Extension of Airbnb Restrictions in Athens and Thessaloniki Until 2027

09 September, 2026 09:08

The government is tightening the regulatory framework for short-term rental properties, extending the bans with the aim of increasing the supply of homes available for long-term rental and halting the rise in rents. The measure applies exclusively to owners who were planning to place a new property into short-term rental.

• Extension of the suspension on new registrations: The suspension on issuing new Property Registry Numbers (AMA) is extended until 31 December 2027.
• Areas affected in Athens: The 1st, 2nd and 3rd Municipal Districts of the Municipality of Athens (including, among others, Plaka, Kolonaki, Koukaki, Syntagma, Monastiraki, Exarcheia, Pangrati, Metaxourgeio, Gazi).
• Areas affected in Thessaloniki: The historic-commercial centre (around Aristotelous, Egnatia, Tsimiski), the waterfront zone up to the White Tower, as well as Ladadika, Rotonda and Ano Poli.
• Who it applies to: Only owners of new properties. Properties that already hold an approved AMA are not affected.

Greece moving in step with Europe: The measure forms part of a broader European trend towards restricting short-term rentals, as cities such as Barcelona, Paris, Amsterdam and Florence are applying similar limits in order to curb the conversion of homes into tourist accommodation. Notably, Barcelona is aiming for a complete abolition of rentals to tourists by 2028. At the same time, the European Commission is preparing a new legislative framework that will give member states facing a housing crisis more tools for imposing restrictions.

Important clarification: For the time being this is an announcement made by the Prime Minister at the 90th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF). The legal basis for the measure is Article 111 para. 2A of Law 4446/2016 (as amended by Law 5162/2024), but the provision currently in force covers a suspension only until 31.12.2026. The extension to 2027 will take effect officially once the corresponding amendment is published in the Government Gazette (FEK). We will inform you immediately as soon as there is an official publication.

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