Greece Real Estate: Office Conversions and Airbnb Ban
A new framework in Greece permits converting empty offices into residential properties, but bans short-term rentals on these units for five years.
- Commercial spaces can be converted to residences without increasing building volume.
- The procedure requires an engineer's assessment, strict technical checks, and permits.
- Properties created through this process cannot be used for short-term rentals for five years.
What this means for property investors in Greece: an opportunity to utilize vacant commercial spaces for long-term housing, paired with a strict five-year restriction against short-term vacation rentals.
A new legislative framework in Greece outlines conditions for converting vacant offices, shops, and other commercial properties into residential units to help address housing shortages without expanding existing building volumes. The conversion is not an automatic process and requires a comprehensive engineering inspection to review building permits, structural integrity, fire safety, natural lighting, ventilation, and parking requirements. Depending on the technical impact of the new use, projects may require a new building permit or an update to existing architectural files with local planning authorities, alongside updating the building's electronic ID. Crucially, the regulation imposes a restriction stating that residential units created through this special procedure cannot be offered as short-term rentals for at least five years from the completion of the conversion. Investors must also verify compliance with building co-ownership regulations and local zoning ordinances. Note that this information is general and does not constitute legal advice.
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