The number of accommodations entering the short-term rental market in Greece is steadily increasing this year, while at the same time there is an increase in demand from visitors.
On the one hand, the steady income that this form of property exploitation brings for owners (due to the significant increase in tourism) and on the other hand, the institutional framework for long-term rentals that leaves owners unprotected from “bad tenants”, seem to be strong incentives for the entry of new listings on the platforms.
In fact, neither the tax measures taken by the government this year nor the new measures that are in the pipeline are stopping this rise.
What is certain, however, is that this year the revenue from short-term rentals for the state coffers will be particularly high.
It is unknown, however, whether this will act as a brake on any planned new restrictive measures.
It is noteworthy that INSEETE, the Institute of the Hellenic Tourism Business Association (INSEETE), for the first time includes data on short-term rentals in Greece in its monthly statistical bulletin.
Increase in the supply of accommodation
More and more homes and apartments are turning to short-term rentals, despite the significant increase in taxation imposed by the government since the beginning of the year.
And while beds are now approaching 1 million, demand for Airbnb is growing alongside supply, suggesting their role in the tourism industry. Based on data from Lighthouse (formerly Transparent) processed by INSETE, the supply of short-term rental accommodation has been steadily increasing since the beginning of the year. In particular, in January 2024, the number of accommodation was 190 thousand, recording an increase of +10.2% compared to 2023. In February the increase continued with 196 thousand accommodations, showing an increase of +11.3% and in March the number of accommodations was 196 thousand, with an increase of +11.6%. In April the number of accommodation establishments stood at 212 thousand, recording an increase of +12.5%. Finally, in May, an increase of +11.0% was recorded, with the number of accommodation establishments amounting to 218 thousand. A similar picture can be seen in the number of beds where in the period January-May 2024 there is a progressive increase in the total number of beds compared to the 2023 data. The increase averages 85 thousand. In particular, in January 2024, the number of beds was 845 thousand.
an increase of +8.4% compared to January 2023.
In February, the number of beds was 877 thousand.
The number of beds increased by 10.3%, while in March it was 907 thousand.
The number of beds in March was 9077 beds, an increase of +10.5%.
In April, the number of beds was 935 thousand beds.
The number of beds in April was 935,000, an increase of 11.5%.
Finally, in May the number of beds was 962 thousand.
and the increase was +10.2%.
Increase in demand for short-term rentals
The analysis of the occupancy rate for the year 2024 shows a stability compared to 2023 despite the increase in the supply of accommodation and beds.
This suggests an increase in demand alongside supply in short-term rentals. In January in particular, occupancy was maintained at 12%, repeating the same performance as the same month last year.
In February, occupancy decreased to 10% (compared to 13%) while in March occupancy was 16% (compared to 15%).
In April, the occupancy rate was 23% (compared to 24%) and in May it was 30% (compared to 26%).
booking window
The booking window analysis for short-term leases reflected a trend towards more timely scheduling in Q1 2024 compared to 2023. In January, the booking window increased to 40 days from 27 days in January 2023, recording an increase of +49.4%.
In February it reaches 49 days, showing an increase of +107.5% from 24 days.
In March, the booking window reached 35 days, an increase of +7.6% from 32 days in the previous year.
In April, the booking window stands at 39 days, registering a decrease of -7.4% from 42 days in April 2023.
Finally, in May the booking window stood at 46 days, recording a decrease of -13.3%.
Average length of stay
The average length of stay in overnight stays in January-May 2024, compared to the corresponding period of 2023, varies depending on the month, with most months recording a decrease. In particular, in January 2024, the average length of stay was 3.5 nights, an increase of +6.8% from 3.3 nights in the previous year.
In February, the average length of stay recorded an increase of +32.6% to 3.7 nights compared to 2.8 nights in February 2023.
In March, the average length of stay was 3.5 nights, showing a decrease of -1.5% compared to the same month last year.
The downward trend also continued in April, by -1.5%, where the average length of stay was 3.8 nights compared to 3.9.
In May the average length of stay was 3.5 nights, recording a decrease of -10.0%.
The mix of Greek – foreign visitors
The structure of short-term rental travellers over the course of the year shows an interesting dynamic in the composition of travellers between foreigners and residents, with foreigners dominating but residents having a significant share in the winter months. In particular, in January the proportion of foreign travellers is 60%, while the proportion of domestic travellers reaches 40%.
This ratio remains relatively stable during February, with a slight increase of foreigners at 62% and a corresponding decrease of nationals at 38%.
The picture is similar in March, with the proportion of foreigners increasing to 66% and the proportion of nationals decreasing to 34%.
In April and May, the dominance of foreigners is even more evident, with the percentage of foreigners at 89% and nationals accounting for 11% of all travellers.