Breaking news

Limassol Maintains Rental Market Supremacy In Cyprus Amid Tight Supply

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 11, 2025

Limassol continues to define Cyprus’ property market with the highest rental values on the island, even as new construction projects proliferate. Recent market data reveal that the city’s average asking rent reached €3,057 per month this summer—more than double Larnaca’s €1,277—demonstrating both its robust economic appeal and the pressure exerted by a constricted housing supply.

Supply Shortages And Escalating Rent

Despite visible development and active construction, the city faces a severe shortage of long-term rental units. The available apartment listings plunged from 3,257 in January to 1,390 in July, with Limassol contributing 1,013 of these opportunities. Even Nicosia, with its larger population, offered only 191 units, underscoring the stark imbalance in rental availability.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

National averages have also trended upward, as Cyprus’ general apartment rent reached €1,803 earlier this year compared to Limassol’s citywide average of €2,742. Within Limassol, one-bedroom apartments command an average of €1,651, two-bedrooms €2,574, and three-bedrooms €3,812; figures that would have been inconceivable just a few years ago. High-end coastal homes exceed €5,000 per month, while properties with four and five bedrooms average €7,224 and €7,750 respectively.

Construction Challenges And Strategic Response

Visible construction sites and cranes dot the cityscape. However, new units rarely transition into the long-term rental market, as many developments are sold directly to investors or pivot towards short-stay and mixed-use models. This phenomenon has contributed to the limited stock available for permanent residents, leaving the market pressures entrenched as indicated by Limassol’s minimal seasonal adjustment of -1.9%, reflecting that these challenges are structural rather than cyclical.

Policy Initiatives And Future Outlook

In response to these imbalances, policymakers are leveraging supply-expansion mechanisms, such as the affordable-rental housing scheme, which incentivizes developers to deliver units below market rents in exchange for increased building density. Through municipal partnerships and the efforts of the Cyprus Land Development Organisation (Koag), new affordable housing projects are in the pipeline for both Limassol and Nicosia. In Limassol alone, planned developments in Agios Nikolaos and Agios Ioannis will introduce approximately 600 apartments with rents set 25–30% below current market levels.

There has been significant interest in these state-supported initiatives. By August, 525 applications from young couples were submitted, with 152 approved for grants totalling €5.4 million. Similarly, the “Renovate-to-Rent” scheme recorded 43 applications, with 28 approved amounting to €727,000 in subsidies. Koag’s broader pipeline further includes more than 135 units for sale and 36 for rent scheduled for delivery in 2025, with additional phases planned for 2026 and beyond. Enhanced planning incentives offering bonus building densities between 25–45% are also part of the strategy to convert increased development into sustainable long-term housing.

Despite these policy measures, the central challenge persists: Limassol requires a substantial increase in long-term housing units to meet resident demand. Without a steady and meaningful augmentation of available units, rental rates are expected to remain high and market dynamics, unbalanced. Ultimately, while the mechanisms to address these challenges are in place, their successful execution will determine if the market can stabilize, or if Limassol will continue to dominate as the most expensive city in Cyprus.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

EU Mercosur Agreement Sparks Political Battle Over Cyprus Agriculture

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

January 16, 2026

A political battleground emerged in the Parliamentary Agriculture Committee’s latest session, as fierce debates broke out over the controversial trade deal between the European Union and Latin American nations under the Mercosur framework. Lawmakers voiced deep concerns regarding food safety and the prospects for local agriculture, particularly following the high-profile absence of the Minister of Trade.

Minister Absence And Parliamentary Integrity

Committee Chair Giannakis Gabriel expressed strong disapproval over the Minister’s no-show, noting that the extraordinary session was scheduled at midday at the Minister’s own request. “His absence undermines the authority of the parliament,” Mr. Gabriel declared. Given that the Minister is not abroad, it was expected that he would be present to clarify why Cyprus supported an agreement widely criticized as disadvantaging the agricultural sector.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Trade Deal Under Scrutiny

In his address, A.C.E.L General Secretary Stefanos Stefanos described the pact as a “dangerous agreement” imposed under the pressure of multinational conglomerates. He especially critiqued the contrasting sanitary standards whereby, while the EU bans our farmers from using certain pesticides and antibiotics, the Mercosur deal appears to allow imports produced with these very substances. His remarks underscored the possibility of double standards in safety measures and the potential long-term impacts on Cypriot agriculture.

Economic And Safety Concerns

Legislators questioned the basis of government studies that justified backing the agreement, even as Cyprus’ agricultural sustainability is increasingly threatened by water scarcity and soaring production costs. Representatives from various political factions pointed to insufficient controls over import volumes and tariff structures. For example, Christos Orphanidis (DIKO) demanded precise data on imports from Latin America, citing honey as a case in point, and pressed for clear explanations regarding the tariff regime.

Legal And Health Implications

Questions about legal authority were raised by Elias Myriantounos (EDEK), who inquired whether parliament can reject or amend the agreement should economic studies forecast negative outcomes. Environmental advocates, like Haralambos Theopemptou of the Movement of Ecologists, emphasized the need to safeguard traditional products such as halloumi, highlighting concerns over how rigorous food safety controls will be maintained. Meanwhile, Linos Papagiannis (ELAM) cautioned against unfair competition, drawing parallels with challenges posed by lower-standard goods from occupied territories.

Protecting Local Interests

The overarching message from lawmakers was clear: the future of Cyprus’ farming community and the well-being of its citizens should not be sacrificed at the altar of commercial trade. Agricultural organizations have voiced alarm over the importation of goods potentially contaminated with banned substances, the risk of market distortion by low-quality products, and the lack of localized impact studies. They argue that the agreement is biased in favor of select corporate interests, ultimately undermining consumer safety and the livelihood of European farmers.

As this debate continues to unfold, the outcome of these deliberations will be pivotal in determining not only trade policy but also the long-term economic and food security landscape of Cyprus.