Athens Now Sees Eight Percent Decline in Short-Term Rentals Following Freeze on Property Registration Numbers, Impacting Local Tourism and Accommodation

Athens Now Sees Eight Percent Decline in Short-Term Rentals Following Freeze on Property Registration Numbers, Impacting Local Tourism and Accommodation

Athens Now Sees Eight Percent Decline in Short-Term Rentals Following Freeze on Property Registration Numbers, Impacting Local Tourism and Accommodation

In a significant shift for Athens’ tourism and accommodation landscape, the Greek capital has witnessed an 8% drop in short-term rental listings following the freeze on new Property Registration Numbers (AMAs). The policy change, which was implemented in 2025, has had a marked effect on the availability of rental properties in central Athens, particularly in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd municipal districts. According to the recent data presented at the Short Stay Athens Conference 2026, the number of active AMAs in these key areas dropped from 29,500 to 27,000, a reduction of approximately 2,500 listings.

The Impact of the AMA Freeze on Athens’ Rental Market

The freeze on new AMAs was introduced by Greece’s Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) in late 2024, creating a rush to register properties before the restriction took effect. This resulted in a surge of AMA registrations in the final months of 2024 as property owners scrambled to secure their permits. However, once the freeze was enforced in 2025, the number of new registrations dropped drastically, leading to the current decline in short-term rental listings across Athens. The freeze was later extended to Thessaloniki, further impacting Greece’s largest cities’ rental markets.

This move, part of Greece’s ongoing efforts to regulate the booming short-term rental sector, aims to balance the demand for tourist accommodation with the need for affordable housing in urban areas. With Athens being a key destination for international visitors, the reduction in rental options is significant, particularly in popular areas like Plaka, Monastiraki, and Syntagma Square.

Tourism and Visitor Experience: Fewer Options for Short-Term Rentals

While Athens remains a major tourism hub, the 8% decline in short-term rental listings means that visitors may encounter fewer options for private rentals, which many tourists have favored for their affordability and local feel. Historically, short-term rental platforms like Airbnb have been an attractive alternative to hotels, offering travelers a chance to experience Athens as locals do, with unique accommodations in central areas.

The reduction in rental options could drive more visitors towards traditional hotels and other forms of accommodation. This may lead to a shift in the overall visitor experience, with tourists potentially choosing larger, more commercial properties over personalized, home-like rentals. However, for some, this shift could also present opportunities for hotels to fill the gap left by the shrinking number of short-term listings.

Broader Economic Implications for Athens’ Local Economy

The freeze on new AMAs is part of a broader effort to regulate the short-term rental market and control the rapid growth of tourism-driven properties. Short-term rentals have played a crucial role in Athens’ tourism economy, benefiting not only property owners but also local businesses such as restaurants, shops, and cafes. The decline in rental listings could, in turn, affect these businesses, especially those relying on the influx of tourists staying in short-term accommodations.

As fewer tourists opt for private rentals, the demand for services typically associated with the short-term rental market may decrease, impacting a wide array of local businesses. However, this change could also present an opportunity for hotels and other traditional accommodations to capture a larger share of the growing tourism market.

A Necessary Policy for Regulating Short-Term Rentals

The Greek government’s freeze on new AMAs is part of an ongoing strategy to regulate the short-term rental sector. Over the past decade, cities like Athens and Thessaloniki have experienced a rapid increase in short-term rental listings, driven by the rise of online platforms such as Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo. While this has provided significant benefits for tourists, it has also contributed to housing shortages and rising rental prices for local residents, particularly in central Athens.

The AMA freeze aims to mitigate these issues by capping the number of new short-term rental properties, ensuring that the housing market remains accessible to local residents while still allowing for a robust tourism sector. By controlling the expansion of short-term rentals, Greece seeks to strike a balance between tourism growth and the needs of local communities.

What’s Next for Athens’ Rental Market?

The long-term impact of the AMA freeze remains to be seen. While it has led to a decline in short-term rental listings, Athens’ tourism industry continues to thrive, with a steady flow of international visitors. The tourist accommodation market is adjusting, with traditional hotels, hostels, and boutique accommodations expected to fill the gap left by fewer private rentals.

As Greece continues to regulate its short-term rental market, property owners will need to adapt to the changing landscape. Some may transition to long-term rentals, while others may explore other avenues for listing their properties. For tourists, Athens’ cultural, historical, and culinary experiences remain abundant, with many options for accommodation still available, though the experience may be slightly altered as the market adjusts to the new regulations.

In conclusion, while the freeze on new AMAs has created challenges for property owners and tourists, it’s part of a broader effort to manage Greece’s growing tourism sector responsibly. The success of this policy will depend on how well it balances the interests of local residents, tourists, and businesses in Athens, shaping the city’s rental market in the years to come.

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