kathimerini.gr
Greece Freezes Property Objective Values Until 2027
The Greek government will keep property objective values unchanged until 2027 to ease the burden on homeowners and renters amid soaring market prices, despite a significant gap between objective and market values, particularly in Athens and tourist areas, as evidenced by recent high-value property transactions.
- What factors contribute to the significant discrepancies between objective and market property values in Greece?
- The discrepancy between objective and market values is substantial, particularly in Athens and tourist areas, with increases exceeding 30-40%. High-value transactions, such as a parking space sold for €487,361 and plots exceeding €10 million, highlight this gap. The government's action aims to support households and property owners amidst rising prices.",
- What are the immediate impacts of the Greek government's decision to freeze property objective values until 2027?
- Greek government keeps property objective values unchanged until 2027, despite a 2021 update and surging market prices. This decision avoids extra tax burdens on owners and renters, as readjustment would increase associated taxes by approximately 20. The government also suspended the capital gains tax on property sales and VAT on new properties, and recently announced rent subsidies.",
- What are the potential long-term consequences of maintaining artificially low objective property values in Greece?
- Maintaining unchanged objective property values until 2027 indicates a government strategy prioritizing economic stability and social support. This approach, though temporarily relieving pressure on homeowners and renters, may postpone addressing the fundamental issue of misaligned property valuation and may lead to future challenges in tax revenue or market transparency. The high-value transactions recorded suggest a potential for tax evasion.",
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative frames the government's decision to maintain static property values as a positive measure to support households and owners. The headline (if any) likely emphasizes this benefit. The article leads with the government's stance and uses language that portrays this decision as necessary and beneficial, downplaying potential drawbacks.
Language Bias
The article uses language that supports the government's position. Words like "ανάσα" (breath/relief) and "στήριξης" (support) create a positive connotation around maintaining the status quo. The significant discrepancy between objective and market values is described as "χαοτική" (chaotic), implying a negative impact of change. This biased language influences reader perception.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the government's perspective and the impact of maintaining objective property values on households and owners. Alternative perspectives, such as those of potential buyers facing inflated prices or the concerns of those who believe objective values should reflect market realities, are largely absent. The article also omits discussion of the potential long-term economic consequences of artificially suppressing property values.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by framing the situation as a choice between supporting households/owners by keeping property values static versus the unspecified negative consequences of updating them. The complexity of balancing fiscal needs with the realities of a dynamic market is oversimplified.
Sustainable Development Goals
Keeping property tax values unchanged prevents additional tax burdens on homeowners and renters, thus mitigating inequality. The government's measures, including tax suspensions and rental assistance, further support vulnerable households.