Which Athens and Thessaloniki districts face the extended ban?
The suspension covers the first, second, and third municipal districts of Athens, including Plaka, Kolonaki, Koukaki, Syntagma, Omonia, Monastiraki, Exarcheia, Ilisia, Neapoli, Mets, Neos Kosmos, Agios Artemios, Pangrati, Botanikos, Metaxourgeio, Gazi, Petralona, and Rouf. In Thessaloniki the restriction applies to the historic and commercial center bounded by Aristotelous Square, Egnatia Street, and Tsimiski Street, plus Ladadika, the port area, the waterfront to the White Tower, neighborhoods around the Rotunda and Kamara, and parts of Valaoritou and the Ano Poli.
How does the Greek measure fit into broader European efforts?
The European Commission is preparing new legislation to help member states limit short-term rentals where housing shortages exist. Cities such as Barcelona, Paris, Amsterdam, and Florence have already introduced caps or phase-outs. Barcelona plans to eliminate apartment rentals to tourists by 2028. Greece joins these jurisdictions by extending its existing registration freeze rather than imposing new daily limits.
What performance data support the policy rationale?
According to the AirDNA European Review for July 2026, Greece recorded a RevPAR of 142.80 euros, 29.7 percent above the European average of 110.10 euros. Average daily rate reached 200.35 euros, 41 euros higher than the continental mean of 159.20 euros. RevPAR grew 14.3 percent year-over-year in Greece versus 7.7 percent across Europe. These figures indicate strong pricing power in the short-term segment despite regulatory pressure.
Who is directly affected by the registration freeze?
Only owners who have not yet obtained an AMA registration number are blocked from new listings during the suspension period. Properties already registered may continue operating under existing rules. The policy therefore prevents additional supply rather than removing current listings.
Frequently asked questions
Until when will new Airbnb registrations remain suspended?
The freeze on new AMAs in the designated Athens and Thessaloniki zones runs through December 31, 2027.
Does the ban apply to already registered properties?
No. Existing registrations remain valid; only new applications are blocked.
Which European cities have similar restrictions?
Barcelona, Paris, Amsterdam, and Florence have introduced limits or phase-outs on short-term rentals to protect long-term housing supply.
What was Greece short-term rental RevPAR in July 2026?
AirDNA data show Greek RevPAR at 142.80 euros, up 14.3 percent from the prior year.
Will the measure cover additional regions later?
Current announcements focus on the listed Athens districts and central Thessaloniki; no further zones have been named.
