Airbnb: property owners received a 10-month deferment

From new restrictions introduced by the government for short term rental type Airbnb, excluded owners commercial premises that have been converted into residential, as well as those who have already legalized their real estate.

The last-minute amendment would suspend the application of the strict provisions of Article 3 for 10 monthsthat is, until October 1, 2025. The original provision called for the new restrictions to apply immediately, which would have resulted in thousands of properties being removed from the platforms Airbnb (and others similar).

However, the amendment provided accommodation for certain categories of owners, maintaining the possibility of renting for approximately 30,000 objectsthat meet certain criteria. Specifically, the winners are property owners who:

1. Renovated commercial premises. Commercial premises that have been renovated after 2011 and converted to residential are excluded from the restrictions. These premises, located mainly in deprived areas, are now considered primary residential premises and can continue to be used for short-term rentals.
2. Legalized real estate. Properties that were originally registered as accessory premises, such as semi-basements, but their use changed to primary residence before July 28, 2011 and were legalized according to the law N. 4495/2017remain legal for rental.
3. Adaptations during the benefit period. Owners of all properties affected by the bill have up to October 1, 2025 to bring their properties into compliance with the new requirements if they want to keep their properties on short-term rental platforms.

WITH October 1, 2025 The following conditions will be mandatory to keep the property on short-term rental platforms:

• The property must be designated as a primary residence on the building permit.
• If the usage has changed, the change must be completed before July 28, 2011 and legalized.
• Excluded are premises, such as semi-basements, which were originally intended for auxiliary use and have not undergone the modification procedure.

The ten-month deferment gives thousands of owners the opportunity to adapt without immediately losing their rental options. At the same time, it limits immediate disruption to the market, allowing new rules to be introduced gradually.

However, with 2025 Stricter requirements are expected to lead to significant changes, reducing the availability of properties on the platforms and likely impacting the dynamics of the short-term rental market.

The new bill of the Ministry of Tourism introduces significant changes to functional requirements and facility controlsoffered for short-term rental. In particular, sanitation and safety requirements are being introduced for the first time, which include:

• Mandatory civil liability insurance: Owners are required to insure their properties to cover damage or accidents that may occur during rentals.
• Security equipment: Facilities must be equipped with fire fighting equipment, smoke detectors and a first aid kit.

In addition, the bill provides for stricter controls to ensure compliance with the new requirements. It will be carried out by mixed teams of the Ministry of Tourism and the Independent Public Revenue Service (ΑΑΔΕ).

In case of non-compliance, fines are provided in the amount of 5000 euroswith progressive increases for repeated violations.

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