If you ask 10 people who just replaced their old windows why they did it now, 7 of them will give you the same answer: "I got into the Exoikonomo programme".
Energy-upgrade subsidy programmes (Exoikonomo-Autonomo, Exoikonomo kat'Oikon, etc.) are the biggest renovation incentive in Greece. The promise is enormous: the state and the European Union can subsidise a very large part of the cost for your new windows.
However, the rules, percentages and eligibility criteria change with every new "cycle" of the programme. To avoid getting lost in the red tape, let us walk through the basic framework of how the programme works, who is eligible, and what the process looks like from start to finish.
In order to submit an application to the programme, your property and you personally must meet several non-negotiable prerequisites. These criteria are not flexible and are strictly verified before your inclusion in the programme.
The property must be fully legal. It must have no building violations, or if any existed they must have been regularised (and the fine paid in full) before the application. Legality is the first, non-negotiable filter of the programme.
The programme subsidises the primary residence only (whether owner-occupied, rented, or provided free of charge). Holiday and second homes are typically excluded. The property must be declared as your primary residence in your tax return.
To be eligible, your home must be classified in a low energy class (usually C or lower) based on the 1st Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). If you already have a well-insulated home, the programme does not apply to you since the energy upgrade would not be substantial.
Rates are not the same for everyone. They are scaled based on income and social criteria, meaning each household receives a different percentage depending on its declared income and social circumstances.
Families with low declared income receive the highest subsidy rates (often reaching 70% or even 75%). This means the state covers almost three quarters of the cost, leaving the homeowner with a very small out-of-pocket contribution.
As income increases, the subsidy rate decreases (e.g. down to 40% or 50%). Even at these rates, however, participating in the programme remains extremely worthwhile, especially considering that you would otherwise pay 100% of the cost out of pocket.
Additional bonuses of +5% or +10% are typically available for large families, people with disabilities, or properties in extreme climate zones (e.g. mountainous areas or northern Greece where heating demand is very high). These bonuses can push the final subsidy rate even higher.
This is the point that confuses many homeowners: Exoikonomo is NOT a "cosmetic renovation" programme. You cannot receive the money simply because you "didn't like" your old aluminium windows.
For the funds to be released at the end, the window replacement (possibly combined with roof insulation or boiler upgrade) must upgrade the home by at least 3 energy categories (or achieve a specific energy-saving target, depending on the current programme guide). This rule ensures that state money goes towards genuine improvement, not cosmetic changes.
Your new windows must be strictly energy-rated (with a thermal break and energy glass panes) and meet specific thermal transmittance coefficients (U-value). You cannot install a cheap, non-thermally-broken aluminium frame and expect to reach the target. The Energy Inspector will reject it.
Many homeowners believe they can install "whatever they like" and get their money back. This is not the case. The programme strictly verifies the technical specifications (U-value, EPC before and after) and will not approve funding if the energy target is not met.
How do we get from theory to practice? The journey requires patience, but every step is straightforward. Follow these stages in the correct order and you will not encounter any surprises.
The Energy Inspector (usually a qualified engineer) is the "director" of the entire project. They will visit your home, conduct a survey, inspect your old windows and issue the 1st EPC (Energy Performance Certificate). Together you will decide which interventions to carry out (e.g. window replacement and solar panel installation).
When the platform opens (gov.gr), your engineer submits the application along with your supporting documents. The submission includes property details, your income data, the proposed interventions and the 1st EPC. Electronic submission is the only accepted method.
If your application scores enough points, you are accepted into the programme (Inclusion). At this point you know the exact amount you are entitled to. Priority ranking depends on income criteria, the energy condition of the home and the geographical zone.
Now you call the aluminium manufacturer of your choice! They issue the invoices (on credit), remove the old windows and install the new, certified energy windows. Make sure the manufacturer is aware of the energy specifications set by your engineer, so the windows meet the energy target.
The engineer returns. They verify that the correct windows were installed and issue the 2nd EPC, which proves that you met the energy target. If the home was not sufficiently upgraded, you risk losing the entire subsidy - which is why the right window choice is critical.
The paperwork is reviewed by the Ministry/Bank and the subsidy amount is transferred directly to the manufacturer's bank account. You only pay your "Own Contribution" (the percentage that was not subsidised). Disbursement can take several months after the works are completed.
The "Exoikonomo" programme is a marathon, not a sprint. It can take from several months to well over a year from application to final installation and payment. Patience, however, is generously rewarded.
Joining the programme allows you to install premium, state-of-the-art energy windows while paying out of pocket only a tiny fraction of their true value. This upgrade will save you money on electricity and heating fuel for decades to come!
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