionian University has 4,500 students in Corfu and provides 300 beds. 150 of them are in the student residence in the road behind IKA and are available only for first-year students. According to applications received, these have all been filled.
The remaining 150 (for second and third-year students) are divided between two complexes (all furnished). The one providing 100 beds in Tzavros (ASTERAKI) and the other one with 48 beds near the hospital.
The remaining students must search online. An accommodation allowance (based on financial criteria) of 2,000 euros per year is provided for each year of study.
Announcements on housing from the Thessaloniki International Fair
The "My Home" II programme worth 2 billion euros, and funded by the Recovery Fund, will launch to help over 15,000 young people or young couples up to the age of 50 acquire their first home, with interest rates at half the commercial rate.
A 400 million euro programme for loans up to 20,000 euros with zero interest, aimed at the energy upgrade of thousands of old homes.
A three-year exemption from rental tax for property owners who rent out unused properties or convert short-term rentals into long-term leases.
New, increased fees will apply to contracts made through platforms.
A ban on new short-term rentals in three central districts of Athens for at least one year.
GIORGOS KATSAITIS / ELENI KORONAKI
