Opposition is mounting against a provision in a draft law currently under public consultation that would lead to the removal of short-term rental properties in Greece from the registry, following the transfer of a property in areas where the issuance of new registration numbers (AMA) has been suspended. Following objections raised by POMIDA, STAMA Greece has now entered the debate, warning that the measure could have significant repercussions for the short-term rental sector, devalue property assets and create uncertainty for thousands of families.
According to the association representing short-term rental management companies, the proposed deregistration of an AMA following a property transfer would affect not only sales transactions, but also inheritances, parental gifts and donations. As a result, individuals who legally acquire a property—or inherit an already operating short-term rental business—could lose the right to continue that activity if the property is located in areas of central Athens where new AMAs are no longer being issued.
STAMA Greece President Vasilis Argyrakis estimates that more than 10,000 property owners and families could be affected by the measure. In his view, the proposed rule would remove a right that has traditionally been linked to the property itself rather than to the identity of its owner.
Deregistration of STR registration numbers raises concerns over urban regeneration investments
STAMA Greece places particular emphasis on the investments made in recent years across several districts of central Athens. According to the association, a significant number of former offices, retail spaces and commercial premises that had remained vacant and underutilized for years were renovated and brought back into productive use through short-term rental activity.
The organization argues that many of these properties are not suitable for conventional residential use or long-term rental due to their layout, location or building characteristics. Consequently, removing their registration numbers would not automatically increase housing supply, as supporters of the restrictions suggest. Instead, it could lead to a new cycle of vacancy and property devaluation.
The issue comes at a time when the role of short-term rentals in Greece’s housing market remains the subject of intense public debate. Industry representatives maintain that housing affordability challenges cannot be addressed through blanket restrictions affecting properties that, in many cases, would never enter the long-term rental market.
Property managers warn of lost investments
Another concern raised by STAMA Greece relates to professional property managers and management companies operating in the short-term rental sector.
The association notes that managers often invest substantial amounts in property renovations, furnishing, equipment and marketing based on multi-year agreements with owners. It questions what would happen if a property owner were to pass away or transfer ownership only a few months after such investments had been made.
Under the proposed framework, the short-term rental activity could be terminated automatically, potentially leaving managers exposed to significant financial losses despite having invested capital and operational resources in good faith.
Industry stakeholders argue that the provision would create additional uncertainty in a sector that has attracted considerable investment over the past decade, both from individual owners and professional operators.
Call for the withdrawal of the provision
STAMA Greece is calling on the government to reconsider and withdraw the proposed provision on AMA deregistration following property transfers. The association argues that the measure is unlikely to contribute meaningfully to addressing Greece’s housing challenges while creating unnecessary disruption for thousands of owners, families and businesses.
As the public consultation process continues, the issue is emerging as one of the most controversial aspects of the proposed short-term rental legislation. The coming weeks will determine whether the concerns raised by industry stakeholders lead to amendments in the final text or whether the government chooses to proceed with the measure unchanged.
