The short-term rental market in Athens has grown rapidly in recent years — and alongside it, the number of companies offering Airbnb management services has also increased. For a property owner who wishes to entrust their property to a partner, selecting the right company is not always a simple matter.

Property management does not only affect bookings and revenue. It affects tax compliance, guest experience, reviews, property wear and tear, and ultimately the long-term value of the investment.

In a market with increasing competition, the selection of a management company should not be based solely on cost or general promises, but on clear criteria, real experience, and proven consistency.

Experience and real market presence

Experience in Airbnb management is not defined only by years of operation, but by consistent presence and structured performance over time.

The rapid growth of short-term rentals in Athens has led many new providers to enter the market, often without organized systems or comprehensive experience in property management.

For a property owner, it is important to examine:

• how many years the company has been active in short-term rentals
• its actual operational track record
• whether it maintains consistent results and stable presence on Airbnb

Experience is demonstrated primarily in how problems are handled, how processes are organized, and how consistently results are delivered.

Transparency and a clear fee structure

A management partnership should be based on a complete and clearly defined framework. A detailed and clear agreement is not something a property owner should fear — on the contrary, it is an indication of professionalism and transparency.

It is particularly important that the following are clearly defined:

• the collaboration model
• percentages and fees
• which services are included
• the terms that apply at each stage of the partnership

Within the Airbnb management market in Athens, different models and service levels exist. Very low fees or vague terms are often accompanied by limited services, additional costs, or responsibilities that are transferred to the owner without being clearly defined from the outset.

Legal and tax compliance

The lawful operation of the property is a fundamental element of management.

Working with an organized company that has clear legal standing and a defined legal relationship with the property ensures greater stability and reduced risk for the owner.

Different collaboration models are applied in the market, such as service provision agreements or property leasing with percentage-based income allocation. Each model carries different tax and operational implications, which is why it is essential to fully understand how the selected structure operates.

Cleaning quality and operational standards

Cleanliness is a decisive factor in reviews and overall property performance.

Property owners should consider:

• how cleaning partners are selected
• what quality standards are applied
• how consistency of results is ensured

Extremely low cleaning costs do not necessarily represent long-term benefit, as they may directly affect service quality.

Overall quality and listing reviews

The reviews received by the properties managed by a company serve as an objective quality indicator.

Evaluation should not focus only on individual listings, but on the overall portfolio, the consistency of ratings, and the level of guest satisfaction.

Communication, consistency and reporting

Daily short-term rental management requires continuous monitoring, immediate response, and structured coordination. A successful partnership is built on clear communication, availability in addressing arising issues, and operational consistency.

The property owner should feel that there is stable and organized support — not fragmented management or delayed reactions.

At the same time, a key element of trust is full and transparent reporting regarding the property's performance. The partnership should include a clear overview of monthly performance, bookings, revenue, and any issues that arise.

Meaningful reporting does not necessarily require direct access to technical systems or management platforms, but reliable, regular, and understandable information that allows the owner to always know what is happening with their property.

Realistic predictions and honesty

A reliable partnership is based on realistic projections, not exaggerated promises regarding returns or performance.

Honesty about the property's potential, possible challenges, and market conditions reflects professionalism and a long-term perspective.

At the same time, the objective of professional management is always to achieve the best possible performance within the real conditions of the market.

Trust as the core criterion

Managing a property in the short-term rental market is a complex and ongoing process that delivers results when handled by professionals with expertise, organization, and principles.

The right partnership allows the property owner to feel confident about the operation of their property — without the need for constant personal involvement or supervision.

Choosing a management company is not merely about services; it is about building a relationship of trust that ensures stable operation and long-term value for the property.