Dialogos

Foreclosure Crisis Looms: First Homes at Risk by 2026

Published January 19, 2026, 07:03
Foreclosure Crisis Looms: First Homes at Risk by 2026

Financial Commissioner Valentina Georgiadou warns of an impending wave of foreclosures, which will peak in 2026 with the foreclosure of even primary residences. According to her, foreclosures are already on the rise as debt increases and borrowers age, limiting opportunities for restructuring. This situation has serious social and economic consequences, as many borrowers pledge their children's assets to achieve a settlement, transferring the problem to the next generation. Ms. Georgiadou criticizes policies of foreclosure moratoriums, as she believes they merely delay the problem rather than solve it. She proposes that management companies create new, targeted restructuring plans, especially for primary residences, instead of proceeding with quick foreclosures. She also points out gaps in the legal framework, which limit the Financial Commissioner's ability to intervene. Specifically, she states that borrowers often face 'closed doors' even for their own property, especially when it comes to high-value properties that interest management companies. This situation exacerbates concerns about a new social crisis, with primary homes at risk of being lost and thousands of families facing the prospect of homelessness. The Financial Commissioner's warning highlights the need for a holistic approach to the problem of foreclosures, which will include measures to protect borrowers, restructure debts, and strengthen the legal framework. A lack of immediate action will lead to a humanitarian crisis with serious social and economic consequences.