Greek Property Owners and STR Hosts Want Fair Regulations
Greece’s property owners and short-term rentals (STR) hosts reiterated their call to the government to re-examine proposed legislation aimed at regulating Airbnb-style accommodation and to include incentives for long-terms rentals during the 5th ShortStay Conference 2023 held in Athens this week.
Addressing the event, Hellenic Property Federation (POMIDA) President Stratos Paradias said that in collaboration with Greece’s Short-Term Accommodation Managers Association (STAMA), they had presented a set of “truths” with regard to short-term rentals aimed at clarifying misunderstandings or misconstrued data.
Commenting on claims that Airbnb-style rentals are limiting the availability of long-term lease, Paradias said this was false and that to the contrary, short-term rental activity had contributed to the reopening and redevelopment of old abandoned buildings that were out of use.
Referring to long-term rentals, Paradias said the government should take actions that will ensure the availability of homes for rent long term. This, he said, could be done by increasing the number of rentals for permanent residents and by offering incentives and tax reductions.
The event also focused on the European Commission’s proposal for the creation of a European Register of Short-Term Rental Properties as well as the imposition of VAT on rental activity.
Commenting on similar regulations expected in Greece, STAMA President Nasos Gavalas said that taxation would mostly impact property owners and not managing companies. It is vital, he said, that any changes to the law should distinguish between individuals renting for extra income and companies running enterprises. He also said that “taxation and obligations also meant rights, such as participation in financing programs”.
Market insiders speaking at the event added that the upcoming elections in Greece are expected to delay any regulation regarding short-term rentals.