Buying real estate in Cyprus?

We've created a guide to help you avoid pitfalls, save time, and make the best long-term investment possible.

Is Cyprus property overvalued right now?

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Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Cyprus Property Pack

buying property foreigner Cyprus

Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Cyprus Property Pack

Cyprus property prices have increased approximately 30% since 2020, but recent data suggests the market is showing signs of stabilization rather than overvaluation. Property values are rising more moderately in 2025, with apartments delivering gross rental yields of 4.8-5.4% and houses offering 2.9-4% returns, making Cyprus competitive with other Mediterranean destinations while maintaining sustainable growth patterns.

If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Cyprus, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.

How this content was created 🔎📝

At INVESTROPA, we explore the Cypriot real estate market every day. Our team doesn't just analyze data from a distance—we're actively engaging with local realtors, investors, and property managers in cities like Limassol, Nicosia, and Paphos. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the market from the inside out.

These observations are originally based on what we've learned through these conversations and our observations. But it was not enough. To back them up, we also needed to rely on trusted resources

We prioritize accuracy and authority. Trends lacking solid data or expert validation were excluded.

Trustworthiness is central to our work. Every source and citation is clearly listed, ensuring transparency. A writing AI-powered tool was used solely to refine readability and engagement.

To make the information accessible, our team designed custom infographics that clarify key points. We hope you will like them! All illustrations and media were created in-house and added manually.

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Fact-checked and reviewed by our local expert

✓✓✓

Nikki Grey 🇬🇧

CEO & Director, Europe Properties

With years of experience in European real estate, Nikki Grey understands the unique appeal of Cyprus as a prime investment destination. At Europe Properties, she facilitates property acquisitions that offer both lifestyle and financial benefits, including access to the island's Golden Visa program. Her insights help investors navigate the Cypriot market, from beachfront villas to lucrative rental properties.

What are current property prices in Cyprus compared to five years ago?

Cyprus property prices have increased approximately 30% since 2020, with significant variation across property types and locations.

As of September 2025, apartment prices range from €2,000 to €5,700 per square meter, with Limassol commanding the highest prices in the premium segment. House prices typically range from €2,000 to €4,200 per square meter across the island.

The growth pattern shows that Cyprus experienced rapid price appreciation of 8-10% annually between 2021-2023, but this has moderated to 4.5-6.5% in 2024-2025. Houses have shown more modest recent growth of 4-6% per year, while apartments have generally outperformed houses in price appreciation.

Larnaca has emerged as the fastest-growing market in recent years, offering better value compared to the established premium markets of Limassol and Paphos.

How much have rental prices changed in Cyprus over the past two years?

Cyprus rental prices have increased by 4-5% annually over the past two years, representing consistent and steady growth.

Specifically, rents rose 4.6% in 2024 and 2.7% in 2023, with Limassol consistently showing the highest rental rates due to its status as the island's business and financial hub. This translates to approximately 8-9% total rental growth over the two-year period.

The rental market growth has been notably faster than property price appreciation in many areas, creating favorable conditions for landlords and investors. Coastal areas and business centers continue to drive rental demand, particularly from international professionals and expatriates.

It's something we develop in our Cyprus property pack.

What percentage of household income goes toward mortgage payments in Cyprus?

Mortgage payments typically consume 25-30% of household income for Cyprus property buyers as of September 2025.

The housing cost "overburden" rate for owners with mortgages remains relatively low at approximately 0.3% in 2024, indicating that most existing homeowners are managing their mortgage payments comfortably. However, affordability for new buyers is declining due to the combination of rising property prices and higher interest rates.

First-time buyers face increasing challenges entering the market, with many requiring higher down payments or longer loan terms to maintain affordable monthly payments. The mortgage-to-income ratio has been gradually increasing as property prices have outpaced wage growth in many sectors.

Banks typically require borrowers to demonstrate that mortgage payments will not exceed 35-40% of their gross monthly income for loan approval.

How quickly are homes selling in the current Cyprus market?

Properties in Cyprus are selling faster than in previous years, with most homes selling within 2-4 months of listing.

