One step closer is the construction of a new student dormitory complex in Crete, with a capacity of 200 beds, following the green light given for the building construction study by the Hellenic Mediterranean University (ELMEPA).
The project is part of the government program worth 737 million euros, which aims to provide student housing through PPPs at six university institutions: the University of Crete, the University of Thessaly, the University of Western Macedonia, the University of West Attica, Democritus University of Thrace and the National Technical University of Athens.
In Heraklion, the contract for the preparation of the study was concluded between ELMEPA, represented by the Rector, Professor Nikolaos Katsarakis, and the contractor association of economic operators. The new student dormitory complex is planned to be developed within the ELMEPA University Campus, in the Stavromenos area of Heraklion, responding to the increased housing needs of the Institution’s male and female students.
Student dormitories are one of the fastest-growing sectors of the real estate market, attracting strong interest from the country’s construction groups.
In the tender for the construction of student dormitories at the University of West Attica with 1,100 beds, six investment schemes expressed initial interest, among which are included Metlen, GEK Terna and Avax.
Binding offers for the project are expected within the fourth quarter of the year, while it is estimated that a temporary contractor will be selected within the first months of 2027.
Major shortages
According to the data of the National Student Housing Strategy (2026-2035) of the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports (YPAITHA), public student dormitories offer 9,200 operational beds, covering a very small percentage of the students who study away from their residence (200 thousand out of a total of 351 thousand students), compared with the European average of 15-18%.
At the level of geographical distribution, a lack of student dormitories is recorded in cities such as Volos, Lamia, Alexandroupoli, Kastoria, Ptolemaida, as well as an insufficiency of available places in existing dormitories in Heraklion, Rethymno, Komotini, Kozani and Florina.
Based on the government program with a budget of 737 million euros , the new dormitories will be delivered for use from 2029.