The Implementation Guide for the new “Home Renovation” Scheme under the NSRF 2021–2027 has been published. With a total budget of €500 million, it gives interested citizens the opportunity to learn in good time about the participation requirements, eligible works and funding process, so they can prepare their applications.
The new Scheme is aimed at low- and middle-income households and provides grants of 70% to 95%, up to a maximum of €36,000 for renovation and energy-upgrade works, as well as additional funding of up to €2,500 for support services, in line with the terms of the Guide.
A key objective is to make better use of the existing housing stock by bringing vacant homes back into use and improving living conditions in homes already used as primary residences.
The Scheme will also help upgrade the energy efficiency of older properties, reduce household energy costs and address housing needs.
The publication of the Guide is another important step towards launching the Scheme, following the opening of the platform for issuing Eligibility Certificates and ahead of the opening of the funding application platform.
What the Implementation Guide covers
The Guide sets out in detail every stage of participation, from preparing and submitting an application online to its assessment, approval of funding, completion of the works and payment of the grant.
It also specifies the eligible works and costs, the required supporting documents, deadlines and procedures for checking and certifying that the improvements have been completed.
Which works are eligible for funding
The Scheme covers a wide range of renovation and repair works, including:
Renovating kitchens and bathrooms and replacing sanitary fittings.
Replacing flooring, front doors and internal doors.
Repairing or replacing electrical and plumbing installations.
Repairs to building elements, plastering, tiling and painting.
Internal reconfigurations and accessibility improvements, where applicable.
Funding is also available for energy-efficiency upgrades, such as replacing windows and doors, installing insulation, upgrading heating and cooling systems, and installing systems to produce domestic hot water.
Each proposal must combine renovation and energy-upgrade works, improving the home’s energy rating by at least one class.
Vacant homes to be prioritised – when applications open
The application platform will open in two phases: first for vacant homes, followed by homes already used as primary residences.
It should be noted that publication of the Guide does not signal the start of applications.
The dates when the platform will open and the deadlines for each phase will be announced in due course.
In the meantime, citizens can find out more about the Scheme’s terms and prepare a complete application file in good time.
How applicants can prepare
An Eligibility Certificate must first be issued for the home before a funding application can be submitted.
The Certificate is the first stage of participation and does not automatically mean that funding will be approved.
Applications must be submitted exclusively online through the Scheme’s information system, managed by the Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE), with no paper application required.
A key part of the application is the Intervention Plan, which will describe the proposed works and their corresponding budget.
The amount of grant requested will be determined on the basis of the Plan, which will also be used to check that the funding requirements have been met.
An technical adviser is not required to submit an application, but is recommended to help select the appropriate improvements, prepare the Plan correctly and estimate costs realistically.
The initial application must include the Intervention Plan, the required statutory declarations and, where applicable, additional supporting documents.
The first Energy Performance Certificate and the Electronic Building Identity or Divided Property Identity must be submitted at a later stage, after the application has been favourably assessed, and within the prescribed deadline.
All relevant supporting documents and statutory declarations are included in the annexes to the published Guide.
Applicants are encouraged to use the period following publication to check the property details, obtain any required co-owner consent, resolve any outstanding legalisation or regularisation issues, and prepare the Intervention Plan.
Through the new “Home Renovation” Scheme, the NSRF 2021–2027 is making a substantial contribution to addressing the housing issue, improving citizens’ quality of life and making use of homes that remain vacant, linking social policy with energy upgrades and sustainable development.
The published Guide is available on the website of the Environment and Climate Change Programme 2021-2027.