A study from the University of Athens vindicated Airbnb: short-term rentals do not increase prices

Short-term rental association SODIArepresenting the owners of objects on Airbnb and similar platforms, issued a statement calling for Greek government to open dialogue before introducing new restrictions on the market short-term rentals (STR).

As an argument, SODIA refers to the study Athens University of Economics (AUEB)published May 2025. According to scientists, short-term rentals are not the reason for rising rental ratesbut on the contrary, it supports the economy, helps families and promotes tourism.

“Airbnb is not an enemy, but a source of income”

The statement notes that the majority of market participants are not investors or speculatorsand ordinary families, pensioners, couples and young people renting out housing that they inherited, so that supplement income.

President of the Association Theodora Dima emphasized that the AUEB study demonstrates a real economic effect: the short-term rental market annually brings Greece about 11 billion euros – that is, about one twentieth Country’s GDP. Each guest spends money in local shops, on transport, cleaning and maintenance, thereby leaving the profit in their hands ordinary Greeksnot multinational companies.

Jobs and tourism

The STR sector provides employment to more than 95,000 people – from cleaners and technicians to service providers and small entrepreneurs. At the same time, it is alleged that he does not compete with the hotel businessbut complements it.

According to the study, hotel occupancy rate in 2024 exceeded 90%, and the construction of new hotels continues. This, according to experts, proves that Airbnb is not disrupting traditional tourismbut attracts new tourist flows, especially domestic ones.

Statistics: STR vs. Myths

• To 80% owners have no more than two objects;
• Only 0.4–1% housing is used exclusively for short-term rentals – less than one apartment in a hundred;
• General influence on the growth of rental rates does not exceed 1.8%;
• remain in the country 2.28 million empty housesthat are not brought to market.

Researchers conclude that the real reason for high housing prices in Greece is wage stagnation and the lack of mechanisms to attract empty properties into the rental sector, rather than activity in the STR market.

Call for dialogue

SODIA calls on the government not to introduce new restrictions without consulting industry representatives. In her opinion, only the joint work of the state, owners and municipalities will be able to develop realistic and fair rental policieswhich will not hit families and domestic tourism.

While authorities look for those to blame for rising prices, Airbnb continues to be a way of survival for thousands of Greek families, not their problem.

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