New rules for short-term rental of real estate in Greece from October 2025

Since October 1, 2025, the updated rules for short-term rental housing have entered into force in Greece. They apply to all owners who rent out real estate through online platforms such as Airbnb, Booking.com and other services for tourists. The new legislation is aimed at regulating the rental market, increasing tax transparency and protecting the interests of local residents.

Transition to professional activity when renting out several objects

Now, citizens and foreigners who own three or more short-term rental properties automatically receive the status of a professional landlord.

This status obliges them to switch to a commercial taxation system, similar to the hotel business. According to the authorities, this decision will help bring a significant part of the rental market out of the shadows and increase revenues to the Greek budget.

Restrictions on registration of new facilities in Athens

During 2025 and 2026 in the first three municipal districts of Athensthere is a temporary moratorium on the registration of new facilities for short-term rentals.

The reason was the oversaturation of the market — too many apartments in tourist areas led to an increase in prices for long-term housing and displacement of local residents from the central quarters of the capital.

New requirements for the quality and safety of rented housing

Each short-term rental space must comply with modern standards of operation and safety.

Among the mandatory conditions:

• sufficient natural lighting and ventilation;
• availability of air conditioning;
• obtaining all necessary legal permits;
• availability of civil liability insurance to protect the tenant and the owner.

Such standards ensure the comfort and safety of tourists, increasing confidence in the Greek rental market.

Owners' control and responsibility

The implementation of the new rules is monitored by the Greek Ministry of Tourism and Independent State Revenue Service (AADE).

These agencies conduct inspections of registered facilities, and violators are subject to fines and administrative sanctions similar to those applicable to hotels and apartment hotels. In some cases, it is possible to cancel the registration of an object.

Short-term rental market in Greece in 2025

Greece remains one of the leading tourist countries in Europe, hosting more than 30 million travelers annually.

The growing interest in independent travel and apartment rentals through online platforms has led to the rapid development of this segment. However, along with the growing popularity, problems have also appeared — uneven distribution of housing, rising prices for local residents and reduced quality control over accommodation.

The introduction of the new rules is aimed at creating a stable, balanced and transparent rental system that will benefit both tourists and homeowners.

Starting from October 1, 2025, strict regulations on short-term rentals came into force in Greece. It is important for property owners to familiarize themselves with the new requirements, tax rules and standards in advance in order to continue to operate legally in the market and avoid fines.