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Germany’s AAA Rating At Risk Unless Structural Weaknesses Are Addressed

Germany’s AAA credit rating could be at risk in the long term unless the country addresses its ongoing structural weaknesses, according to Eiko Sievert, CEO of European rating agency Scope Ratings, speaking to Reuters in an interview.

Key Facts

While weaker economic growth itself isn’t an immediate threat to Germany’s AAA rating—even if stagnation persists into 2025—the pressure on the rating could rise if the country fails to address the root causes of its underperformance.

Germany’s economy shrank for the second consecutive year in 2024, with its export sector suffering from sluggish global demand and growing competition, particularly from China.

Sievert highlighted several structural issues that need urgent attention, including high energy prices that undermine Germany’s production and export capabilities, insufficient investment in infrastructure, education, and digitalisation, and the lack of meaningful labor market reforms that erode international competitiveness.

Despite Germany’s relatively low government debt, which stands at 63% of GDP, this figure alone won’t guarantee the country’s AAA rating, Sievert explained. The rating takes into account other important factors as well.

What To Follow

When compared to other AAA-rated countries, Germany’s debt level is relatively high. The average debt for other countries within this rating group is just 36% of GDP, making Germany the highest in terms of debt within the AAA cohort.

Germany’s “debt brake” mechanism, which limits public borrowing to 0.35% of GDP, remains a cornerstone of the country’s fiscal policy. However, Sievert suggested that reforming this mechanism to allow for more public investment aimed at driving growth would be a positive move.

“If Germany is to reverse the gradual erosion of its competitiveness, the next government must prioritize a significant increase in investment,” Sievert said, urging policymakers to act swiftly.

India And China To Reopen Direct Air Travel After Nearly Five Years

After almost five years of suspended direct flights, India and China have agreed to resume air travel between the two nations, signaling a shift in their relations following a deadly military clash in 2020 over their disputed Himalayan border.

The agreement, confirmed by India’s foreign ministry, comes after a meeting between Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The two countries will soon hold further discussions to establish a framework for the resumption of flights.

The suspension of direct air travel since the 2020 border conflict had led to tensions, with India tightening restrictions on Chinese companies, banning several popular Chinese apps, and reducing passenger flight routes. Despite the travel restrictions, direct cargo flights between India and China had continued.

However, in recent months, relations between the two nations have begun to thaw. Notable meetings, including one between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Russia this past October, have helped improve diplomatic ties.

During his meeting with Misri on Monday, Wang Yi emphasized the need for both countries to work collaboratively, move towards resolving economic and trade issues, and foster long-term political stability and transparency.

“Mutual support and achievements should guide our relationship, rather than doubt and alienation,” Wang stated, reflecting the positive tone of their discussions. This meeting follows a historic agreement in October aimed at easing tensions along their shared border.

While Indian civil aviation authorities had resisted restoring air links in the past due to ongoing border disputes, there have been signs of a shift. Sources told Reuters that India may now be open to reconsidering the opening of airspace and streamlining visa approvals for Chinese nationals.

This recent diplomatic development marks a key step in the two nations’ efforts to move beyond their historical tensions and strengthen bilateral relations.

The EU’s High-Tech Sector: Where Women Are Leading The Charge

High-tech jobs now represent 5.2% of the workforce in the European Union, with over 10 million professionals making up this growing sector. However, when it comes to gender equality, the industry still has a long way to go.

As of 2023, women held just over 32% of high-tech positions, a modest dip of 0.6% from the previous year. Yet, there are some standout regions where women are leading the charge in high-tech careers.

One such area is the Hungarian region of Nyugat-Dunántúl, where women actually outnumber men, holding 50.2% of the high-tech jobs. Other regions with notably high female representation include Italy’s Marche region (48.6%) and Hungary’s Észak-Magyarország (48.1%).

On the flip side, Greece’s Thessalia region reported the lowest percentage of women in the sector, with just 8.3%.

When it comes to the total number of high-tech professionals, Germany and France dominate the landscape. Bavaria tops the list with a whopping 476,000 high-tech workers, followed closely by France’s Ile-de-France (469,100), and two other German regions—North Rhine-Westphalia (466,100) and Baden-Württemberg (434,100). At the other end of the scale, regions like Peloponnisos in Greece, Bolzano in Italy, and Crete in Greece reported the smallest numbers of high-tech professionals, each with fewer than 5,000.

As the high-tech industry continues to evolve, these regional disparities in both gender representation and job numbers underscore the work still needed to build a more inclusive and diverse workforce.

European Markets Tread Cautiously Following DeepSeek’s Shock To Global Tech

European stocks showed signs of recovery on Tuesday after the worldwide sell-off triggered by China’s DeepSeek, which unveiled an AI model built at a fraction of the cost of its American counterparts. The announcement sparked widespread concerns over the future profitability of the Artificial Intelligence sector, as well as the increasing reliance on pricey chips.

The Stoxx 600 index rose by 0.17%, buoyed by technology stocks, with Sartorius leading the charge. The biopharmaceutical company surged nearly 16%, thanks to a preliminary 2024 profit report that exceeded expectations and a “modestly positive” outlook for 2025.

Among the regional indices, Germany’s DAX inched up 0.23% to 21,331 points, while the UK’s FTSE 100 made a more modest gain of 0.21%, reaching 8,521 points. On the flip side, France’s CAC 40 dropped by 0.30% to 7,883 points.

Peripheral markets showed mild optimism, with Italy’s FTSE MIB edging up by 0.21%, and Spain’s IBEX 35 moving up just 0.09%.

After Monday’s heavy losses, the STOXX Europe 600 Technology sector, which had fallen 3.3% due to setbacks from Dutch chipmaker ASML (-7%) and ASM International (-12%), found some stability, rebounding into positive territory by Tuesday.

Alten saw its stock jump 7.8% following its annual report, while Siemens Energy climbed 3.4% on news that it had exceeded revenue expectations for the first quarter, buoyed by strong demand for offshore wind turbines.

Results from SAP, Foxtons Group, and Logitech are expected later on Tuesday, adding more potential momentum to the market.

Across the Atlantic, the U.S. market also took a hit. The Nasdaq and S&P 500 saw sharp declines, as DeepSeek’s model caused ripples across tech stocks. However, the Dow Jones industrial average managed to reverse its losses, closing at its highest point of the day, fueled by rallies in Johnson & Johnson and Salesforce.

Nvidia, the chip giant at the heart of the tech sector, experienced a staggering $597 billion market capitalization loss on Monday—an unprecedented single-day wipeout in U.S. history. Its stock plummeted 17%, closing at $118.58, marking its worst trading day since March 16, 2020, during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Nvidia Faces Historic Market Loss As DeepSeek Dents Confidence In AI’s Future

Nvidia experienced the largest single-day market cap drop in history on Monday, as its stock tumbled by 17%, shedding nearly $600 billion in value. This staggering loss is directly linked to a new development in the AI space—DeepSeek, a Chinese AI firm that unveiled its version of ChatGPT, raising concerns over the cost-efficiency and competitive positioning of U.S. AI companies.

Key Details

Nvidia’s shares experienced a severe decline, marking its worst daily percentage drop since March 2020, during the initial shock of the COVID-19 pandemic. On Monday, Nvidia lost a record-breaking $589 billion in market capitalization, more than doubling the previous one-day loss of $279 billion in September 2024. To put it into perspective, this is significantly more than Meta’s $251 billion market cap loss in February 2022.

As a result, Nvidia’s market valuation dropped from $3.5 trillion to $2.9 trillion, slipping behind Apple and Microsoft as the world’s most valuable company. Nvidia’s dramatic fall led a broader retreat in U.S. stocks, with the S&P 500 losing 1.5% and the Nasdaq dropping 3.1%. Other major players in the AI industry, such as chipmakers Arm and Broadcom, alongside Oracle, saw their stocks plummet by at least 10%.

The DeepSeek Effect

The cause of Nvidia’s catastrophic loss lies in DeepSeek’s release of its large-language model, which has cast doubt on the continued dominance of U.S. companies in generative AI. Initially, this might not seem like a negative development for Nvidia, as DeepSeek’s model was also powered by Nvidia’s powerful graphics processing units (GPUs), just like many other AI technologies. However, DeepSeek revealed that it spent just $5.6 million on Nvidia’s technology to develop its model. While experts believe this figure is likely a significant underestimation, it still calls into question the very foundation of Nvidia’s meteoric stock rise.

In recent years, Nvidia’s profits have skyrocketed, with projections indicating net profits could soar from $4.8 billion in 2022 to $66.7 billion in 2024, largely due to the soaring demand for its high-priced GPUs, which can cost up to $25,000 each. U.S. tech giants such as Meta, Tesla, and OpenAI have been among Nvidia’s biggest customers. However, if companies like these can replicate DeepSeek’s cost-efficient approach by using cheaper GPUs, Nvidia could face significant challenges in maintaining its market dominance.

As Ed Yardeni of Yardeni Research pointed out, this shift could be an unwelcome development for Nvidia.

Surprising Statistic

Nvidia’s near-$600 billion market cap loss on Monday exceeds the market values of all but 13 American companies, surpassing industry giants like UnitedHealth, Exxon Mobil, and Costco.

CEO’s Losses

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang saw his wealth take a massive hit, losing $21 billion in a single day. His net worth dropped from $124.4 billion to $103.1 billion, according to Forbes estimates. Huang remains the largest individual shareholder in Nvidia, owning a 3% stake in the company.

Nvidia’s colossal market cap loss highlights the growing uncertainties in the AI sector, as DeepSeek’s cost-effective alternative to American AI models threatens to disrupt the industry’s balance. With AI becoming an increasingly competitive and global field, Nvidia’s future may hinge on how it adapts to these emerging challenges.

Ocean Warming Speeds Up Over Four Times Faster Than In the 1980s, Study Reveals

Ocean temperatures are rising at an alarming pace, now warming more than four times faster than they were in the late 1980s, according to a new study published in Environmental Research Letters today (January 28, 2025).

In the late 1980s, the oceans warmed by just 0.06°C per decade, but this rate has now surged to 0.27°C per decade, highlighting a dramatic acceleration in global warming. Researchers believe this rapid temperature rise is contributing to the record ocean temperatures observed throughout 2023 and early 2024.

Professor Chris Merchant, lead author at the University of Reading and the National Centre for Earth Observation, likened the shift to a bathtub of water. “If the oceans were a bathtub, then in the 1980s, the hot tap was running slowly, warming up the water by just a fraction of a degree each decade. But now, the hot tap is running much faster, and the warming has picked up speed,” said Merchant. “The way to slow down that warming is to start closing off the hot tap, by cutting global carbon emissions and moving towards net-zero.”

Energy Imbalance Driving Acceleration

This increasingly rapid ocean warming is primarily driven by Earth’s growing energy imbalance, where more energy from the Sun is being absorbed than can escape back into space. Since 2010, this imbalance has roughly doubled, in part due to rising greenhouse gas concentrations and a decrease in the Earth’s reflection of sunlight.

From 2023 to early 2024, global ocean temperatures hit record highs for 450 consecutive days. While El Niño, a natural warming phenomenon in the Pacific, contributed to part of this heat, comparisons with the 2015-2016 El Niño revealed that the bulk of the extraordinary warmth could be attributed to the ocean’s increasing rate of heat absorption. In fact, 44% of this record-breaking warmth was due to oceans absorbing heat at a faster rate than in previous decades.

Implications For Future Warming

The study’s findings suggest that the ocean warming experienced over the past four decades may be just the beginning. The rate of warming seen in the last 40 years could be surpassed in just the next two decades, which will have significant implications for global climate patterns. Since the surface oceans set the pace for overall global warming, this accelerating rate of ocean temperature rise is an urgent indicator for the climate as a whole.

This study underscores the pressing need to reduce fossil fuel emissions to avoid even more rapid temperature increases and begin stabilising the climate before it is too late. The warning is clear: if left unchecked, the Earth’s rapidly warming oceans will continue to exacerbate the climate crisis.

Huawei Earns Recognition As Greece’s Top Employer For Third Year Running

Huawei has once again earned a prestigious spot among Greece’s top employers for 2025, according to the Top Employers Institute, marking the third consecutive year it has received this distinction at the national level, and the sixth year running in Europe.

This honour, awarded by the independent organisation, recognises companies worldwide for their outstanding practices in key areas including Human Resources Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning and Development, Diversity and Inclusion, and Employee well-being.

The award highlights Huawei’s unwavering commitment to creating a supportive and dynamic work environment that fosters employee growth. This is further reflected in the company’s ongoing investment in educational and professional development programmes. Huawei also continues its mission to drive digital transformation and sustainable socio-economic development, delivering meaningful benefits to Greek society as a whole.

Eliza Apostolou, HR Manager at Huawei Greece, shared: “We are incredibly proud that Huawei has been named a top employer for the third year in a row in Greece. This achievement underscores our dedication to fostering a workplace that nurtures both innovation and the well-being of our people. We thank all our employees for their contributions — this success is the result of our collective effort.”

As part of its commitment to talent development, Huawei is also amplifying its efforts to create equal opportunities in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector. A key example is the continued funding of the Huawei Women in Tech training initiative. Now in its second year, this programme partners with the Public Employment Service (DYPA) and Interlei to offer skill-building opportunities to unemployed women aged 25 to 45. The goal is to enhance their digital competencies and help close the skills gap, empowering women to thrive in the modern workforce.

EY’s 2025 Geostrategic Outlook: Key Developments Shaping The Global Landscape

As we step into 2025, the geopolitical landscape is brimming with uncertainty, marked by political, economic, and demographic shifts that will impact businesses worldwide. According to the latest Geostrategic Outlook from EY-Parthenon, 2025 will see pivotal geopolitical developments that companies must understand to navigate the complexities ahead. The report identifies the top 10 geostrategic developments set to shape global organizations’ strategies, cutting across industries and regions. These developments are divided into three key areas: transitions in political dynamics, evolving economic competition, and intensifying geopolitical rivalries.

1. Populist Policy Influences: The Rise Of Populism And Protectionism

Populism continues to grow across the globe, driving governments toward protectionist measures. Expect tighter immigration policies, more significant trade barriers, and increased pressure on environmental regulations as political leaders aim to cater to populist sentiments.

2. Taxation conundrums: Taxation Strategies In A Post-Election Era

With new governments taking power, fiscal strategies will evolve to address national debt concerns. This includes potential hikes in corporate taxes, capital gains taxes, and taxes on high-income individuals, pushing businesses to reassess their tax structures.

3.  Demographic divides: Ageing Populations And Migration

Demographic shifts, especially the aging population in developed nations and the migration patterns to and from these regions will continue to alter political dynamics on both the national and international stages, creating tension and division in policies.

4. De-risking and dependencies 

As countries face growing economic risks, more governments will focus on reducing dependencies on foreign trade and supply chains, fostering a more insular economic environment. This shift will affect the interrelations between states and private enterprises, influencing business strategies.

5. Digital sovereignty

Digital technology’s importance will grow in the coming years, with countries taking a firmer stance on controlling their digital infrastructure. Expect more stringent regulations and policies to safeguard data and protect national interests in the virtual world.

6. Climate and competition

In 2025, climate policies will be increasingly driven by a mix of economic, geopolitical, and price factors, as governments and businesses battle over resources and opportunities in the evolving green economy.

7. New geo-energy dynamics

Energy transition policies will continue to evolve, influencing global geo-energy balances. Uncertainty surrounding these shifts could determine how quickly the world transitions to sustainable energy and which countries and companies will lead the way.

8. Emerging market integration: A Complex Challenge

Emerging markets are under pressure to enhance their influence within global governance structures, while also navigating the rise of alternative multilateral institutions. This complex global environment demands careful management of international relations and economic partnerships.

9. Wars and conflicts

With rising geopolitical tensions, the possibility of new conflicts—both military and cyber—becomes ever more likely. States and non-state actors alike are preparing for this escalation, which could destabilize regional and global security.

10. Astro-politics and the space economy: The Battle For Space

The competition for space resources and technology will intensify in 2025. More nations are set to join the space race, seeking to secure technological advancements and extract valuable resources in this new frontier.

Navigating Political Risk: A CEO’s Imperative

George Papadimitriou, CEO of EY Greece, emphasizes the importance of resilience in today’s turbulent geopolitical climate. “In an interconnected world, businesses cannot afford to ignore the implications of global instability. Those who successfully integrate geostrategic analysis into their strategies will be the ones who thrive.”

Geopolitical risks are now a pivotal element of business transformation. According to joint research from EY and the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School, 96% of organizational transformations encounter at least one “turning point,” with almost half of these being driven by external shocks such as political instability. This growing unpredictability, especially from geopolitical tensions, underscores the need for CEOs to have full visibility of their exposure to political risks. Yet, according to the EY-Parthenon CEO Outlook, only 30% of CEOs possess such insights, leaving their companies vulnerable in an increasingly uncertain environment.

The 2025 Geostrategic Outlook provides critical insights for executives, helping them navigate complex, interconnected geopolitical dynamics while also addressing broader forces like technology, sustainability, and global macroeconomics. This report aims to equip business leaders with the tools they need to make informed, strategic decisions as they confront the future.

About the Geostrategic Outlook

The Geostrategic Outlook is an annual report by EY-Parthenon, offering a deep dive into the geopolitical risks that will shape the business landscape in the year ahead. The analysis is based on a comprehensive horizon-scanning exercise, combined with insights from global geopolitical risk professionals. This outlook helps businesses understand the potential disruptions ahead and prepares them to implement strategies that can mitigate these risks effectively.

By focusing on high-probability and high-impact geopolitical developments, this report is an essential tool for any executive looking to future-proof their organization amidst ongoing global uncertainty.

Greece Takes Bold Steps To Combat Over-Tourism: A Look At Europe’s Efforts

As Europe continues to be a top destination for global travelers, Greece is among the countries grappling with the challenges of over-tourism. With a surge in visitors to its islands and cultural landmarks, the country is introducing a variety of strategies to protect its rich heritage and ensure sustainable growth in the tourism sector.

In 2025, Greece will continue to push forward with measures aimed at managing the overwhelming number of tourists, including taxes, visitor caps, and stricter regulations on short-term rentals. These efforts are part of a broader European trend as countries across the continent seek ways to balance the economic benefits of tourism with the preservation of their cultural and environmental assets.

Greece’s Tourism Strategies: Taxes, Fees, And Visitor Limits

Greece is taking a multi-faceted approach to address the challenges of over-tourism, with both increased fees and stricter regulations. Starting in 2025, tourist taxes for hotel stays will range from €1.50 per night for budget accommodations to €15 per night for luxury hotels during peak periods. These rates are designed to balance tourist influx with the need to support the local economy throughout the year.

In addition to the accommodation tax, Greece will impose a €20 landing fee on cruise passengers visiting popular islands such as Mykonos and Santorini. Mykonos, which saw over 1.2 million cruise passengers in 2024, has a permanent population of just 10,000. The fee is aimed at easing the pressure on local infrastructure while ensuring the sustainability of these destinations.

Furthermore, Athens is taking steps to manage short-term rentals in the city center. Starting January 1, 2025, new licenses for short-term accommodations in three central districts will be banned, a measure designed to alleviate housing shortages and reduce pressure on local services. This policy is likely to extend beyond its one-year trial period.

Amsterdam Leads With Green Tourism Policies

While Greece is taking steps to address over-tourism, cities like Amsterdam are leading the way with innovative green tourism policies. In celebration of its 750th anniversary in 2025, the Dutch capital has already implemented one of Europe’s highest tourist taxes—12.5% on accommodation costs. Additionally, Amsterdam has banned buses over 7.5 tons from the city center, and is working towards introducing “non-emission” zones, where scooters and mopeds will be banned.

These measures are part of a long-term strategy to create a more sustainable tourism model, despite the potential short-term rise in costs for tourists. Amsterdam’s focus on green initiatives aims to reduce the environmental impact of tourism, and by 2025, passenger vessels and yachts will be subject to stricter regulations.

Venice’s Tourist Tax And Regulations For Sustainable Growth

Venice, another popular European destination, has also implemented measures to curb over-tourism. In 2024, the city introduced a €5 per-day tourist tax, which will expand to 54 days in 2025, with increased rates for visitors who do not pay in advance. This initiative has raised €2.2 million and reflects Venice’s ongoing effort to balance tourist flows with the needs of its residents.

The city has also tightened regulations for short-term rentals, limiting property owners to renting their homes for only 120 days per year unless they meet specific environmental criteria. These actions are designed to mitigate the pressure of mass tourism while creating a more sustainable environment for both locals and visitors.

Pompeii Takes Action To Preserve Its Legacy

In Italy, Pompeii is stepping up its efforts to manage over-tourism with a daily cap of 20,000 visitors, set to begin in November 2024. During peak seasons, this cap will be further reduced, and visitors will be required to purchase tickets online, ensuring a more controlled and timed entry. These measures follow similar strategies used by cultural institutions like the Acropolis Museum in Athens and the Louvre in Paris, where visitor caps have been successfully implemented to protect cultural heritage.

The UK’s Response To Over-Tourism: New “Tourist Tax” Policies

In the UK, the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system will require non-European travelers to apply for entry permission starting January 2025. This £10 fee, which is linked to passports, allows multiple entries over two years and helps manage the flow of international visitors while enhancing security.

