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Interest by Greeks in purchasing a home has decreased compared to six months ago, but the imbalance between supply and demand remains as strong, as prospective buyers are at least twice as many as sellers.<\/p>\n
This is one of the main conclusions of the \u201c3rd Barometer for the Real Estate Market\u201d carried out last month in Attica and Thessaloniki by the Public Opinion and Market Research Unit of the University of Macedonia, under Professor Giorgos Siakas.<\/p>\n
Compared to May, the percentage of those interested in purchasing a property has decreased from 28% to 22%, while sellers have also recorded a corresponding decrease from 9% to 7%. However, of the 22% who declare themselves \u201cprospective buyers,\u201d only 15% want to make a purchase immediately or within six months. \u201cWithin a year\u201d was the answer of 17.5%, \u201cwithin three years\u201d by 26.5% and \u201cin the future\u201d by 39.5%, while 69.5% of them are looking to cover their housing needs and 29% want to make an investment for profit.<\/p>\n
Also important is the finding of the sharp decline in sellers who proceed with this move because they need the money to cover other needs, from 47% in May to just 31%. This indicates that the asking sale prices are likely to be more inflexible in the coming period, as most sellers do not have financial need.<\/p>\n
The drop in supply is due to the huge number of empty\/closed houses, which, based on the 2021 census by the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT), was estimated at almost 800,000 nationwide, of which 255,300 are located in Attica. Only an increase in supply can drive prices down, according to market professionals.<\/p>\n
Based on the barometer data, some 71% of buyers have an available budget of 50,000-200,000 euros, while the \u20ac100,000-\u20ac150,000 category in particular concerns 29.5% of potential buyers. On the contrary, only 4.5% are looking for properties worth more than \u20ac300,000.<\/p>\n
However, the buying public is also expecting a new increase in prices. In particular, 51% expect a price increase in the next 12 months, while 45% believe that interest in the housing market will remain high in the coming period (up from 43.5% in the coming months).\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n