10/30/2025
The Greek government is extending the freeze on new short-term rental licenses to Thessaloniki, Santorini, Chania, Paros, and Halkidiki, following the continued ban in central Athens through 2026. In these high-demand tourist destinations, the rapid growth of short-term rentals has reduced long-term rental availability, pushing rent prices up 20% over the last two years.
What’s happening on the ground:
Thessaloniki sees a growing number of Airbnb listings, leaving few traditional rental options.
In Chania, Santorini, Paros, and Halkidiki, locals struggle to find affordable housing due to high tourist demand.
July 2025 Snapshot:
245,944 Airbnb properties nationwide
1,078,000 beds available (up 57,000 from July 2024)
Occupancy rate: 51%
Leading regions: Attica (~1/3 of listings), South Aegean, Central Macedonia
Short-term rental: Up to 59 days, furnished, no extra services beyond bedding.
Long-term rental: 60+ days requires standard registration.
Extra services: Cleaning, meals, etc., classify the property as a tourist accommodation, requiring business registration.
VAT: Up to 2 properties exempt; 3+ properties or company-owned rentals subject to 13% VAT.
Registration: New owners/managers must re-register properties in the Short-Term Rental Registry.
Lease extensions & cancellations: Must be declared separately.
Cancellation Guidelines:
If a short-term rental booking is cancelled after being registered, a corrected declaration must be submitted to report the cancellation, regardless of whether a fee applies. If no initial declaration exists, a first declaration must be filed by the 20th of the following month, only if a cancellation fee is payable, using the special field in the system.
✨ Tip for Property Owners: Stay updated on these rules to avoid fines, ensure smooth operations, and keep your rentals fully compliant.
Source: https://www.voria.gr/article/brahyhronies-misthoseis-pagonoyn-oi-adeies-gia-thessaloniki-kai-alles-4-periohes-neos?fbclid=IwdGRleANAk9VleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHvqudftSF6FmFzPnnlgVIaF4WJnRk8xP8HNBmxRCZ_apGsunWsvFd2fJNCYV_aem_pznnrw09oVwHaQnYvJtPWA