From the Summer Retreat to a Steady Income Source
In 2025, with tourism continuing to grow and technology facilitating remote management of rentals, more and more owners are considering acquiring or converting a holiday home into an investment property. Owners are no longer buying solely for personal use but to combine enjoyment and return. The holiday home operates seasonally for the family, and the rest of the time, it generates income through rentals to visitors from around the world.
The demand for holiday homes remains particularly strong in 2025, not only on the well-known tourist islands but also in regions of the Peloponnese as well as in less popular island destinations. Buyers, both Greek and foreign, are especially interested in properties with potential for tourist or investment exploitation.
In the Peloponnese, for example, the average asking sale price of residences increased by 30.7 % during 2019–2024, while rents rose by 45 % in the same period. The last year saw a 15.7 % increase in demand, and sale prices increased by 9.1 %.
At the same time, islands such as Mykonos, Paros, Santorini, and Rhodes maintain very high interest in the construction of luxury holiday homes. Additionally, smaller, less saturated islands show increased demand from buyers seeking authentic experiences, good prices, and long-term value.
Return Calculation and Legal Requirements
However, before proceeding with the purchase or conversion of a holiday home into an investment tool, it is crucial to accurately calculate the net return and be aware of all legal prerequisites.
Regarding returns, holiday properties can under certain conditions yield gross income from rentals ranging from €25,000 to €50,000 annually, based on occupancy rates and demand levels observed in popular areas, with net returns typically around 5 % to 6 % per year, taking into account operating expenses and tax obligations.
The most profitable cases are found in areas with long tourist seasons, good accessibility, a steady flow of visitors, and low vacancy rates. It is important to note that these returns are not guaranteed and depend on proper location selection, property quality, provided services, and rental management strategy.
The tourist season in Greece has been steadily extending in recent years, mainly in areas with good weather until October and with alternative tourism streams such as digital nomads, retirees from abroad, and off-peak travelers. This means that a holiday home can now generate income for more months, enhancing the investment’s profitability.
The calculation of the actual return of a holiday home must be done carefully. Besides income, fixed maintenance costs, cleaning expenses, technical interventions, insurance coverage, and tax burdens resulting from leasing must be considered.
Legally, utilizing a holiday home as a rental property in Greece requires compliance with current leasing regulations and declaration obligations.
Initially, any property offered for short-term rental in Greece must be registered in the AADE Short‑Term Rental Registry and have a unique Property Registration Number (AMA). Additionally, from October 1, 2025, new, stricter rules will come into effect: properties must meet minimum safety and functionality requirements, such as natural lighting, good ventilation, liability insurance, an electrician’s certificate, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and appropriate emergency signage. Proper categorization and listing of the holiday home on rental platforms, as well as using data-driven tools to monitor occupancy and pricing, are key factors for achieving sustainable returns. This is exactly where SpitiGkonzalez comes in to help.
SpitiGkonzalez by Your Side
SpitiGkonzalez functions as a comprehensive guide for those who want to invest in or utilize holiday properties strategically and with up-to-date information. It provides timely access to market data, such as sale and rental prices by area, returns by property type, and actual demand trends. Through dynamic valuation tools, it allows you to know the true value of your property, whether you plan to sell, buy, or rent it out.
