Professional Regulation To Transform Cyprus’s Land Development Sector

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 20, 2025

Industry Initiative For Enhanced Transparency

The Cyprus Property Developers Association is spearheading a significant change in the nation’s real estate market by proposing the official establishment and registration of the Land Development Entrepreneur profession. Representing roughly 80 percent of the market through its 50 members, the association has already submitted a formal proposal to the Ministry of Interior, setting the stage for a fundamentally restructured industry environment.

Structured Framework For Market Integrity

The proposed regulation aims to usher in a new era of transparency and accountability within Cyprus’s property development landscape. By instituting a comprehensive set of rules governing the practice, the proposal promises to clarify the roles and responsibilities of industry participants. The introduction of a Registration Council for real estate developers—led by a senior public official with relevant academic credentials—will ensure rigorous oversight designed to protect buyers and bolster market trust.

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Robust Criteria And Accountability Measures

Developed in consultation with the Cyprus Scientific and Technical Chamber (Etek) and legal experts, the draft legislation lays out detailed entry criteria for the official Register of Registered Entrepreneurs. Prospective registrants must operate from a fully equipped office, collaborate with a recognized design and project supervision entity, and employ qualified professionals, such as civil engineers, architects, or valuers, who are members of Etek. An additional provision allows individuals with less experience to register on a probationary basis for up to three years, ensuring a balanced approach that nurtures new talent while maintaining high standards.

Strategic Benefits For Stakeholders

At its core, the proposal intends to fortify Cyprus’s real estate market by promoting transparency and minimising unfair practices. For the state, the implementation of a regulated framework not only enhances supervision but also mitigates risks associated with market ambiguity. Meanwhile, property buyers stand to benefit from the assurance that they are engaging with professionals who meet well-defined ethical and technical criteria—a move that is anticipated to significantly enhance consumer confidence and long-term market stability.

Government Endorsement And Future Outlook

Following a productive meeting in May 2025, Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou has expressed support for the proposal. This backing is exemplified by the establishment of a dedicated working group, comprised of officers from the Department of Lands and Surveys alongside association representatives, tasked with refining and advancing the draft law. Once enacted, registration will become a mandatory requirement for all individuals and entities wishing to operate as land development entrepreneurs in Cyprus, thereby closing a critical regulatory gap and establishing a benchmark for industry excellence.

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Bank of Cyprus Upgrade Signals Fresh Optimism For Greek And Cypriot Banks

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 26, 2026

Regional Banks Enter A More Favorable Cycle

Bank of Cyprus and Eurobank are well positioned to benefit from a renewed re-rating of Greek and Cypriot bank stocks, according to Cyprus-based investment firm Roemer Capital, which upgraded Bank of Cyprus to a buy rating and reaffirmed its positive view on Eurobank.

The firm cited easing geopolitical tensions, resilient economic growth in Greece and Cyprus, lower funding costs and Greece’s expected transition to developed-market status as the main factors supporting the sector.

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Roemer Capital also lowered its cost of equity assumptions, updated its forecasts following first-quarter 2026 results and extended its valuation horizon to the end of 2027, raising target prices across its banking coverage.

Bank Of Cyprus Gets The Largest Upgrade

Bank of Cyprus received the biggest revision, with Roemer Capital upgrading the stock from hold to buy and setting a target price of €11.10, implying potential total upside of 27%.

The firm highlighted the bank’s strong capital generation, profitability and projected 100% dividend payout, describing it as the strongest capital-return story among the banks under coverage. Roemer Capital maintained its buy rating on Eurobank, assigning a target price of €4.90 and forecasting potential upside of 28%. The report said the bank is well placed to benefit from loan growth, improving operating performance and merger-and-acquisition synergies.

National Bank of Greece and Piraeus Bank also retained buy ratings, with expected returns ranging from 25% to 36%. Optima Bank was upgraded to buy, while Alpha Bank remained at hold on valuation grounds.

Why Growth Still Sets The Region Apart

According to Roemer Capital, Greek and Cypriot banks continue to benefit from stronger economic fundamentals than many western European peers. The report pointed to faster economic growth, healthier balance sheets, low levels of non-performing exposures, capital ratios approaching 20% and strong customer deposit bases.

Analysts expect performing loans across the sector to grow at a compound annual rate of 6% to 8% through 2028, supported by private investment, digitalisation, green manufacturing, supply-chain expansion and a gradual recovery in household lending.

The report also said the conclusion of lending under the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility is unlikely to materially affect credit growth, as banks have already shifted back towards traditional commercial lending. Roemer Capital expects Euribor to remain between 2.2% and 2.5%, a level it believes should support both lending activity and net interest margins.

Geopolitics, Valuation And Market Structure Support The Case

The report said improving geopolitical conditions have strengthened the investment outlook, noting that Brent crude prices have largely returned to pre-war levels while Greek government bond yields have stabilised at around 3.5%. Although geopolitical risks remain, Roemer Capital believes the likelihood of a major inflationary shock or significant pressure on bank profitability has eased.

Another important catalyst identified by the firm is Greece’s expected promotion to developed-market status by FTSE Russell, STOXX and MSCI over the coming months.

According to the report, the reclassification should improve liquidity and attract a broader base of international investors. Roemer Capital also said Euronext’s acquisition of the Athens Exchange is expected to strengthen market infrastructure and increase international visibility, particularly for Bank of Cyprus and Optima Bank.

The firm noted that Bank of Cyprus has already benefited from its Athens listing, with average daily trading value increasing from less than €400,000 before its September 2024 move to nearly €6 million afterwards.

Economic Momentum Remains A Core Tailwind

Roemer Capital said both Greece and Cyprus have moved beyond post-crisis recovery and are now supported by private-sector-led growth. For Cyprus, the report highlighted recent tax reform and efforts to simplify the legal and regulatory framework, while also noting that limited foreign banking competition continues to support domestic lenders.

Overall, Roemer Capital expects Greek and Cypriot banks to remain well-positioned for profitable loan growth over the coming years.

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