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Cyprus: Building Permits Decline As Project Values And Scale Rise In 2025

Overview Of Permit Activity In Early 2025

Statistics from the Cyprus Statistical Service reveal a 4.3% decline in the number of building permits issued between January and August 2025 compared to the previous year. A total of 4,842 permits were granted during this period, down from 5,062 in 2024, according to data published on Monday.

Increased Investment And Enhanced Project Scope

Despite the lower count, the overall value of the permits experienced a notable rise of 12.3%, while the total built-up area increased by 16.1%. Moreover, the number of residential units authorized grew by 14.6%, underscoring that while permit issuance has slowed, investment in quality and scope remains robust.

Shifts In Permit Categories

Analysis of the permit categories indicates a widespread decline compared to the same period last year—except for permits related to residential buildings, which saw an 8.5% increase. In stark contrast, permits for road constructions plunged by 56.9%, and those for non-residential buildings fell by 41.7%, illustrating sector-specific challenges and adjustments.

Highlights Of August 2025

The month of August recorded the issuance of 647 building permits totaling €252.8 million in value, with an aggregate built-up area of 213,200 square meters. Projections based solely on August’s data suggest the construction of 1,147 new residential units.

Regulatory And Procedural Reforms

It is also significant that since July 1, 2024, responsibility for issuing building permits has transitioned from municipalities and district administrations to the Provincial Self-Government Organizations (ΕΟΑ). In addition, the entire approval process is now managed through the new integrated information system, Hippodamos, implemented across Cyprus.

This combination of declining permit numbers with rising operational scales reflects a market in transformation—where streamlined regulatory frameworks and sophisticated project planning drive substantial construction investments despite reduced permit volumes.

SEC Drops Lawsuit Against Gemini: A Major Turning Point In Crypto Regulation

SEC Dismisses Legal Action Against Gemini

The Securities and Exchange Commission has formally withdrawn its lawsuit against Gemini, the prominent crypto exchange founded by twins Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss. The move follows a joint court filing in which both the regulator and Gemini sought dismissal of the case that centered on the collapse of the Gemini Earn investment product, a debacle that left investors without access to their funds for 18 months.

Settlement And Regulatory Reassessment

In a significant development, a 2024 settlement between New York and Gemini ensured that investors recovered one hundred percent of their crypto assets loaned through the Gemini Earn program. The legal reprieve comes on the heels of actions initiated by New York Attorney General Letitia James, who accused Gemini of defrauding investors.

Political Backdrop And Industry Implications

This dismissal reinforces a broader trend of regulatory leniency toward the crypto sector noted during the Trump administration, which saw the SEC dismiss, pause, or reduce penalties in more than 60 percent of its pending crypto lawsuits. Meanwhile, Gemini’s recent public offering filing underscores its ambitions to solidify its status as a major player in the evolving digital asset market.

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