Athens' short-term rental market shows growth amid permit crackdowns
New data on Athens' short-term rental market has revealed a mix of growth and decline in key areas. Officials shared the findings at the Short Stay Athens Conference on Friday. The figures highlight shifts in registrations, active listings, and enforcement challenges since the ban on new rental permits took effect.
The total number of registered short-term rentals in Greece stands at 358,115 unique AMAs, covering 238,600 distinct properties. However, many of these registrations remain inactive. Some owners secured permits as a precaution, even if their properties were under long-term leases or not intended for short-term use.
In the first three municipal districts of Athens, the last quarter of 2024 saw a notable rise in new AMAs. Yet, after the first year of the ban on new permits, these same areas experienced a drop of 27,000 registrations. Despite this, the number of active accommodations across Athens grew by roughly 11% in 2025, reaching 14,326. Still, less than half of all registered properties in the Municipality of Athens are currently operating.
Another issue involves around 1,100 owners who hold at least three AMAs but have never launched a business. Authorities are preparing sanctions for these cases. The system also creates administrative complexity, as each lease renewal triggers a new AMA—even for the same property.
The data underscores a gap between registered and operational rentals in Athens. While active listings have risen, many permits go unused or serve as backups. Enforcement measures now target realtors who hold multiple registrations without running a business.
