Apartment blocks to get free facelifts

The Municipality of Aegaleo in western Athens is set to renovate up to 10 aging apartment buildings, fully funded by the European Union through the "Rock the Block" initiative. 

The pilot project, part of the European Urban initiative Innovative Action, aims to upgrade deteriorating housing stock while ensuring affordable living conditions for residents. 

The program will cover 100% of the renovation costs, which could include energy efficiency improvements, greening of facades and roofs, as well as aesthetic and functional enhancements. Aegaleo's apartment buildings, often outdated and of modest quality, are a prime focus. To participate, property owners must apply collectively and agree to key conditions: They cannot raise rents, sell, or lease the properties short-term for at least four years. The aim is to foster both affordable housing and a sense of community,...