Athens has introduced new restrictions on short-term housing rentals to address the city’s growing housing shortage for permanent residents.
The law, which came into effect in early January, was passed in November and imposes a one-year ban on registering new apartments for short-term rentals in over ten central districts of the Greek capital.
Property owners had until December 31 to declare any new properties in these areas. Those who fail to comply with the restrictions face fines starting at 20,000 euros.
In addition to the ban, the law provides tax incentives for property owners who shift their rentals from short-term to long-term leases, aiming to improve the availability of housing for local residents.
According to AirDNA, a company that tracks short-term rental data, approximately 18,000 apartments in Athens are listed on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. While demand for these rentals peaks during the summer tourist season, many working-class neighborhoods in the city have long struggled with housing shortages and rising prices. The new law is part of ongoing efforts to balance the needs of residents and the demands of the tourism industry.