Transaction volumes have increased by 12-19% in 2025 compared to previous years, indicating strong buyer demand across the market. Urban areas and coastal properties tend to sell most quickly, often within the shorter end of the timeframe.

The accelerated sale times reflect high demand from both domestic and foreign buyers, particularly in sought-after locations like Limassol, Paphos, and Larnaca. Well-priced properties in desirable areas can sell even faster, sometimes within 4-6 weeks.

Properties that linger on the market beyond 4 months are typically overpriced for their location or condition, requiring price adjustments to attract buyers in the current competitive market.

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What are the current rental yields for apartments and houses in Cyprus?

Cyprus offers attractive rental yields with apartments delivering 4.8-5.4% gross yields and houses providing 2.9-4% gross yields as of September 2025.

Apartments consistently outperform houses in rental yield metrics, with the best apartment yields found in Limassol and Nicosia due to strong rental demand from business professionals and students. Limassol's business district properties can achieve yields at the higher end of the range.

House rental yields are generally lower due to higher purchase prices relative to rental income, but they offer potential for capital appreciation and are popular with families seeking longer-term rentals. Coastal houses in resort areas may have lower year-round yields but benefit from higher seasonal rental rates.

These yields compare favorably with other Mediterranean destinations and remain attractive for investors seeking steady rental income combined with potential capital growth.

How many building permits are being issued compared to previous years?

Building permits in Cyprus dropped by 15% in the first four months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, signaling reduced construction activity.

However, the total number of new residential units planned increased by 12%, indicating that fewer but larger projects are being approved. Specifically, 2,157 total permits were issued from January to April 2025, compared to 2,545 in the same period last year.

This decline in permit issuance suggests potential future supply constraints, which could support property prices by limiting new inventory. The trend toward larger developments may also indicate developer confidence in premium market segments.

The reduced building activity comes at a time when demand remains strong, potentially creating a supply-demand imbalance that could further support property values in the medium term.

What are current mortgage interest rates and how do they affect affordability?

Mortgage interest rates in Cyprus currently average 3.87-4.1% for fixed-rate loans and 3.2-4.8% for variable-rate loans for resident buyers as of September 2025.

Loan Type Interest Rate Range Typical Borrower Profile
Fixed Rate (Residents) 3.87-4.1% Cyprus residents, stable income
Variable Rate (Residents) 3.2-4.8% Cyprus residents, risk-tolerant
Non-Resident Fixed 4.5-5.5% Foreign buyers, higher deposits
Non-Resident Variable 4.0-5.0% Foreign buyers, established income
Golden Visa Applicants 4.0-4.8% High-net-worth individuals

These rates are pressuring affordability by increasing monthly payment requirements for new buyers. Combined with higher property prices, many first-time buyers are being priced out of the market or forced to consider smaller properties or less desirable locations.

The higher interest rate environment is particularly challenging for buyers stretching to afford properties in prime locations, where the combination of high prices and elevated borrowing costs can push total housing costs beyond comfortable affordability thresholds.

How active are foreign buyers in the Cyprus property market?

Foreign buyer activity has surged by 25-30% year-over-year in 2025, with non-EU investors leading the growth in purchases.

Foreign buyers are concentrating their purchases in three main locations: Limassol remains the top choice for business and investment properties, Paphos attracts lifestyle buyers and retirees, and Larnaca is experiencing the fastest growth due to better value propositions and proximity to the international airport.

The majority of foreign purchases are split between holiday homes and investment properties, with many buyers attracted by Cyprus's Golden Visa program and favorable tax environment. Russian, Middle Eastern, and increasingly Asian buyers represent significant portions of the foreign buyer market.

Foreign buyers now account for a growing share of total transactions, particularly in the premium property segment above €500,000, where their presence is reshaping local market dynamics and supporting higher price levels.

It's something we develop in our Cyprus property pack.

infographics rental yields citiesCyprus

We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Cyprus versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.

What is the ratio of vacant or unsold properties in Cyprus?

As of September 2025, approximately 29,000 homes and apartments are waiting for ownership transfer out of an estimated total housing stock of 250,000+ units.

