University Towns and Their Impact on Housing Prices in 2026

Short answer:

University towns in Greece generate steady demand for rental apartments thanks to a large and constantly renewing student population. Proximity to campuses, transportation, and entertainment hubs can influence occupancy rates, rent levels, and appreciation potential.

Athens is home to no fewer than 13 universities, attended by over 250,000 students. This creates a steady and ongoing demand for rental apartments, mostly small and not too “luxurious,” since, naturally, students usually make do with modest apartments due to their socioeconomic status. In Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, there are 5 universities and a total of 11 academic institutions (including colleges), the most prominent of which is the University of Macedonia, which spans 40,000 square meters and attracts many students. The high concentration of students in these cities presents an excellent opportunity for property owners in Greece to rent out their apartments and ensure a stable income stream.

Those looking to invest in real estate in Athens near an academic institution can expect to benefit from consistent rental demand and attractive returns. This is also true for other cities in Greece, such as Thessaloniki. It is no coincidence that Athens and Thessaloniki were the first to see a surge in housing prices as the economic recovery began, recording an 8–12 percent increase in housing prices in 2025.