22.10.2026
Exploring Crete: Living in Chania
Crete, in general, has been particularly appealing when it comes to real estate, both for permanent living and for investment opportunities.
Market Insights
I bought a home in Greece (or I'm fantasizing about buying one), and I want to rent it out. What does it take to rent out a home in Greece? What taxes will I pay, and what income can I expect? Can I hire someone to assist me in renting out my home in Greece? In this comprehensive guide, we share everything you need to know about renting out a home in Greece, including legal requirements, market insights, and practical tips.
How to Rent a Home in Greece: Expected Income on a Rental Home
The rental income on a home in Greece varies greatly depending on the region and moment in the market. Key factors influencing rental prices include stunning sea views, number of bedrooms, distance from tourist sites, walkability, proximity to airports and metro stations (especially in urban areas like Athens or Heraklion), date of construction, and outdoor amenities such as pools, gardens, and furnished terraces. Luxury villas can rent during the high season for approximately 80-120€ per night per bedroom. Furnished rentals in Greece typically include a kitchen and essential amenities, making them ideal for long-term stays of a month or longer. Rental management companies in Greece charge commissions from 10-30%, depending on services like housekeeping, guest communication, marketing, pool and garden care, electricity setup, and tax registration. Landlords generally require 1 to 2 months’ rent upfront as a security deposit. Financial transparency is essential; bank transfers are preferred for a secure payment paper trail.
Introduction to Greek Rentals
Renting a home in Greece is more than finding accommodation, it’s about embracing a lifestyle shaped by stunning views, vibrant city life, and rich cultural heritage. Whether seeking a minimalist studio, boutique villa, luxury penthouse, or traditional house, the Greek rental market caters to diverse tastes and budgets. Property owners offer a variety of amenities including private pools, spacious terraces, fully equipped kitchens, and lush gardens with trees, ensuring a bright and comfortable living experience. Rental prices vary significantly based on location, property type, and amenities. From bustling Athens to serene Greek islands, Greece offers rental homes that fit every lifestyle.
Popular Areas in Greece for Rentals
In 2024, some of the most popular areas for rentals in Greece included Crete, the Ionian Coast, and the Ionian Islands.
About Crete
Crete, known as the “island of the gods,” is famous for its rich history, welcoming people, picturesque landscapes, and high quality of life. The island offers diverse outdoor experiences: golden sand beaches along the coast, traditional mountain villages, ancient ruins, steep gorges, and extensive cave networks surrounded by nature.
About The Ionian Coast & Ionian Islands
The Ionian Coast, often called the Greek Amalfi Coast, is an endless coastline dotted with seaside villages, dreamy beaches, mountain towns, archaeological sites, and amazing landscapes. Popular towns include Parga, Sivota, and Preveza. The Ionian Islands, Corfu, Lefkada, Ithaka, Kefalonia, Paxi, Zakynthos, and Kythira, are located in the Ionian Sea, west of the Greek mainland and partly off the Albanian coast. These islands are renowned for their stunning natural beauty and excellent rental opportunities, attracting families, friends, and travelers year-round.
Taxes on Rental Homes in Greece
If you plan to rent out your property, rental income is subject to progressive tax rates in Greece, calculated per owner on gross rental income:
0€ - 12,000€: 15%
12,001€ - 24,000€: 25%
24,001€ - 36,000€: 35%
36,000€ and above: 45%
Benefits of Co-Ownership
Purchasing property with two owners is advantageous since tax rates apply per owner. For high-income rental properties, buying through a company is often preferable, allowing deductions for expenses and building depreciation. Company tax in Greece is currently 22% and is expected to decline. Contact our legal team to assist you in exploring company purchase options.
New Short-Term Rental Rules: Effective October 1, 2025
Starting October 1, 2025, Greece introduced new regulations for short-term rental properties, impacting platforms like Airbnb. These rules ensure safety, quality, and compliance, mandating natural lighting, ventilation, liability insurance, fire safety measures, and more. Non-compliance can result in fines from €5,000 to €20,000. Inspections by the Ministry of Tourism and IAPR will assess compliance and conduct tax audits. Property managers must prepare now to meet these standards.
Minimum Standards for Short-Term Rental Properties
Since October 1, 2025, short-term rentals must meet:
Primary Use and Basic Amenities: Properties must be classified as primary-use spaces with natural lighting, ventilation, and functional air conditioning.
Liability Insurance: Coverage for damages or accidents during tenancy.
Safety Certifications: Electrical compliance statements signed by licensed electricians; installation of fire extinguishers and smoke detectors; circuit breakers or ground fault interrupters; and clearly marked emergency exits.
Health and Safety: Pest control certificates, first aid kits, and emergency contact displays.
These rules align short-term rentals with hotel-level safety and quality.
Rental Best Practices
Price for Profit
Price for profit, not just occupancy. Choose a realistic price knowing that a high-quality, higher-priced rental is easier to manage long-term. Analyze the competition and highlight what makes your property unique, such as designer electronics, luxury linens, or concierge services.
Be Specific
Give guests detailed information about the number of bedrooms, stunning sea views, outdoor access, and luxury amenities to emphasize suitability for families or groups. Include the condition of rooms and furniture. Take note of frequent inquiries about local beaches, restaurants, and parking to address them proactively.
