Airbnb Regulations:

For one year, new short-term rental licenses (e.g., Airbnb) are frozen across central Athens, extending to areas like Thiseio, Petralona, Pangrati, and Neos Kosmos. Additionally, the tax on short-term rentals will increase. However, property owners who opt to withdraw their properties from short-term rental platforms or convert them to long-term leases will receive a three-year tax exemption on rental income.

“My Home 2” Program:

A new, expanded version of the “My Home” program aims to help more people, now including those up to 50 years old, acquire their first home. Additionally, a favorable loan package will support the energy upgrades of older properties.

Key Measures:

1. “My Home II” Program:
   • A €2 billion program funded by the Recovery Fund will help over 15,000 young individuals or couples (up to 50 years old) buy their first home. Interest rates will be half of the commercial rates.
   • Eligibility is expanded, with the income limit increased from €16,000 to €20,000 for singles, with corresponding increases for couples and families.
2. Energy Upgrades:
   • A €400 million program will offer zero-interest loans up to €20,000 to improve the energy efficiency of older homes.
3. Closed Properties:
   • Owners who rent out closed properties or convert short-term rentals into long-term leases will receive a three-year exemption from rental income tax.
4. Airbnb Tax:
   • A new, increased “climate resilience” tax will apply to contracts made through short-term rental platforms.
5. Freeze on New Airbnb Licenses:
   • New short-term rental licenses are prohibited in the three central districts of Athens (1st, 2nd, 3rd) for at least one year.
6. ENFIA Discount:
   • The ENFIA (property tax) discount for homeowners who insure their properties against natural disasters will double from 10% to 20%, applying to properties valued up to €500,000. For higher-value properties, the discount remains at 10%. Starting April 2025, uninsured properties will no longer receive state compensation for disaster damage.
7. Mandatory Insurance for Businesses:
   • All businesses with an annual turnover exceeding €500,000 must have insurance against natural disasters. Failure to insure will result in no state compensation.
8. Mandatory Insurance for Vehicles:
   • Vehicles must be insured against natural disasters for both new contracts and renewals, covering both private and commercial vehicles.

Golden Visa Reform:

The Golden Visa program, which previously required investment in real estate, will now allow third-country nationals to obtain a visa through a €250,000 investment in a startup. This provides an alternative to real estate investment, potentially easing pressure on the housing market.

Additional Tax Measures:

• The special fixed telephone tax (5%) on fiber-optic connections with speeds over 100 Mbps will be abolished.
• Employers providing up to €5,000 per year to new parents will be tax-exempt for that amount, with increases for each additional family member.
• The 15% health insurance tax on children up to 18 years old will be eliminated.