Popular tourist capital imposes strict rental restrictions.

Restrictions on short-term housing rentals introduced in Athens

The Greek capital, Athens, has introduced restrictions on short-term housing rentals to reduce the shortage of apartments for permanent residents of the city, AFP reports.

A law was passed in November that establishes an annual ban on registering new apartments for short-term rentals in ten central districts of Athens.

Owners have until December 31 to transfer new properties in these districts under the law's requirement, and violations of the restrictions may result in fines of at least 20,000 euros.

“The demand for housing peaks during the summer tourist season, but in many areas of Athens where the working class lives, there has long been a problem of insufficient housing availability and high costs,” the article states.

The law also provides tax incentives for property owners who transition from short-term to long-term rentals.

According to data from AirDNA, there are approximately 18,000 apartments rented on Airbnb and Vrbo in Athens.

The demand for housing peaks during the summer tourist season, but in many areas of Athens where the working class lives, complaints about housing affordability and high prices have existed for a long time.

Please note that from 2025, Greece plans to increase taxes for tourists. The government hopes to compensate for the damage that tourists cause to historical monuments and nature.

It is also worth noting that Europe is tightening regulations on short-term housing rentals, and Poland is recommended to start with three simple steps.