Visit Regularly
Inspect your property every few weeks to catch issues early. Invest in luxury and high-quality items. Items once considered luxury—like Nespresso capsules, high-thread linens, and entertainment systems—are now expected.
Get Professional Photos
Professional photography can increase rental speed by 32%. If taking photos yourself, declutter, use natural light, choose wide angles, and keep the camera level.
Prioritize Outdoor Spaces
In Greece, outdoor living is essential. Guests expect spaces for eating, lounging, cooking, showering, and even sleeping outside. Well-maintained gardens with trees and luxury sunbeds add value and appeal.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
An EPC is mandatory for rentals, measuring energy efficiency. It lasts ten years and factors in construction materials, insulation, and heating. Obtain or update your EPC before renting.
Targeting Digital Nomads
Greece is a top destination for digital nomads, offering sunny weather, inspiring scenery, and welcoming communities. Many rentals include high-speed wifi, ergonomic workspaces, and quiet environments. Corporate housing demand is growing as companies seek long-term rentals for remote employees.
Long-Term Rentals in Greece
Long-term rentals provide flexibility and comfort with options ranging from apartments to villas featuring pools and panoramic sea views. Clear rental agreements outline costs and terms, benefiting tenants and owners alike. Long-term rentals offer steady income and can boost property value.
What Are the Best Amenities to Have in My Rental Property?
We asked 600+ home seekers the ideal features of a home in Greece, and this is what they responded. The results come from a survey available on Elxis’s website and newsletter, so you won’t find these insights anywhere else on the internet. Home searchers can also save and manage their property search to quickly access personalized results and receive alerts for new listings. Among amenities, terraces are the most important for home searchers in Greece, ranked higher than sea views, mountain views, pools, gardens, and outside kitchens. 54% of people surveyed said that having a terrace was “very important”, compared to 47% for the next category: sea views. People searching for a home in Greece felt that pools were also important, and they felt more neutral about the garden, garage, and storage.
How to Take Good Photos for Rentals
This section is perfect for you if you plan to take your own photos.
1. Know Your Selling Points
Is your home good for travelers? Is it ideal for families, bachelors, or pets? Is it for digital nomads in Greece or couples visiting for their honeymoon? Before you take pictures, think about the story you want to tell when selling your home.
2. Declutter and Clean Up
This may seem self-explanatory, but surprisingly some people skip this step. Clean up your house before even thinking about unpacking your tripod. Prepare like you would for an open home – clean surfaces, remove clutter, wash your dishes, and make the beds. You might think this is first nature, but believe us – we've seen it all! Don't include family photos or personal items, because potential buyers will have a hard time imagining it as their own space.
3. Make a Good First Impression
Cutting the grass, cleaning the front door area, trimming bushes or trees, and removing bikes from the driveway are simple ways to make your home appealing at first glance. Add flowers to empty flowerpots to go the extra mile.
4. Let in the Light
A bright, airy room is more appealing than a dungeon. Natural light is always better than artificial light. Open the blinds and take pictures during the day. Take off the curtains if you need to, or take a picture with a longer exposure.
5. Choose a Wide Angle
Pick an angle that captures the room at its largest. Don't make anything distorted, but use a wide-angle lens if you have one. Stand in the corner of the room for best results. As a rule of thumb, don't use portrait mode. Landscape mode captures a larger area.
6. Keep the Camera Level
Surprisingly, 50% of properties that are on the market for upwards of 1 million Euros feature poor-quality photographs. Prospective homeowners won't like to see crooked photos, no matter how nice the house is. Check your framing before you start taking pictures.
Virtual Tours and Viewings
The Greek rental market embraces technology, making it easier for tenants worldwide to explore properties remotely. Virtual tours and high-quality photos showcase layouts, amenities, and proximity to shops, restaurants, and nature. This saves time and ensures informed decisions.
Rental Management Companies
Renting property in Greece is lucrative but requires effort: marketing, tenant screening, accounting, and maintenance. Property management companies assist with these tasks, improving tenant retention and saving money on repairs.
Notos Estate Management
Notos Estate Management offers top-tier rental services for villa owners in Crete. Their 5-star service assists owners in maximizing rental income and managing properties efficiently.
Maintenance for Rental Homes
Pool & Garden
Monthly maintenance costs range from €150 to €350 depending on pool and garden size.
Annual Upkeep
Painting, polishing, and repairs cost €1,000 to €4,000 yearly, depending on property quality. Repainting sun-exposed wooden features is recommended to maintain style and appearance.
Note on Legal and Practical Steps
Before signing any lease or sale agreement, note that you must obtain a Tax Identification Number (AFM) from a local tax office. Most standard leases in Greece are drafted only in Greek; it is advisable to use a local bilingual lawyer to add an English annex. The minimum term for a primary residential lease by Greek law is three years. Also, under Law 5170/2025, any short-term or vacation rental must possess a unique Property Registration Number (AMA). Communal charges (koinochrista) apply to apartment buildings and cover maintenance fees for shared services. Be cautious of rental scams and avoid paying large deposits without seeing the property first. It is essential to visit rental properties in person before signing a lease, as photos can hide issues.
