why are there so many empty buildings in Rhodes

The Mystery of Unfinished Buildings in Rhodes and the Greek Islands

Published on by Victoria

If you’ve ever wandered through the streets of Rhodes, you might have noticed something unusual: the many half-built houses and empty buildings scattered across the landscape. While ruins are common in historical sites, these structures tell a different, modern story.

It’s normal to see some unfinished buildings anywhere in the world, but there are so many in Rhodes that it starts to stand out. Having recently had a week’s holiday at the Atlantica Aegean Blue in Rhodes in Kolymbia and taken a few trips across the island, we noticed these buildings ourselves and I remembered seeing them 20+ years previously when I visited Rhodes, Corfu and Zakynthos.

So why are there so many empty buildings in Rhodes and unfinished houses? And not only empty, there are often new house shells that look like they have been abandoned for years, if not decades, partly built and never finished. This phenomenon has multiple causes, many rooted in cultural practices, economic challenges, and historical events. Let’s explore the reasons I have discovered.

Cultural Practices and Traditions

One of the main reasons for the prevalence of unfinished homes in Greece is a cultural tradition surrounding property and marriage. In many families, it is customary for parents to purchase land for their daughters at a young age and begin constructing a home. The idea is that the house will be completed when the daughter turns 18 and given to the daughter and her husband when she is ready to marry. This practice reflects the importance placed on property ownership and the security it provides in marriage, leading to many homes being left unfinished for years until the right time for completion arrives.

why are there so many empty buildings in Rhodes
These buildings on Chalki Island actually had materials and looked like work was being done. But imagine this shell of a building minus the building materials and roof tiles, and you’ll spot these unfinished buildings all over Rhodes.

Economic Factors

The economic landscape of Greece has also played a significant role in the number of abandoned buildings. The country experienced a severe economic crisis that began in 2008, resulting in widespread financial hardship. This downturn led to a drastic decline in construction activity, leaving many projects incomplete. Builders and homeowners faced significant financial constraints, which meant that many properties that were under development were halted indefinitely.

Tax Regulations and Building Practices

Interestingly, tax regulations in Greece have historically encouraged the construction of unfinished buildings. In some cases, homeowners would leave parts of their houses incomplete to avoid paying higher taxes on fully completed properties. This practice was not uncommon and contributed to a landscape filled with structures that appear to be in a perpetual state of construction!

Other Contributing Factors

In addition to the above reasons, there are other factors contributing to the abundance of unfinished buildings in Rhodes and other Greek islands. These include:

  1. Economic Disparities: Different regions have varying levels of economic stability. In some areas, a lack of investment and the rural economy can lead to abandoned projects.
  2. Speculative Construction: During periods of economic optimism, there was a surge in speculative building, with investors constructing properties in anticipation of future demand that never materialised.
  3. Changing Real Estate Trends: As preferences shift towards urban living, some properties, especially in less populated areas, may be abandoned or left unfinished.
  4. Summer Heat Halts Work: One of my initial thoughts was that the intense summer heat in Rhodes might impact construction schedules. Having seen that both BBQs and power tool use are banned during summer in places like Portugal to prevent fires, I wondered if similar rules might apply here. Research confirmed that Rhodes has indeed enforced restrictions on outdoor and construction work during extreme heat. These seasonal bans help prevent fires and protect workers from heat-related illnesses, but they also delay building projects. When economic or logistical setbacks occur, these projects may never resume, leaving many buildings around the island in a state of partial completion.

Final Thoughts

The landscape of Rhodes, with its numerous unfinished houses and empty buildings, tells a story of cultural traditions, economic struggles, and regulatory quirks. While the picturesque views continue to attract visitors, the unfinished structures reflect deeper societal trends and the impacts of economic fluctuations. Understanding these reasons offers insight into the unique character of Rhodes and other Greek islands.

Have you noticed these half-built houses on your travels in Rhodes or elsewhere in Greece? Or have you come across similar sights in other places? Share your experience in the comments below!

Next, you might be wondering: why is there so much litter in Rhodes?

Sources & Further Reading

Before You Go: Discover More of Greece

If you’re planning a visit to Rhodes, why not explore more tips and travel inspiration for Greece?

Rhodes offers so much, and visiting during the off-peak season in October brings its own unique charm. In my blog post, Reasons to Visit Rhodes in October, we dive into why autumn can be the perfect time to discover the island’s beauty such as Butterfly Valley, beaches, what the weather is like in Rhodes in October, and why it’s ideal for those who love hiking mountains in Rhodes.

For an in-depth look at family travel to Rhodes, from airport experiences to resort stays, my TUI Review gives you a complete rundown of my experience of their flights, staff, airport and transfer process and efficiency. This post is packed with tips and honest insights to help you make the most of a family holiday in Rhodes with TUI.

if you’re travelling with kids then don’t miss my Hippo Submarine review to learn why you should consider this boat trip with your children in Rhodes!

Explore these posts to make your Greek adventure unforgettable!

Discover more from Travel Vixta

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Let me know your thoughts...