So Where Does It Still Work?
The key is to look beyond the restricted central core. The measures are targeted, not a blanket ban. Most of Greece, including many suburbs and outer neighbourhoods, is unaffected, so a short-term rental plan can still make sense, just not in the frozen central zone. Residential areas away from the core, such as the Kalamaria district by the sea, are the kind of places to consider, provided you confirm the rules for that exact location first. The honest takeaway: Thessaloniki can work for short-term lets, but the where matters more than ever, and you need to check the current rules against the specific property before you commit. This is not something to assume.
Managing From Abroad
If the numbers work, running a let remotely is very doable. Most owners rely on a local team: a cleaner, a maintenance contact, and often a management company that handles guests and changeovers. Smart locks and online platforms cover check-ins and communication, while a trusted local contact deals with anything urgent. Good legal and accounting support keeps you compliant as the rules evolve, which, as above, they are doing.
Why Elxis?
Thessaloniki is home for us; our head office is here, and we've been guiding international property buyers to find their ideal house in Greece since 1991. For a short-term rental plan, that local knowledge matters. With Elxis, you get:
An in-house team of 10 lawyers, not outsourced work
Full due diligence on every property: titles, the National Cadastre, tax, and any outstanding obligations
A clear check of the current short-term rental rules for a specific property and location, before you buy
Contract drafting and management of the whole transaction
Everything explained in your own language: English, Dutch, German, French, or Greek
A trusted network across Greece: notaries, surveyors, viewing teams, and technical specialists
Conclusion
Thessaloniki has genuine year-round demand that suits short-term lets better than a seasonal island. The opportunity is real, but you need to check the current rules for the exact property. Get that right, and Thessaloniki can be a steady, sensible choice.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Short-term rental rules in Greece are changing and vary by location, so for any specific property we strongly recommend confirming the current position with a lawyer and an accountant.