Catenaa, Sunday, January 04, 2026-Greece’s largest banking groups are expanding their presence in the domestic real estate market, launching investment programs that exceed 1.5 billion euros as lenders rebuild exposure after years of crisis-driven divestments.
The renewed strategy targets stable income and cost savings, with banks seeking to strengthen balance sheets through property assets while lowering long-term operating expenses.
Much of the focus is on income-generating real estate such as energy-efficient office buildings, shopping centers, and logistics hubs, according to market data.
Banks are also prioritizing properties that support their own operations.
By acquiring assets they already occupy, lenders aim to cut rental costs while adding tangible value to their portfolios.
The latest move involves the National Bank of Greece, which has agreed to repurchase a large portfolio of properties currently used for its branches and administrative offices.
The assets, valued at about 510.5 million euros, are owned by Prodea Investments and leased to the bank.
Under the plan, the transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2026.
Once completed, the bank will eliminate rental payments tied to those locations and secure long-term control over premises central to its operations.
The return to real estate marks a shift from the period following Greece’s financial crisis, when banks were forced to shed property holdings to strengthen capital and reduce risk.
Improved balance sheets and stronger profitability have since allowed lenders to revisit the sector.
Analysts say the renewed investments reflect confidence in Greece’s property market and broader economic outlook, while offering banks predictable cash flows and strategic assets that support daily operations.
