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2025 Sets a Positive Trend for Cyprus Real Estate

The real estate market in Cyprus has surged forward in 2025, marking a significant 15% increase in property sales compared to the previous year. This remarkable growth in the first quarter is highlighted by the 4,137 sale documents filed, as per reports from the Registration Council of Real Estate Agents.

While there was a slight decrease of 2.9% in transaction volume, the sales value saw a robust increase of 15%, surpassing €1.1 billion annually. This promising start to the year reflects sustained demand and better alignment of supply to market needs.

Insights from Regional Markets

Limassol continues to dominate the market, boasting the highest value transfer at €428.7 million and leading in documentation volume with 1,295 sale filings. Additionally, the city recorded 1,203 transaction volumes, underscoring strong investment activities.

In Nicosia, stability reigns with 1,304 transactions valued at €283.5 million. The city attracted 932 new sale documents, reflecting keen interest in fresh developments.

The momentum from previous years carries on in Paphos, with 811 transfers totaling €199 million. This shows lively activity in property purchase, fueled chiefly by international buyers.

Larnaca saw €154 million in transactions from 843 property transfers. The sale documents numbered 910, indicating rising demand bolstered by ongoing investments, as featured in Desalination Breakthrough: Addressing Water Shortages in Cyprus.

Though the Famagusta region ranked lowest with €48 million and 251 transfers, the growth trend persists. The 171 sale documents filed signal an appeal through lower prices and tourism-driven development.

$250 Million VideoVerse Deal Unravels Amid Fraud Allegations

What began as a major success for India’s startup ecosystem has turned into a complex legal dispute less than a year after VideoVerse was acquired for $250 million.

The deal was announced in September 2025 by VideoVerse and international sports publisher Minute Media. VideoVerse had developed AI-powered software for turning sports broadcasts into short clips, with plans to expand the technology internationally.

The deal has since unravelled. Investors are still waiting for proceeds, while founder Vinayak Shrivastav faces multiple legal claims. In May, Minute Media terminated its agreement with VideoVerse, citing “significant discrepancies” in the company’s representations.

Investors Seek Millions

Bluestone Capital, which backed VideoVerse in 2023, is suing the company for fraud and alleges that it failed to distribute acquisition proceeds as required.

Another creditor is seeking $64 million from a loan Shrivastav took out shortly after the acquisition. The complaint alleges that fraudulent merger documents were used to secure shareholder approval.

Former COO Sabya Das has separately accused Shrivastav of forging his signature on loan and share-repurchase agreements that allegedly resulted in tens of millions of dollars being extracted from the company.

The allegations have not been proven in court, and Shrivastav did not respond to requests for comment.

Loan Raises Further Questions

In October 2025, Shrivastav arranged a $55 million structured loan from investment firm Lingotto. According to court filings, $53 million was transferred to an account controlled by VideoVerse.

Lingotto now alleges that documents supporting the loan were forged, including papers supposedly signed by Minute Media’s CEO, while screenshots showing company bank balances were also allegedly fabricated.

After a $4 million payment due in March was missed, Lingotto demanded repayment and discovered other creditors were also awaiting payments. Shrivastav was removed as CEO by the end of April.

From AI Startup To Legal Dispute

VideoVerse had built a strong position in automated sports content through its Magnifi platform, which uses AI to identify key moments and players and create short-form clips. Its customers included the Indian Premier League, FIFA+ and Nippon TV.

Minute Media had hoped to use the technology to expand internationally. Instead, the acquisition has triggered multiple legal battles over missing funds, disputed agreements and the conduct of the company’s leadership.

Cases involving Minute Media, Lingotto, Bluestone Capital and former executives are now being heard in Delaware Chancery Court, leaving investors and creditors seeking answers about what happened to the money and whether the $250 million deal received adequate due diligence.

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