Athens Central Short-Term Rentals Drop 5.1%
Short-term rental inventory in central Athens fell 5.1% year-over-year in August. New regulations and tax incentives are driving a structural shift in the local housing market.
The number of active short-term rental units in central Athens declined by 5.1% in August compared to the same period last year. The region recorded 15,920 operating properties, a net loss of 850 units.
This contraction aligns with the ongoing ban on new short-term rental licenses in the first three municipal districts. The restriction took effect in January 2025 and will remain in place through 2027.
Regulatory Changes Drive Supply Out
Strict operating specifications introduced in October 2025 have removed non-compliant spaces from the market. Basements and lofts that failed to meet new standards were taken offline or converted to long-term leases.
Owners are increasingly choosing long-term rental agreements over short-term hosting. They cite a tax exemption on rental income for the first three years as a primary financial incentive.
Coastal Areas See Supply Growth
Supply in the wider Attica region outside the city center increased by 1.2% to 13,582 units. This growth is concentrated in coastal areas where demand remains strong.
Total short-term rental inventory across all of Attica fell 2.3% to 29,502 units. The overall decrease reflects the significant drop in the capital's core districts.
Market Data From Rental Platforms
The figures come from data compiled by AirDNA for Kathimerini. The dataset includes active listings from major platforms such as Airbnb, Booking, and Vrbo.
Demand in coastal zones remains high during summer months. Both domestic and international travelers are driving occupancy in these areas.
