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Cyprus Leads EU Housing Market Growth With 31% Increase In 2023

In an impressive display of market strength, Cyprus topped the European Union housing market growth charts in 2023, recording a staggering 31% increase in property prices. This growth, driven largely by foreign investment and robust demand, highlights the resilience and attractiveness of the Cypriot real estate market.

Key Drivers of Growth

Several factors have contributed to this remarkable increase. According to the Central Bank of Cyprus, the surge in property prices was significantly influenced by heightened demand, particularly from foreign buyers. These buyers accounted for nearly half of the property purchases in 2022 and the first quarter of 2023. Notably, there has been a considerable influx of professionals and investors relocating to Cyprus, driven by the country’s strategic policies aimed at attracting international headquarters.

Regional Performance

The rise in property prices was not uniform across Cyprus. Districts like Limassol and Larnaca saw the most substantial increases. Limassol, for example, experienced a 10.6% annual increase in house prices, while Larnaca saw a 7.7% rise. The demand in these regions has been bolstered by the government’s headquartering policy, which has successfully attracted foreign companies and professionals.

Market Stability and Future Outlook

Despite global economic uncertainties, including the war in Ukraine and fluctuating energy prices, the Cyprus housing market has demonstrated remarkable stability. The construction cost index has begun to stabilize, which has further supported the property market. Additionally, despite rising interest rates driven by the European Central Bank’s monetary policies, the overall demand for properties has remained resilient.

The market’s robustness is also reflected in the Central Bank of Cyprus’s projections, which anticipate continued positive economic momentum. With a GDP growth rate forecasted at 2.4% for 2023, and further increases in the coming years, Cyprus is well-positioned to maintain its appeal to both domestic and international investors.

Bitcoin Surges 23% In A Week As Investor Optimism Returns

Bitcoin was on track for a weekly gain of around 23% on Friday as a series of positive macroeconomic and policy developments boosted investor sentiment.

The cryptocurrency was trading about 6% higher at roughly $77,000, up from around $62,800 at the start of the week. Crypto-related stocks also rallied, with Coinbase and Circle gaining more than 9%, while Strategy rose 7%.

Macro Factors Fuel Rally

Bitcoin’s latest surge began Wednesday after Treasury yields fell sharply following a major intervention by the U.S. Treasury in the bond market. Lower yields eased pressure on risk assets and helped trigger a broader move into cryptocurrencies.

The rally was further amplified by a major short squeeze. Around $2.7 billion in crypto short positions were liquidated, according to CoinGlass.

Max Stuedlein, head of Partnerships at Sygnum APAC, said the move reflected an alignment of macroeconomic and policy catalysts, including the Treasury’s decision to increase buybacks of longer-dated government debt.

Clarity Act Boosts Sentiment

Investor confidence improved further on Thursday as the White House and crypto industry leaders made a final push to advance the Clarity Act in the coming weeks.

The legislation is widely viewed as a potential catalyst for the crypto market, although its chances of passing remain relatively limited.

Despite the rally, bitcoin remains well below its 2026 high of $94,820 reached in January and its all-time high of $126,198, set last October.

Analysts See More Volatility Ahead

Lucy Gazmararian, founder and managing partner at Token Bay Capital, said the crypto market may be approaching the end of its bear cycle.

She expects bitcoin could experience one more decline of around 20% before the market turns, pointing to historical cycles and the recent liquidation of heavily leveraged short positions.

Gazmararian also described bitcoin as a long-term hedge against monetary debasement, while warning that its short-term price remains highly volatile and driven by market cycles.

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