Greece extends Airbnb restrictions and introduces housing measures

The Greek government has announced a series of measures aimed at addressing the housing crisis by restricting short-term rentals and providing financial incentives for long-term housing. New registrations for short-term rentals (Airbnb) are suspended in several municipal districts of Athens—including Plaka, Kolonaki, Syntagma, and Koukaki—and in the historic center of Thessaloniki until December 31, 2027. This move seeks to increase the availability of properties for long-term leases and curb rising rent prices.

In addition to rental restrictions, the government is introducing a 2.2 billion euro package of housing measures. This includes the ‘Spiti mou 3’ program, which offers low-interest loans of up to 230,000 euros for approximately 40,000 new couples, with expanded income and age criteria. Other measures include a four-year extension of VAT exemptions for new buildings, the abolition of the ENFIA property tax in 131 additional settlements by 2027, and tax incentives for long-term rentals.