Greece cracks down on airbnb rentals with tough new rules

Greece has introduced strict new regulations on short-term rentals, targeting platforms like Airbnb in an effort to curb the rapid expansion of the sector and address growing concerns over housing availability for residents.

Effective October 1, all short-term rental properties must now meet a series of requirements, including being registered as a primary residence, carrying liability insurance, and complying with specific safety standards, such as the installation of smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.

Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni said the new law “establishes clear rules on legality and minimum standards,” adding that inspections will be carried out by both the Tourism Ministry and the national tax authority.

Thousands of listings at risk

Authorities expect thousands of properties to be removed from short-term rental platforms for failing to comply with the new law. As of August, Greece had a record 247,000 active listings, the vast majority of which catered to foreign tourists, who accounted for over 90% of demand.

Possible bans in high-demand areas

The government is also considering banning new short-term rentals in certain high-demand urban and tourist areas where residents are struggling to find affordable long-term housing. The aim is to encourage more properties to re-enter the traditional rental market and stabilize housing costs.

The new measures reflect the government's effort to strike a balance between sustaining tourism revenues and protecting local communities from being priced out of their own neighborhoods.