New Restrictions on Airbnb in Athens and Thessaloniki

The government is extending restrictions on Airbnb-style short-term rentals in Athens and Thessaloniki, aiming to increase the availability of housing for long-term rentals and curb rent increases.

In the center of Athens, the suspension of registration of new properties in the Short-Term Residence Registry is extended until December 31, 2026. The ban affects areas such as Plaka, Kolonaki, Koukaki, Syntagma, Omonia, Monastiraki, Exarchia, Ilisia, Neapoli, Mets, Neos Kosmos, Agios Artemios, Pagrati, Votanikos, Metaxourgeio, Gazi, Petralona, and Rouf.

Similar restrictions are expected to take effect on March 1, 2026, for the 1st Municipal Community of Thessaloniki, covering the historical, commercial, and tourist center of the city, including Aristotelous Square, Egnatia Street, Tsimiski Street, Ladadika, and the coastal zone up to the White Tower.

In areas where bans are in place, properties that are transferred (through sale, parental donation, gift, or inheritance) are removed from the Short-Term Rental Registry and cannot continue to operate as Airbnbs, but must be used for long-term rental or owner-occupation.

Additionally, from October 1, 2025, short-term rental properties will have to meet stricter specifications, such as main use spaces with natural light, ventilation and air conditioning, liability insurance, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and rodent and pest control certificates. Non-compliance will result in fines.