A new phase in Greece’s short-term rental regulation begins on 1 July 2026, bringing Thessaloniki under the same licensing restrictions already in place in central Athens. From that date until 31 December 2026, no new properties located in Thessaloniki’s first municipal community — encompassing the city’s historic and commercial core — will be allowed to register for the first time in the Short-Term Accommodation Registry (AMAD).
No New Registrations During the Moratorium
Property owners who have not secured an AMAD number before 1 July 2026 will be barred from launching a new short-term rental in the restricted zone for the duration of the moratorium. This applies not only to newcomers entering the market but also to existing rentals with active AMAD numbers — if those properties change hands through sale, gift, or parental grant while located in a restricted area, they will be automatically removed from the registry.
What Changes for Property Transfers?
Under the draft law currently before Parliament, any transfer of ownership during the owner’s lifetime — whether for consideration or as a gift — triggers automatic deregistration from the AMAD. The new owner cannot re-register the property for short-term use for as long as the geographic restriction remains in force.
Notably, inheritance is excluded from this rule: the final version of the bill does not include provisions for deregistration upon succession after death. The focus is strictly on lifetime transfers — sales, donations, and parental grants.
Why It Matters for the Real Estate Market
This shift carries significant implications for property valuations. In high-demand tourist areas, the ability to operate a short-term rental has become a key factor in pricing — often outweighing traditional metrics like square footage, age, or location alone. A unit’s potential to generate tourism income directly affects its market value and buyer appeal.
Hefty Fines for Non-Compliance
Enforcement comes with steep penalties. Operating a short-term rental in a restricted area without a valid AMAD registration incurs a fine equal to 50% of all income earned from the date the moratorium began until the violation is detected — with a minimum penalty of €20,000.
If a second violation occurs within the same tax year, the fine rises to 50% of all rental income collected between the first and second inspections — and cannot fall below €40,000. These fines are imposed and collected by the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE).