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Cyprus Property Market Sees Strong Start in 2025

The Cyprus property market has made an impressive start to 2025, with property sales contracts increasing by 21% year-on-year in January. According to the Department of Lands & Surveys, all districts showed growth, with Famagusta leading with a 40% rise, followed by Limassol at 36%. Larnaca saw a 20% increase, Nicosia registered a 13% rise, and Paphos experienced a 5% growth.

This surge in property sales reflects growing investor confidence, supported by economic stability, foreign investment, and local demand. Limassol continues to attract business buyers, while Famagusta’s coastal properties gain attention. Larnaca’s infrastructure developments are also driving sales, and Nicosia remains stable as the capital.

However, MPs have raised concerns about rising property prices driven by foreign buyers, which could affect local buyers, particularly young couples. Foreign property ownership is typically permitted within the EU, but some countries impose restrictions. For example, Spain is considering higher property taxes for non-EU buyers in response to its housing crisis.

Market Segment Breakdown

  • Domestic Market: Property sales to Cypriot buyers increased by 27%, accounting for 60% of total sales. Growth was significant in Limassol (+50%), Larnaca (+22%), and Nicosia (+18%).
  • Overseas Market: Sales to foreign buyers rose by 12%. Famagusta (+74%) and Limassol (+16%) saw notable increases, while Nicosia experienced a 10% decline.
  • EU Citizens: Sales to EU nationals surged by 44%, with Famagusta showing a remarkable 533% increase from just 3 transactions in January 2024 to 19 in January 2025.
  • Non-EU Citizens: Sales to non-EU buyers grew modestly by 1%, though some districts saw declines, particularly Nicosia (-27%) and Paphos (-15%).

Foreign buyers continue to dominate Paphos, where nearly 75% of property transactions are made by non-Cypriots.

Lithuania And Cyprus Forge Enhanced Partnership In Tourism And Defence

Expanding Cooperation Beyond The Surface

Kristupas Vaitiekūnas highlighted opportunities for closer cooperation between Lithuania and Cyprus during his visit to Nicosia for the informal ECOFIN meeting. Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency, the Lithuanian finance minister said both countries share common challenges and could expand collaboration in areas including tourism, defence and financial services.

Addressing Shared Challenges

Finance Minister Kristupas Vaitiekūnas said Lithuania and Cyprus face similar security and economic pressures despite their geographic differences. Particular attention was given to emerging security threats, including drone-related risks, alongside the importance of maintaining resilient financial sectors. According to Vaitiekūnas, stronger coordination in those areas could deliver long-term economic and strategic benefits for both countries.

Focus On Fiscal Stability And Energy Security

Discussions at the ECOFIN meeting are expected to focus on Europe’s economic outlook, energy market volatility and fiscal stability. Kristupas Vaitiekūnas warned that instability in the Middle East could continue affecting oil markets and broader economic performance across Europe. Housing affordability was also identified as a growing challenge, with rising property prices in cities such as Vilnius reflecting broader pressures seen across European markets.

Coordinated Energy Strategy And Future Investments

The Lithuanian finance minister also called for a more coordinated European approach to energy and economic resilience. Vaitiekūnas suggested that targeted and temporary policy measures could prove more effective than large-scale structural reforms in addressing short-term pressures. Lithuania continues to increase investment in renewable energy generation and storage infrastructure as part of efforts to strengthen energy independence and begin producing surplus electricity by 2028.

Support For Ukraine And Enhancing Defence Funding

Finance Minister Kristupas Vaitiekūnas reaffirmed Lithuania’s support for Ukraine, describing the war as a broader struggle tied to European security and democratic values. He also backed accelerating Ukraine’s accession process to the European Union, arguing that deeper integration would strengthen regional stability and economic prosperity. Vaitiekūnas welcomed the EU’s SAFE programme, which is expected to support Lithuania’s defence capabilities while contributing additional assistance to Ukraine.

Looking Ahead To A More Unified Europe

Addressing the European Union’s future budget framework, Kristupas Vaitiekūnas said increased funding for security and defence represented a positive development. At the same time, he warned that reductions in cohesion funding and agricultural support could negatively affect purchasing power and long-term European unity. Lithuania is expected to place continued emphasis on Ukraine and regional security ahead of its upcoming EU Council Presidency in early 2027.

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