kathimerini.gr
Greek Student Housing Costs Surge 91.5% Since 2015
Greek student housing rental costs have skyrocketed 91.5% since 2015, with Athens and Patras seeing increases of 115.7% and 112.5% respectively, due to increased demand and short-term rentals, prompting private investment in new student housing.
- What is the extent of the increase in student housing costs in Greece, and what are the immediate consequences for students?
- From 2015 to 2024, average rent for student housing in six Greek cities (Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras, Heraklion, Volos, and Komotini) increased by 91.5%, reaching 115.7% in Athens and 112.5% in Patras. A 50 sq. m. apartment in central Athens now costs €535, compared to €250 a decade ago, highlighting a significant affordability crisis amidst stagnant income growth.
- How have factors like the rise of short-term rentals and the lack of new constructions contributed to the current student housing crisis?
- The surge in student housing costs, particularly acute since 2021, correlates with increased overall rental demand post-pandemic and the rise of short-term rentals, reducing long-term housing supply. This imbalance between supply and demand is especially pronounced in Athens, Thessaloniki, and Heraklion.
- What potential solutions are emerging to address the growing shortage of affordable student accommodation in Greece, and what are their long-term implications?
- The lack of affordable new student housing constructions and the expansion of short-term rentals exacerbate the crisis. However, private investment in student housing is emerging, with companies like Premia Properties acquiring and converting buildings in Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras, and Xanthi, and Chinese investors showing interest. This suggests a potential, albeit slow, shift in addressing the housing shortage.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the issue primarily through the lens of rising rental costs, emphasizing the dramatic increase in prices over the past decade. While this is important, the framing might unintentionally downplay other contributing factors or potential solutions beyond private investment. The repeated focus on price increases, especially with the specific example of a 50 sq. m. apartment in Athens, reinforces the narrative of a severe housing crisis.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral, using factual data to support its claims. However, phrases like "dramatic increase" and "severe housing crisis" could be considered somewhat loaded. More neutral alternatives might be "substantial increase" and "significant housing challenges.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the rising costs of student housing and the lack of affordable options, but it omits discussion of government policies or initiatives aimed at addressing the issue. It also doesn't explore potential solutions beyond private investment in student housing, such as rent control or subsidies. While acknowledging the impact of short-term rentals, it doesn't quantify their contribution to the housing shortage.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic dichotomy between the rising costs of student housing and the emergence of private student housing initiatives as a solution. It doesn't fully explore the complexities of the issue, such as the potential for private initiatives to exacerbate existing inequalities or fail to address the needs of all students.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the significant increase in student housing costs in Greece, emphasizing the widening gap between supply and demand. The initiatives by Premia Properties to invest in and develop affordable student housing aim to address this inequality and improve access to affordable housing for students. The involvement of Chinese investors also suggests a potential expansion of affordable housing options, further mitigating inequality.