Athens' short-term rental boom hides thousands of unused properties
New data on Athens' short-term rental market was revealed at the Short Stay Athens Conference last Friday. Officials reported a rise in active accommodations, though many registered properties remain unused for short-term leases.
The total number of active accommodations in Greece grew by roughly 11% in 2025, reaching 14,326. However, in Athens, less than half of the registered properties are actually operating as short-term rentals. Officials estimate that 358,115 real estate registration numbers (AMAs) correspond to 238,600 unique properties (ATAKs), but many of these are not in use.
A surge in new AMAs occurred in late 2024, particularly in the first three municipal districts of Athens. Yet, by the end of the year, the number dropped slightly from 29,500 to 27,000. Some realtors have obtained AMAs simply to keep their options open, even if their properties are long-term rentals or owner-occupied.
Another issue highlighted was the frequent renewal of AMAs for the same property whenever a lease is updated. Additionally, around 1,100 owners with at least three apartments have failed to start a business, and authorities plan to impose sanctions.
The findings show a gap between registered and active short-term rentals in Athens. With stricter measures expected for inactive owners, the market may see further adjustments in the coming months. The data was shared during the Short Stay Athens Conference on Friday.
