Strong reactions are emerging in Greece’s short-term rental sector following a proposed legislative provision that would automatically remove properties from the Short-Term Rental Registry in cases of ownership transfer. The proposal is part of a draft law currently under consultation and has triggered objections from the Hellenic Property Federation.
According to the proposed Article 5, paragraph 2C, properties registered for short-term rentals would be automatically deleted from the registry if they are transferred to a new owner, including cases of inheritance, parental donation, or gift, particularly in areas where temporary restrictions are in force.
The Hellenic Property Federation ΠΟΜΙΔΑ strongly opposes the measure, arguing that it effectively penalizes family property transfers and undermines the legal and economic value of real estate assets used in tourism accommodation.
The issue is directly linked to Greece’s short-term rental framework and the registry managed by the tax authority ΑΑΔΕ, which regulates the operation of properties listed on platforms such as Airbnb.
Short-term rentals: Registry deletion after property transfer sparks legal and market concerns
At the center of the dispute over short-term rentals is the rule that a change in ownership would automatically invalidate the property’s registration in the Short-Term Rental Registry, even if the property continues to meet all operational requirements.
POMIDA argues that the registry is tied to the property itself—not the owner—and therefore should remain valid after a transfer. The organization claims that the measure introduces regulatory instability and undermines property rights, as it directly affects the economic value of homes used in tourism activity.
The federation also highlights that family transfers, such as inheritance or parental gifts, should not result in loss of income for households that rely on short-term rental revenue.
From a legal perspective, POMIDA frames the issue as a potential indirect restriction on property rights, while from an economic standpoint it warns of market distortions in real estate valuation and investment decisions.
Short-term rentals and regulatory stability concerns
The organization further warns that the proposed measure creates uncertainty in the real estate market, particularly in high-demand tourist destinations where short-term rentals play a significant role in local income generation.
According to POMIDA, the lack of continuity in registration rules may discourage transactions and reduce mobility in the property market, especially in cases where properties are purchased specifically for tourism use.
International reference: Portugal’s short-term rental policy reversal
POMIDA also references Portugal’s short-term rental reform under the Mais Habitação program (2023), which introduced strict limitations on local accommodation licenses (Alojamento Local).
The federation notes that several of these restrictions were later reversed in 2024 through Decree-Law 76/2024, after they were found to be overly restrictive and ineffective in increasing long-term rental supply.
The reference is used to argue that restrictive policies on short-term rentals do not necessarily achieve their intended housing market outcomes and may instead negatively impact tourism and investment.
Proposal: Registry continuity with administrative update
In its concluding position, POMIDA calls for the withdrawal of the proposed provision and suggests an alternative approach.
Under its proposal, the existing registration in the Short-Term Rental Registry should remain valid after property transfer, while the new owner would be required to notify the tax authority within a defined period to update administrative and tax records.
The federation argues that this solution would preserve regulatory compliance without disrupting income-generating activity in Greece’s short-term rental market, which contributes significantly to the national economy.
