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Cyprus Announces Largest Pension Increase Since 1996

In a significant move to enhance the financial well-being of its retirees, Cyprus has approved a notable increase in pensions, set to take effect in January 2025. Labour and Social Insurance Minister Yiannis Panayiotou detailed the adjustments, highlighting a 5.94% rise in the basic component and a 1.49% boost in the supplementary component of Social Insurance Fund pensions. 

This adjustment marks the most substantial increase in the basic pension segment since 1996, reflecting the positive trajectory of the Cypriot economy. Minister Panayiotou emphasized that the government’s citizen-centric policies are yielding tangible benefits, significantly enhancing daily life. 

The specifics of the pension adjustments are as follows:

  • Full Basic Pension: Monthly payments will rise from €483.77 to €512.50.
  • Minimum Pension for Beneficiaries Without Dependents: An increase from €411.20 to €435.62 per month, impacting over 14,000 individuals.
  • Social Pension: A boost from €391.85 to €415.13 monthly, benefiting nearly 18,000 recipients. 

These enhancements are directly linked to the recent growth in average insurable earnings, which have seen the most significant rise in the past three decades. Minister Panayiotou noted that the average salary increase in 2023 surpassed those of the previous 30 years, leading to a corresponding uplift in pension contributions. 

The government remains committed to further strengthening the adequacy of wages and pensions, ensuring that economic progress translates into improved living standards for all citizens.

Cyprus Residential Market Surpasses €2.5 Billion In 2025 With Apartments Leading the Way

Market Overview

In 2025, Cyprus’ newly built residential property market achieved a remarkable milestone, exceeding €2.5 billion. Data from Landbank Analytics indicates robust activity countrywide, with newly filed contracts reaching 7,819, including off-plan developments. This solid performance underscores the market’s resilience and dynamism across all districts.

Transaction Breakdown

The apartment sector clearly dominated the market, constituting 81.6% of transactions with 6,382 deals valued at €1.77 billion. In contrast, house sales represented a smaller segment, encompassing 1,437 transactions and generating €737.9 million. The record-high transaction was noted in Limassol, where an apartment sold for approximately €15.2 million, while the priciest house fetched roughly €6.2 million.

Regional Analysis

Nicosia: The capital recorded steady domestic demand with 2,171 new residential transactions. Apartments accounted for 1,836 deals generating €349.6 million, compared to 335 house transactions worth €105.5 million, anchoring Nicosia as a core market with average values of €190,000 for apartments and €315,000 for houses.

Limassol: As the island’s principal investment center, Limassol led overall activity with 2,207 transactions. Apartments dominated with 1,936 sales generating €824.1 million, while 271 house transactions added €157.9 million. The district enjoyed premium pricing, with apartments averaging over €425,000 and houses around €583,000.

Larnaca: This district maintained robust activity with a total of 2,020 transactions. The apartment segment realized 1,770 transactions worth €353 million, and houses contributed 250 deals valued at €96.3 million. Average prices hovered near €200,000 for apartments and €385,000 for houses, positioning Larnaca within the mid-market bracket.

Paphos: With a more balanced mix, Paphos completed 1,078 transactions. Ranking second in overall value at €503.2 million, the district saw house sales generate €287.8 million and apartments €215.4 million. Consequently, Paphos achieved the highest average house price at approximately €710,000 and an apartment average of €320,000, emphasizing its premium housing profile.

Famagusta: Distinguished by lower transaction volumes, Famagusta was the sole district where house sales outnumbered apartment deals. Out of 343 transactions, 176 involved houses (yielding €90.4 million) and 167 were apartments (at €32.4 million). The segment’s average prices were about €194,000 for apartments and over €513,000 for houses, signaling its focus on holiday residences and coastal developments.

Sector Insights and Forward View

Commenting on the report, Landbank Group CEO Andreas Christophorides remarked that the analysis demonstrates an ecosystem where apartments are the cornerstone of the real estate market. He emphasized, “The apartment sector is not merely a trend; it is the engine powering the country’s real estate market.” Christophorides also highlighted the diverse regional dynamics: Limassol leads in apartment pricing, Paphos commands premium house prices, Nicosia remains pivotal to domestic demand, Larnaca sustains competitive activity, and Famagusta caters to holiday home buyers.

In a market characterized by these varied profiles, informed monitoring of regional and sector-specific dynamics is crucial for investors aiming to make targeted and strategic decisions.

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