New Greek rental restrictions contrast with stricter EU measures tackling short-term rentals and housing affordability across Europe.
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New Greek government measures targeting short-term rentals, which borrow from stricter European frameworks, are seen as inadequate given that many citizens cannot afford housing due to residential properties being converted into real estate investments. Over 860 million tourists stayed in rental accommodations via digital platforms in the EU in 2025, accelerating the financialization of homes and reducing available housing in major cities. The EU will mandate electronic registration for property owners and data exchange between member states starting in May by implementing a 2023 agreement. In Greek urban centers like Athens and Piraeus, and island areas, uncontrolled rental prices are forcing households into precarious living situations. Due to high Airbnb costs, essential workers on islands are forced into hotels or struggle to find housing even with substandard conditions during the off-season. A new ban on registering new short-term rentals will begin in Thessaloniki’s central area on March 1st, an extension of a measure previously tested in Athens that showed limited success. Conversely, measures restricting the transfer of property registration numbers are expected to pressure landlords, potentially allowing long-term rentals or owner occupancy upon sale, inheritance, or gift, though tax regimes remain unchanged. Experts suggest these regulations primarily benefit large corporations and multi-property owners by professionalizing the market without addressing the core issue of treating housing as an investment rather than a social good, advocating instead for rent caps and increased social housing. Meanwhile, other European countries are implementing more drastic measures to protect housing stock; examples include Paris and Berlin classifying short-term rentals as tourism activities, Vienna and London limiting unpermitted rentals to 90 days annually, Barcelona planning a full ban on tourist licenses by 2028, Spain increasing VAT on short-term rentals, Italy imposing tiered taxes based on the number of properties, Portugal freezing new permits in saturated zones, Hungary raising taxes in concentrated areas, and Poland introducing business activity regulations for landlords earning over a certain threshold.