This indicates a vacancy or unsold property rate of roughly 11-12%, which includes both genuinely vacant properties and units in various stages of the sales process. This level is considered moderate for a market experiencing significant foreign investment and seasonal residence patterns.

Many of these properties are new constructions awaiting final inspections and transfer procedures, rather than distressed inventory. The coastal resort areas tend to have higher apparent vacancy rates due to seasonal occupancy patterns by holiday home owners.

The current level of unsold inventory provides some buffer against severe supply shortages but is not excessive enough to create downward pressure on prices.

How do Cyprus property prices compare with similar Mediterranean destinations?

Cyprus property prices and rental yields are competitive with Greece, Spain, and Portugal, offering better value in many segments.

Country Average Price (€/m²) Gross Rental Yield Recent Price Growth
Cyprus €2,000-€5,700 4.8-5.4% 4.5-6.5% annually
Greece €1,500-€3,200 3.5-5.0% 5-8% annually
Spain €2,800-€6,000 3.5-4.5% 3-7% annually
Portugal €2,500-€5,000 3.2-4.7% 4-6% annually
Malta €3,500-€7,000 3.0-4.2% 2-5% annually

Cyprus offers rental yields that are slightly better than most Spanish and Portuguese city averages, while maintaining prices below the most expensive Mediterranean destinations. The combination of competitive pricing and attractive yields makes Cyprus particularly appealing for investment purposes.

Compared to established markets like the French Riviera or parts of Spain's Costa del Sol, Cyprus provides significantly better entry points for investors while offering similar lifestyle benefits and rental potential.

What do banks and agencies forecast for Cyprus property prices?

Cyprus banks and international agencies forecast 2-5% price growth over the next 12-24 months, with regional variations expected.

KPMG and local banks predict that Larnaca and Paphos are likely to outperform the national average due to infrastructure investments and growing international interest. Limassol may see more moderate growth as prices have already reached premium levels.

Market stabilization is the prevailing expectation, with most forecasts pointing to sustainable rather than speculative growth. Infrastructure investments, including airport improvements and new business developments, are expected to support demand in specific areas.

The consensus among financial institutions is that Cyprus will avoid dramatic price swings, with growth rates normalizing to levels more in line with broader economic fundamentals and European trends.

It's something we develop in our Cyprus property pack.

How sustainable is current demand given local economic conditions?

Current property demand in Cyprus appears sustainable based on rising incomes, employment growth, and continued foreign investment, though affordability challenges exist for local buyers.

1. **Employment and Income Growth**: The technology sector and tourism industry are driving job creation and wage increases, supporting domestic purchasing power. 2. **Foreign Investment Stability**: Golden Visa programs and tax advantages continue attracting international buyers, providing demand stability independent of local economic cycles. 3. **Population Dynamics**: Growing expatriate communities and business relocations to Cyprus are creating sustained housing demand. 4. **Infrastructure Development**: Ongoing investments in transportation, business districts, and utilities support long-term property value appreciation. 5. **Economic Diversification**: Cyprus's growing role as a business hub for Europe-Middle East-Africa operations creates sustainable demand for commercial and residential properties.

However, affordability remains a challenge for many domestic buyers, particularly first-time purchasers and young families. The recent stabilization in price growth suggests the market is self-correcting to more sustainable levels.

Foreign investment plays a crucial role in maintaining demand levels, making the market somewhat dependent on continued international buyer interest and favorable regulatory conditions.

Conclusion

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

Sources

  1. Cyprus Property Cost Guide - IMIN Cyprus
  2. Cost of Buying Property in Cyprus - INVESTROPA
  3. Rents Keep Climbing - Kathimerini Cyprus
  4. Residential Market Cooling Signs - Cyprus Property Buyers
  5. Mortgage Guide Cyprus - Developers Cyprus
  6. Cyprus Rent Trends 2025 - Soneverse
  7. Mortgages in Cyprus Guide - IMIN Cyprus
  8. Cyprus Rental Yields - Global Property Guide
  9. Building Permits Fall 2025 - Sigma Live
  10. Cyprus Real Estate Analysis 2025 - Soneverse