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The ministries of economy and justice agreed on Thursday to freeze foreclosures of properties in the region of Attica for debts towards the banks for two to three months, following the deadly fires in the area that have claimed at least 81 victims and injured scores.

It remains hard for the private sector to get new credit, and particularly households.

Although the Greek economy registered an improved growth rate in the first quarter of the year (2.3 percent on an annual basis), and despite the strengthening of confidence and the general improvement of conditions in the country, loan issues remain pegged to crisis period levels.

The notary whose office in central Athens was raided by anarchist group Rouvikonas on Friday said she will not be "terrorized," rejecting the group's accusation that she handled electronic foreclosures for main residencies.

Members of Rouvikonas smashed windows and equipment in the notary's office, and scattered flyers on their way out of the building.

Banks are preparing to make joint proposals for the settlement of bad mortgages (with write-offs of up to 50 percent) and bad consumer loans (up to 90 percent) to almost 157,000 debtors who have filed for protection under the provisions of the so-called Katseli Law.

This Friday the E-Auction online platform for foreclosures will for the first time also open for the state, which will start using the tool to pressure major debtors to settle their arrears to the tax authorities.

The Greek real estate market is currently quite fragmented, as 2017 signaled the recovery of certain categories, the stabilization of others and the continued decline of the rest of the market.

Greece's largest commerce and legal associations have urged the government to urgently reform laws protecting distressed mortgage holders, warning that tens of thousands of struggling families could lose their homes this year.

Eight in 10 foreclosed properties put up for auction by banks are acquired by the lenders themselves, as prices are failing to attract private buyers.

A group of people protesting property foreclosures stormed the premises of the Bank of Greece in central Athens on Wednesday.

The protesters - about 25 individuals believed to be members of the "I Won't Pay" movement - were carrying banners with slogans opposing the auction of properties belonging to debt-racked Greeks and handed out fliers with similar messages to passers-by.

The large number of property auctions currently being planned will undermine the stability - or growth in certain cases - seen recently in the real estate market, sector experts warn.