Greece is taking steps to combat the housing shortage by offering tax breaks to homeowners who convert their short-term rentals into long-term rentals.
The move is part of a broader plan to address the issue of short-term rentals contributing to rising housing costs.
The government also plans to increase taxes on short-term rentals and ban new licenses in central Athens. These measures aim to make housing more affordable for local residents, particularly low-income earners, young couples, and students.
Many residents of Athens have expressed support for these plans, believing that they will help to address the growing problem of short-term rentals displacing local residents.
Airbnb has stated its willingness to work with the Greek government to find solutions to the housing shortage.
The company recognizes the challenges faced by many local residents and is open to collaborating on targeted and proportionate measures.
The housing crisis in Greece is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors, including low wages, high inflation, property shortages, and the growth in short-term rentals. The government's efforts to provide subsidies for low-interest loans and extend the plan to couples up to 50 years old are aimed at addressing the needs of those who are struggling to find affordable housing.