{"id":7620,"date":"2026-08-15T14:36:17","date_gmt":"2026-08-15T14:36:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nisosconcierge.gr\/pagoma-neon-misthoseon-athina\/"},"modified":"2026-08-27T21:48:55","modified_gmt":"2026-08-27T21:48:55","slug":"freeze-on-new-short-term-rentals-in-athens","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nisosconcierge.gr\/en\/freeze-on-new-short-term-rentals-in-athens\/","title":{"rendered":"Freeze on New Short-Term Rentals in Athens: What Does This Mean for Zakynthos?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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The freeze on new short-term rentals in Athens is one of the most significant measures taken in recent years in the Greek short-term rental market. As of January 1, 2025, the initial registration of new properties in the Short-Term Rental Property Registry was prohibited for properties located in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Municipal Districts of the City of Athens. The measure was initially set to remain in effect until the end of 2025 and was subsequently extended until December 31, 2026. But what does this development mean for property owners in tourist areas outside Athens, and specifically for short-term rentals in Zakynthos?<\/p>

What exactly does the \u201cfreeze\u201d in Athens mean?<\/h3>

The measure does not imply a general ban on short-term rentals. It pertains to the initial registration of new properties in the Short-Term Accommodation Property Registry in specific areas of Athens. Therefore, it is important to distinguish the actual regulation from the oversimplified term \u201cAirbnb ban.\u201d The Airbnb restrictions in Athens actually limit new registrations for short-term rentals in these specific municipal districts and do not constitute a blanket ban on all existing accommodations.<\/p>

Why was the measure imposed?<\/h3>

The official justification links the measure to the high concentration of short-term rentals and housing needs in these specific areas. The Ministry of Finance had explained that in the neighborhoods where the measure was implemented, short-term rentals accounted for a significant percentage of the total housing stock. This is particularly important for the market as a whole. It shows that areas saturated with short-term rentals can be the subject of more targeted interventions when the government determines that there is pressure on the available housing stock.<\/p>

What is the current situation in Athens?<\/h3>

The official Housing Policy Portal states that the ban on new registrations in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Municipal Districts of the City of Athens has been extended until the end of 2026. Starting in July 2026, a similar restriction will also apply to the 1st Municipal Community of Thessaloniki. Thus, the policy direction indicates that in markets where there is a high\u00a0saturated of\u00a0<\/span>short-term rentals areas, more targeted measures can be implemented.<\/span><\/p>

What about Zakynthos?<\/h3>

The official list of areas where this restriction currently applies includes specific areas of Athens and the First Municipal Community of Thessaloniki\u2014but not Zakynthos. This means we should not present the measure in Athens as something that already applies to Zakynthos as well. However, this development is of interest to every major tourist destination. Short-term rentals in Zakynthos operate in a market characterized by strong seasonality, high tourist demand, and a diverse range of accommodation options. For a property owner, the correct conclusion is not that \u201cAirbnb will be banned in Zakynthos,\u201d but that the short-term rental market is gradually becoming more regulated.<\/p>

Why is compliance becoming increasingly important?<\/h3>

Owners must now keep track not only of changes to the platforms but also of the regulatory framework. This includes:<\/p>