Meanwhile, Scotland is exploring the implementation of a 5% tourist tax, which is still under discussion. Cities like Edinburgh and councils in the Highlands have proposed such a tax to curb over-tourism, though its implementation is uncertain for 2025.

Portugal’s Growing Tourist Fees

Portugal is also joining the ranks of countries addressing over-tourism. As of 2025, Lisbon will increase its tourist fee to €4 per night for hotel guests, while Porto’s fee will rise to €3. Several municipalities across the Azores and Madeira have also started imposing tourist taxes, further expanding the trend.

Facing The Big Questions Of Over-Tourism

As European destinations continue to implement measures to manage over-tourism, several important questions arise: Can tourism grow without damaging the cultural and social fabric of popular destinations? Will taxes, visitor caps, and short-term bans help mitigate the negative impacts of mass tourism? And, crucially, how can countries find a balance between economic development and the preservation of cultural heritage?

These challenges will shape the future of tourism in Greece and across Europe, with each country looking for ways to strike that delicate balance. For Greece, these ongoing changes signify a commitment to ensuring that its world-renowned sites and vibrant communities remain sustainable and protected for future generations.

Cyprus Property Market Booms: Who’s Buying And Why?

The Cyprus property market has seen an impressive surge in foreign interest over recent years, with thousands of properties being snapped up by international buyers, both from EU member states and beyond. According to the latest figures from the Department of Lands and Surveys, a staggering 37,000 properties were sold to foreign nationals between 2021 and the end of 2024, underscoring the growing appeal of the island’s real estate market.

During the same period, Cypriot nationals continued to dominate the local market, purchasing over 200,000 properties. Yet, it’s the foreign buyers who are making a notable impact, with UK nationals consistently leading the pack, followed by Russians, Israelis, Greeks, and Lebanese.

The figures, which were presented to the House of Representatives by Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou, offer a detailed breakdown of property acquisitions, including buyer nationality and district. Let’s take a closer look at the trends across various regions of Cyprus.

Nicosia: Greeks, Britons, And Australians Take The Lead

In the capital, Nicosia, Greek nationals have emerged as the top foreign buyers, securing 1,626 properties between 2021 and 2024. This includes 272 properties purchased via sales agreements and 1,354 through completed sales. UK nationals are a close second with 1,584 properties, while Australians round out the top three with 545 properties.

However, despite the strong foreign presence, Cypriots remain the dominant force in Nicosia’s property market, holding an impressive 98,205 properties compared to just 5,236 owned by foreigners.

Limassol: Russians, Britons, And Israelis Fuel Growth

Limassol has become a hotbed for foreign property purchases, with Russian nationals leading the charge. Over the four-year period, they secured 2,561 properties, with 1,269 purchased via sales agreements and 1,292 from completed sales. UK nationals followed with 1,840 properties, while Israelis also showed strong interest, buying 1,154 properties.

Cypriots continue to make up the bulk of property owners in Limassol, with over 62,000 local purchases, but foreign buyers have clearly made their mark in this coastal city.

Paphos: A Favourite Among Britons, Russians, And Israelis

The town of Paphos has also seen an influx of foreign buyers, with the UK topping the list once again. British nationals acquired 4,483 properties in Paphos between 2021 and 2024, followed by Russian nationals with 1,563 properties and Israelis with 1,291 properties. The total number of foreign property purchases in Paphos exceeds 10,000, while Cypriots secured 28,484 properties during the same period.

Larnaca: Lebanese, Britons, And Israelis Drive Sales

Larnaca’s property market has attracted significant foreign interest as well, with UK nationals at the forefront, purchasing 2,743 properties. Lebanese buyers rank second with 1,744 properties, while Israelis follow closely with 1,406 acquisitions. Over the four years, Larnaca saw 8,535 foreign property purchases, with Cypriots acquiring a larger share—33,819 properties.

Famagusta: Britons, Greeks, And Lebanese Show Interest

In Famagusta, British nationals again lead the pack with 1,182 property purchases. Greeks and Lebanese nationals follow with 165 and 131 properties, respectively. However, Cypriots continue to dominate the Famagusta market, with 16,966 properties purchased by locals compared to just over 2,000 foreign acquisitions.

The data paints a clear picture: foreign nationals are showing growing interest in Cyprus’ real estate market, particularly those from the UK, Russia, Israel, Greece, and Lebanon. This surge in foreign investment is reshaping the landscape of Cyprus property, offering both challenges and opportunities for local buyers and developers alike.

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