The Greek short-term rental market is entering a new era. Starting October 1, 2025, the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) and the Ministry of Tourism will enforce a stricter regulatory framework for Airbnb-style rentals. The goal: enhance safety, transparency, and tax compliance.
New Obligations for Property Owners
From October, every property listed on short-term rental platforms must:
- Be classified as a primary-use residence with natural light, ventilation, and air conditioning.
- Carry liability insurance covering accidents or damages.
- Be equipped with fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, residual-current devices (RCDs), and emergency exit signage.
- Provide pest control certificates, a first-aid kit, and an emergency contact guide.
Failure to comply will result in a €5,000 fine, which can escalate to €20,000 for repeat violations.
Ban in Central Athens
The ban on new property registration numbers is extended until the end of 2026 for Athens’ central districts, including Plaka, Koukaki, Kolonaki, Syntagma, Monastiraki, Exarchia, Pagkrati, Metaxourgio, Gazi, and Petralona.
The government is also considering extending restrictions to other areas facing severe housing pressure, such as Thessaloniki and popular tourist destinations in Crete, the Cyclades, and the Dodecanese.
Stats and European Comparisons
- As of 2024, Greece had more than 145,000 active short-term rental listings, with over 50% concentrated in Attica and the Aegean islands.
- In 2023, Airbnb-style rentals generated €1.4 billion in revenue, contributing about 0.6% to Greece’s GDP.
- In Spain, similar restrictions introduced in 2024 included a 90-day annual rental cap, while Berlin only allows the rental of primary residences for limited periods.
Greece is now aligning with the European model, seeking balance between tourism growth and the social need for affordable housing.
Market Impact
The new regulations are expected to lead to:
- A drop in available listings in high-demand neighborhoods.
- Higher long-term rental prices, as more properties return to the traditional housing market.
- Financial pressure on small property owners, who will need to invest in upgrades to meet compliance standards.
Short-term rentals have been a growth driver for Greek tourism and a vital income source for thousands of households. But with the housing crisis intensifying, the government is moving toward a rebalancing strategy.
The next two years will be critical: either the market adapts to the new reality, or we’ll witness a power shift from small landlords to large-scale property managers.
Source: pagenews.gr