Greek PM: Measures Needed to Tackle Airbnb Spread
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said measures were currently under examination to address a surge in Airbnb-style rentals which are impacting neighborhoods in Athens.
In an interview to SKAI TV, Mitsotakis said studies were required and that additional measures would be taken to address the issue. “I don’t want neighborhoods in Athens that have no local character,” he said.
The PM confirmed that as a result of increasing short-term rental activity, “the center of Athens is losing its distinct character, something that should concern us and the Municipality of Athens,” he said, adding that relevant announcements would be made soon.
Last fall, Mitsotakis announced that Airbnb rental income would be taxed with a new “climate crisis resilience charge” which means that property owners leasing out one property or more will be required to charge an extra daily scaled fee which will range from 1.5-euros to 10 euros in March-October and 0.5 euros to 4 euros from November to February applicable to all forms of tourist accommodations. Revenues from this charge will go into a specially created emergency fund for natural disasters
Mitsotakis also referred to the rising cost of long-term rentals in the city center which he attributed to an improving economy and a growing demand for homes compared to supply, which he said was limited in part due to Airbnb activities and because many flats remain closed.
During the discussion, the journalists pointed out that rents in the center of Athens have increased due to properties being bought through the Golden Visa program
“Those are few through the Golden Visa program, but they are not negligible either. That is why we are also increasing the Golden Visa limit,” the PM said.
Lastly, referring to a recent decision to increase the basic wage, Mitsotakis said in will positively affect tourism sector jobs and those working in seasonal positions.
Most non-greek Europeans actually live all year round on the island. it is the Athenians who lock up their homes and return to the city after the summer holidays. And the foreigners spend a huge amount in renovating and improving their properties, hiring local tradesmen and buying locally.
The concern about the growing number of AirBnBs is not only for Athens though to allow the local character of our capital’s inner suburbs to be diminished would be a dreadful shame. Right now Athens still offers visitors a genuine Greek city with its ancient history, but also a more recent history filled with Greek character. To homogenise this into becoming just another bland European city filled with high street shops and short term rentals would be a sin. There is also another pressing problem to be addressed for the sake of Greek citizens. Our small island no longer has rental housing available for young Greek couples wanting to remain on the island and open their businesses. This is another death knell for small islands and the situation is desperate. We cannot afford to lose our local young and enthusiastic people. The situation is dire right now and needs addressing. AirBnBs are part of the problem and the other is middle aged people from other parts of Europe buying up all the housing stock only to live here and give back to the island for a month or two each year. Doesn’t add up!!!