Μake us preferred on Google The government is extending restrictions on new short-term rental registrations in central Athens and Thessaloniki through the end of 2027, with the stated aim being to return more residences to the long-term rental market and ease pressure on rents.
Under measures announced by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the 90th Thessaloniki International Fair over the weekend, new property registration numbers for short-term rentals will remain suspended through Dec. 31, 2027, in Athens’ first, second and third municipal districts and Thessaloniki’s first municipal district.
The restrictions cover much of central Athens, including the tourism-heavy districts of Plaka, Kolonaki, Koukaki, Syntagma, Monastiraki and Exarchia, while in Thessaloniki they extend across the historic, commercial and tourist center, including the waterfront and the Ladadika district. Owners without an existing registration will not be able to newly list properties for short-term rental during the suspension.
The extension comes as Greece’s short-term rental market continues to outperform much of Europe. AirDNA data for July showed Greek revenue per available rental night at 142.80 euros, up 14.3% year-on-year and above the European average of 110.10 euros. Average daily rates rose 12.8% to 200.35 euros, compared with an 8.2% increase across Europe.
The massive growth of Airbnb-type rentals – a highly auspicious development for property owners – has contributed to pressure on housing affordability and the availability of long-term rental properties, particularly in central Athens and popular tourist destinations. The government has responded with tighter registration, tax and operating rules aimed at shifting part of the housing stock back toward permanent residents.
